Gooning
DESCRIPTION:
Gooning, a Gen Z term: masturbating for hours on end, a new sex trend? What is behind gooning and the "gooner" phenomenon?
The sex trend known as gooning: when masturbation becomes a trance-like state lasting hours
In the depths of the internet, a practice has developed that goes far beyond what most people understand as ordinary masturbation. Gooning is more than just a quick way to relax; it is an immersive, often hours-long state of intoxication that blurs the boundaries between pleasure, pain and mental absence.
What it's all about:
· The psychological mechanisms behind the trance state,
· Why this sex trend is gaining popularity right now, and
· Why it is worth understanding the mechanisms behind this extreme form of self-gratification.
This is important – not only for those affected, but also for anyone who wants to understand the effects of digital overstimulation on our sexuality.
What exactly is the new sex trend gooning and where does the term come from?
The term gooning may sound strange to outsiders at first, but it describes a very specific mental and physical state during sexual stimulation. The word is originally derived from the English "goon", which means thug or fool. In sexual practice, however, it refers to the state in which the brain is "switched off" by extreme arousal. One "goons" oneself into a state of mental emptiness in which rational thinking is no longer possible and only physical sensation counts. It is a new sex trend that has gained visibility mainly through online communities and social media, although the practices of prolonged masturbation are not new in themselves.
Gooning is not primarily about reaching climax quickly, but about delaying orgasm for an extremely long period of time. This technique, often called edging, is taken to extremes here. While normal edging usually aims to intensify the final orgasm, with gooning, the journey is the destination. The gooner tries to maintain the state just before the "point of no return" for as long as possible to slip into a trance-like, euphoric state. This intoxication is often described as so intense that it takes on almost drug-like qualities and allows the practitioner to forget the outside world.
Interestingly, the term is often used synonymously with the slang term "jerking off stupidly," which underscores the desired mental state of complete thoughtlessness and impulsiveness. It is a radical departure from mindful sexuality towards total surrender to the dopamine rush. Pornography plays a central role in this, as it serves as fuel to maintain arousal levels for hours or even days.
Who is actually a goner, and what happens psychologically during gooning?
A Gooner is someone who practises this specific type of masturbation regularly and often ritually. There are no demographic restrictions, but the phenomenon is frequently observed in male online subcultures. For a Gooner, masturbation is not a minor activity, but a significant event. Psychologically, something fascinating and frightening happens at the same time: the constant stimulation and constant flood of dopamine and endorphins puts the brain into a state of emergency. Rational control, the prefrontal cortex, shuts down while the reward centre runs at full speed.
In this state, known as trance or "gooning space", the practitioner often loses all sense of time. What was planned as a short session can unnoticed extend into hours of masturbation. The gooner finds themselves in a kind of tunnel vision where only sexual stimuli and their own lust exist. Worries, stress and everyday life are completely blocked out. One could say that the practitioner completely isolates themselves from the outside world, existing only in the here and now of arousal.
Many find this loss of control incredibly liberating. In a world that demands constant cognitive performance, gooning offers a (albeit dysfunctional) break from thinking. The "goon" state is characterised by a slack facial expression, often with an open mouth and glassy eyes – outward signs of deep inner absorption. It is an escape from everyday life, but one that can quickly become a habit or addiction due to the extreme chemical release in the brain.
The Goon Cave: Why do practitioners surround themselves with multiple screens?
A central element of modern gooning is the so-called Goon Cave. This describes the physical location where the session takes place, which is often technologically advanced. To achieve and maintain the trance-like state, a single stimulus is often not enough. Many gooners therefore use multiple monitors, tablets or VR glasses simultaneously to surround themselves with a flood of pornographic images and videos.
This sensory overload from screens occupies the brain to such an extent that there is no room left for other thoughts. This is referred to as "hypno-porn" or PMV (porn music videos), which use rapid cuts, intense sounds and hypnotic visual patterns. In the Goon Cave, the Gooner merges with the digital content. He is completely immersed in his own porn fantasy, which becomes the only perceptible reality thanks to the multi-screen environment.
The visually dominated aspect is crucial. The constant availability of new, harder or more specific material makes it possible to rekindle arousal again and again as soon as it threatens to subside. In the Goon Cave, masturbation becomes a multimedia event in which one's own body functions only as a recipient of digital stimuli. It is a scenario of maximum stimulation designed to keep the user "captive" for as long as possible.
Hours of self-stimulation: how does this differ from normal masturbation?
While conventional masturbation is often an act lasting a few minutes to perhaps half an hour, aimed at relaxation and orgasm, gooning is designed for endurance. We're not talking about 20 minutes here, but sessions lasting hours. It's not uncommon for gooning sessions to last four, eight or even twelve hours. In extreme cases, practitioners report weekends when they do almost nothing else for days on end, yet maintain this state.
The key difference lies in the objective. With normal masturbation, orgasm is the satisfying end. With gooning, orgasm is often seen as the undesirable end of the session because it ends the state of intoxication (the so-called "post-nut clarity" sets in and reality returns). That is why edging is practised so rigorously. It is a form of masturbation that can be extremely physically demanding. The body is kept in a state of permanent high tension, which can lead to exhaustion, dehydration and soreness.
In addition, arousal is often artificially maintained. Whereas normal masturbation is often based on one's own imagination or a video, gooning is almost always heavily supported by pornography. The amount and intensity of the material consumed differ drastically from the average. It is a marathon of pleasure-seeking that pushes the body to its limits and transforms masturbation from an act of relaxation into an almost obsessive activity.
Why does this new sex trend captivate so many people?
Why do people do this? There are many reasons why the new sex trend is so appealing. One of the main reasons is the radical escape from everyday life. In a complex, stressful world, the state of "gooning" offers a simple, primitive refuge. The brain is flooded with reward hormones, and worries and fears are chemically masked. It is a way to experience relaxation and satisfaction that requires neither social interaction nor emotional work.
Another aspect is the availability of extreme content. The internet and special-interest communities offer an endless supply of material tailored to these needs. Algorithms and curated playlists do the work for the user, allowing them to indulge in the intoxication passively. For some, it is also a kind of meditation – albeit a dark variant. The "emptying of the mind" that gooning strives for superficially resembles meditative states, except that here it is achieved through sexual sensory overload rather than silence.
The community also plays a role. Although masturbation is a solitary act, Gooners exchange ideas in forums, share their "best times", or motivate each other to delay orgasm even longer. This sense of belonging to a group that seeks the same "kick" reinforces the behaviour. One feels understood in one's desire to minimise contact with others (at least in real life) and devote oneself entirely to hedonistic excess.
Is gooning dangerous? The fine line between pleasure and addiction
The question of whether gooning is dangerous must be answered in a differentiated manner, but with a clear warning. Physically, hours of masturbation can lead to injuries to the genital area, circulatory disorders and extreme exhaustion. But the greater dangers lurk at the psychological and behavioural levels. Since gooning stimulates the brain's reward system so massively, the potential for addiction is extremely high. Compared to the dopamine spikes during a session, normal everyday life seems dull and boring.
Another risk is the use of substances. To intensify the sessions or relax the muscles, some gooners resort to medication or drugs (often poppers or cannabis). This increases the loss of control and can lead to risky consumption behaviour. The combination of days of sleep deprivation, drugs and sexual overstimulation puts enormous strain on the cardiovascular system and mental stability.
There is also the risk of social isolation. When weekends are regularly reserved for days-long sessions in the goon cave, social contacts, work and hobbies suffer. The connection to the outside world dwindles. Critics and experts warn that people lose their balance and forget how to enjoy sexuality without extreme visual stimuli. The phenomenon of "sex trend gooning" is therefore much more than a harmless hobby; it has characteristics of behavioural addiction.
Loss of reality: what are the long-term effects on the psyche?
The effects of chronic gooning on the psyche should not be underestimated. The brain is plastic; it learns what we do repeatedly. When the brain learns that sexual satisfaction can only be achieved by staring at screens for hours, accompanied by mind-altering stimuli, "normal" sex becomes uninteresting. This is referred to as desensitisation. Real partners often cannot compete with the perfection and intensity of pornography.
In addition, the desired state of mental emptiness, the "dumbing down" during the act, can spill over into everyday life. Difficulties concentrating, loss of motivation and depressive moods are possible consequences when dopamine levels plummet after the session. Further withdrawal from reality is then often seen as the solution to precisely these negative feelings – a vicious circle ensues.
Psychologists also warn against the decoupling of emotion and sexuality. In gooning, one's own body becomes an object, a machine for obtaining pleasure. The emotional component of sex, closeness and intimacy, is completely excluded. One conditions oneself to certain ingrained images and processes that are hardly reproducible in real life. This can lead to deep feelings of loneliness, even if one feels connected to the online gooner community.
Gooning vs. Tantra: Are there parallels in sexual practice, or is it the opposite?
At first glance, it may seem surprising, but gooning and tantra share mechanical aspects: both involve extreme delaying of orgasm, working with breath and energy, and entering a trance-like state. One could say that gooning is similar to tantra in some ways when it comes to increasing arousal and maintaining it over long periods of time without immediately climaxing. The idea of putting oneself into a kind of trance state is also common to both practices.
But that is where the similarities end. The intention is fundamentally different. Tantra aims to expand consciousness, foster spiritual connection, and cultivate mindful awareness of every sensation and sound. It is about connecting with oneself or a partner on a higher level. Gooning, on the other hand, often aims to narrow consciousness and numb the senses. It is hedonistic and consumption-oriented, frequently supported by pornography, while tantra usually does not require visual external stimuli.
While tantra seeks to cultivate life energy, gooning often feels like it is being "burned up". A sexologist would argue that tantra has a nourishing effect, while excessive gooning can be exhausting. Nevertheless, the parallel in technique – edging and playing with boundaries – is undeniable. Gooning could be seen as a dark, digital distortion of tantric principles.
How does excessive porn consumption affect a real erotic encounter?
The massive consumption of pornography typical of gooning has a direct impact on a couple's sexuality. Those who are accustomed to building up their arousal over hours through specific, often extreme visual stimuli may find it difficult to become aroused at all in a real erotic encounter. This phenomenon is known as pornography-induced erectile dysfunction. The real partner does not offer quick cuts, extreme angles, or "perfect" performances by the actors.
In addition, the time dimensions are completely different. A partner rarely has the desire or time for a five-hour session with hardly any interaction. When couples encounter this problem in their shared sexuality, it often leads to frustration. The gooner must consciously seek out contact with their partner and break old patterns to find authentic connection and satisfaction. Usually, the brain must first be "reprogrammed" to respond to touch, smell, and emotional closeness rather than to pixels.
The practice of gooning isolates sexuality. It turns it into a solo event, even if you are in a relationship. This can be a major strain on shared and individual sexuality. It requires a lot of communication and often a period of sexual abstinence (giving up porn and masturbation) to restore sensitivity to the sounds and sensations of real life.
Conclusion and summary: Understanding the phenomenon
The sex trend of gooning is a fascinating but also worrying reflection of our digital society. It shows how technology and human urges can interact to create new, extreme worlds of experience. While the trance-like state and physical intensity are tempting for many, the risks to mental health and real-life love life cannot be ignored. It is an intoxication that can come at a high price: the creeping loss of reality and the ability to experience genuine intimacy.
The most important thing to remember:
Definition: Gooning is a form of masturbation that creates a trance-like state of intoxication through edging and massive porn consumption over periods of hours.
The "cave": This is often practised in a goon cave with multiple screens to create total sensory overload and block out the outside world.
Psychology: The goal is often a loss of control and an escape from everyday life, with the state ("goon") being associated with mental emptiness.
Risks: It is justified to call gooning dangerous, as it has a high potential for addiction, leads to social isolation and can impair sexual responsiveness in real life (e.g. during a real erotic encounter).
Comparison: Although there are technical parallels to tantra (prolonged delay), the intention in gooning is usually numbness rather than consciousness expansion.
Duration: Sessions can last for hours or even days, leading to physical exhaustion and neglect of everyday life.
Dealing with it: Anyone who notices that they are losing their balance should take breaks and consciously seek contact with reality and real people to counteract psychological dependence.
FAQ & internet myths: Answers to the most common search queries
The internet is full of confusing questions about "gooning". Many users encounter terms they don't understand or wonder whether certain memes are meant to be taken seriously. Here we clarify the most common questions from search engines – from Gen Z slang to medical concerns.
1. Slang confusion: What does "gooning" mean in youth language (Gen Z)?
Many search queries (e.g., "What does 'goon' mean in Generation Z?" or "What is a 'pog/gyatt'?" ) show that terms are being mixed up here.
· The original meaning: In English, a "goon" was traditionally a thug, henchman, or fool/klutz.
· The meme meaning: In current meme culture and on TikTok, the word is often used ironically. When someone stares strangely, has their mouth open or seems completely absent-minded, this is jokingly referred to as "gooning" – even if it has nothing to do with sex.
· Distinction: Terms such as "Skibidi," "Gyatt" (an exclamation for a large bum) or "Rizz" are part of general Gen Z slang, but have nothing directly to do with the sexual practice of gooning, except that they appear in the same "online ecosystem."
2. Why are celebrities such as LeBron James or Anne Hathaway associated with "gooning"?
Search queries such as "What does LeBron mean by gooning?" or "Is Anne Hathaway a gooner?" seem absurd, but there is a simple explanation: memes.
· LeBron James: There are viral videos and images of the basketball star screaming in utter bewilderment or pulling faces. The internet has jokingly reinterpreted these facial expressions as the "Goon Face" (the face during orgasmless intoxication). So "Gooning to LeBron" is an absurd internet joke.
· Anne Hathaway: The situation is similar here. A viral video of her dancing at a fashion show, which appeared very intense and "ecstatic," led users to refer to her as a "Gooner jokingly". Important: These are internet jokes. It does not mean that these celebrities publicly engage in this sexual practice.
3. Medical questions: What happens during edging and "not coming"?
There are also many health questions in this context ("side effects of edging", "what happens if you don't climax?" ).
· Blue balls (cavalier pain): Those who edge for hours (maintain arousal) and do not ejaculate often suffer from epididymitis. The prolonged congestion of blood in the genitals causes pain in the testicles. This is unpleasant, but usually harmless and goes away after ejaculation or prolonged rest.
· Sperm production: Questions such as "How long does it take to build up a full load?" refer to sperm volume. In fact, abstinence for 1–3 days can slightly increase the volume, but days of edging do not lead to infinitely "more" sperm, as the body breaks down excess sperm cells or excretes them at night.
· Prostate health: Regular ejaculation is often associated with a healthy prostate. Extreme edging without completion can irritate some men.
4. What is the difference between a "goon" and a "gooner"?
· Goon: In the context of sexual practice, the noun "goon" often refers to the state itself (the trance) or the "object" that one becomes (a mindless being of lust).
· Gooner: This is the active term for the person who practises this lifestyle. A Gooner identifies themselves through the excessive consumption and technique of edging.
· British slang: Be careful though! In the UK, a "Gooner" is primarily a fan of the Arsenal London football club (nickname "The Gunners"). So if you see someone wearing a "Gooner" T-shirt, they are usually a football fan and not a porn addict.
5. Is the term "Gooner" an insult?
In the gaming world or in everyday usage, "goon" can be a derogatory term for a stupid henchman or a strange oddball. Within the sexual community, however, "Gooner" is a self-designation and is worn with pride. So, as is so often the case, it all depends on the context.