Search Engine An Anthropology of Gooners
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Nov 12, 2025 Daniel Kolitz, a writer for Harper's Magazine, dives into the intriguing subculture of gooning, where young men bond over intense porn consumption. He shares his personal journey into this world, revealing the elaborate aesthetics of 'goon caves' and the fascinating dynamics of the community, including practices like 'wank battling.' Kolitz explores the implications of constant access to porn on youth sexuality and its connection to broader internet trends, shedding light on how these behaviors reflect our digital age.
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Gooning As A Ritualized Trance
- Gooning is a ritualized form of prolonged masturbation that users call a 'goon state'.
- Practitioners describe it as a flow-like, almost spiritual trance reached through extreme stimulation.
Gooners Were Eager To Talk
- Daniel found gooners surprisingly receptive and eager to explain their practices.
- Only one person refused to engage, calling journalists 'scum', while most welcomed a sincere listener.
The Elaborate Goon Cave Setup
- Speyshack described a maximal goon cave with multiple monitors, eight tablets, and a projector.
- He builds and uses the setup overnight while living with his parents who are unaware of it.