ABSTRACT
In this study, the author examines a 'variant' of the Habermasian public sphere by analyzing how certain domains of pornography form a symbolic, virtual public space that simulates or reconstructs some quotidian spaces where people come together in a 'communicative' and interactive virtual public space. Though the performances and viewing take place mostly in private spaces, paradoxically the site creates a public sphere as it becomes a space for the convergence of many anonymous or forged identities in search of virtual/visual pleasure of a sexual nature in exchange for money. One view about online live sex performance is that it is a form of pornography which facilitates institutionalized violence against and subjugation of humans in the public sphere, besides effecting sexual slavery. Most of the high-rating performers have surgically modified bodies, tattoos and piercings. The phenomenon of ‘Internet infidelity’ indicates that sometimes online relationships interfere with face-to-face relationships and create conflict situations and triangulation.
