Exploring Sexual, Romantic, and Platonic Features and Functions of the Imagined Interactions Framework

Imagined interactions (IIs) involve interpersonal contact with another individual within one's mind. Although primary attributes and features of IIs are well-established in the literature, the present study sought to identify which features and functions related to sexual and romantic encounters, particularly with ostensible strangers. As part of a larger study investigating online dating during the COVID-19 pandemic, we asked 315 online daters to describe their IIs with someone they recently matched with on an online dating platform. Through a qualitative coding process, six key themes emerged from their responses: (1) imagined interactions as sexual pleasure and sexual release; (2) imagining plans that lead to sexual interaction; (3) planning for future cybersex; (4) imagining first-date scenarios; (5) compensating for in-person platonic interaction; and (6) the inability to have IIs. Implications for online partners who have not met offline and contributions to the literature on IIs are discussed.