A greater need for sex-positive discussion in 2006

Dr. Petra blogs a bleak picture of sex in 2006:

Sex Predictions and Trends for 2006

It’s time to stick my neck out and say what I think will be the new developments, changes, and things that stay the same for sex and relationships in 2006.

I agree with her points about media and commercial exploitation about sex and fear, and particularly liked this comment:

You can look forward to other programmes that purport to cover sexual science but will most likely be labelling, blaming or mocking participants. The journey of self-improvement will also continue its popularity with makeover shows planned to transform entire homes – from d?cor to people’s interpersonal relationships, all tapping into our anxieties about not living up to sex and relationship standards.

Overall the majority of print and broadcast media will continue to see the topic of sex as ‘lite’ and will remain uncritical in its approach to the subject. The current obsession with sex as being primarily biologically driven will remain the dominant discourse of all sex coverage.

It's so true, and that's one reason it's important to keep talking about sex (and tech) among ourselves, to keep the conversation going and not let mass media define it for us.

However, I'd like to address her comment about "sexperts" only willing to share advice, research results, insight, etc. in order to promote their products and publications.

You’ll be seeing an increase in media coverage that’s based on stories about sexual techniques, positions and activities that all come with product placements endorsed by ‘sexperts’ with something to sell – their books, sex toys, stores, websites.

What you won’t see, but will be part of this trend is that these experts will only be speaking to journalists as long as they can get a plug for their product/themselves.

One reason you mention someone's books, websites, etc. is to establish the credibility of your source – for better or for worse. I'd be happy to share my thoughts on sex-tech with just about anyone, but being credited as the author of The Sexual Revolution 2.0 or the Sex Drive columnist at Wired.com gives readers/viewers/listeners a sense of who I'm am and where I'm coming from. I make no secret that I believe sex-tech is a positive force in the world, even though I'm not blind to its risks.

I don't know that everyone is only willing to share in exchange for self-promotion. It's just that when you're immersed in a field, you tend to be described in terms of what you've published or built within that field. Only at Fark is being "Some Guy" enough to establish your credibility as a source.

And frankly, considering that I make about 83 cents for every book sold, I don't think any incidental plugging of my product is all that self-serving. *heh*

However, Dr. Petra has a compelling argument for each of her predictions, and I'm interested in hearing what you think about them.