The Goon Squad
6 months ago
- #mental health
- #pornography
- #subculture
- The article explores the rise of 'gooning,' a new form of masturbation centered around prolonged, communal, and goal-oriented porn consumption.
- Gooning is linked to a subculture dominated by Gen Z, with its own terminology like 'gooncaves' (rooms dedicated to porn consumption) and 'goonstate' (a state of bliss or ego death achieved through prolonged masturbation).
- The subculture has gained visibility through social media platforms like Discord, where gooners engage in activities like 'wankbattling' (competitive porn sharing) and 'feeding' (curating porn for others).
- The article highlights the psychological and social impacts of widespread, extreme porn consumption, particularly on young men who may use it as a substitute for real-life relationships.
- Notable figures in the gooning community include 'Gooncultist,' who provides a historical perspective on the practice, and 'NoodleDude,' a creator of 'porn music videos' (PMVs) that cater to the gooner aesthetic.
- The piece also discusses the ethical concerns raised by porn producers who target gooners with content that encourages self-degradation and addiction.
- The author reflects on the broader cultural implications of gooning, comparing it to other forms of digital addiction and suggesting it may be an extreme manifestation of broader societal trends.