# Why aren't people having sex in public? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [September 18, 2008, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181 "2008-09-18T18:19:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Agent\_Foxtrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc29f/32.png) [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2008, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/81 "2008-09-19T18:02:55Z")
> [@5-HT](#): > > I don’t know about you, but that’s pretty much exactly how I remember freshman year of college. Well, I more meant isolated situations like a party. ---
**Author:** ![ITR\_champion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c67d28/32.png) [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2008, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/82 "2008-09-19T18:31:59Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > I hope I’m not hijacking this thread, but the more interesting question to me is why don’t groups of teenagers start banging the moment parental supervision ceases? They’re completely driven by hormones, in a sexually experimental phase, and are prevented from having pretty much any sexual contact by their authorities. I suppose young adults (18-22) could be asked the same question. 1. Teenagers are not “completely driven by hormones”. They are driven, for the most part, by the same things that drive everybody. Intelligent decision-making, planning, and desire to do what is right. 2. Teenagers are not necessarily “in a sexually experimental phase”. They choose whether or not to “experiment” sexually. 3. Teenagers are not “prevented from having pretty much any sexual contact by their authorities.” Most people in America have sex at some point during their teenage years. In summary, I’d say that most teenagers don’t start “banging the moment parental experimentation ceases” for the same reason that all people don’t spend every moment having sex. ---
**Author:** ![Gozu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gozu/32/6615_2.png) [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2008, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/83 "2008-09-19T19:26:27Z")
> [@Cosmic Relief](#): > > the female, once in a state of sexual arousal, might be conducive to mating again immediately. So by having sex in public, a male might risk his already-aroused mate being induced to have sex with another male who was aroused by the spectacle. He is then at risk of losing in a contest of sperm competition. That seems farfetched. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2008, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/84 "2008-09-19T20:10:13Z")
> [@chowder](#): > > I’ve had sex outdoors, in a graveyard while it was snowing. > > Uncomfortable? yes and cold > > Memorable? indeed it was > > Repeatable? not a fuckin’ chance For one, s/hes’ probably a trifle ripe after all this time. [Sorry :D] ---
**Author:** ![5-HT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/f19dbf/32.png) [@5-HT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5-HT)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2008, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/85 "2008-09-19T21:01:41Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > Well, I more meant isolated situations like a party. I’m still confused. Teenagers do have sex at parties. Or in cars. Or when their parents go to bed. and on and on… Are you wondering why they pair off and select partners rather than just have a big orgy? Because if so, I think you’re overestimating the power of hormones and underestimating how self-conscious teenagers are. They’re horny a lot, sure. But we’re not talking about wild animals here. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/86 "2008-09-20T12:58:19Z")
> [@ITR\_champion](#): > > 1. Teenagers are not “prevented from having pretty much any sexual contact by their authorities.” Most people in America have sex at some point during their teenage years. Tell that to the Georgia kid who spend two years in prison for getting a blowjob at a party from a girl his own age – a blowjob that was by ALL reports totally consensual. Or fuck a teenager yourself and report it to the local authorities and tell us all how you do. Though I hear Internet connections are spotty in jail, so you should definitely report to us pre-trial if they let you out on bail. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/87 "2008-09-20T12:59:57Z")
> [@5-HT](#): > > I don’t know about you, but that’s pretty much exactly how I remember freshman year of college. it’s how I remember it. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Illuminatiprimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/illuminatiprimus/32/11520_2.png) [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/88 "2008-09-20T14:28:24Z")
So no-one had any thoughts on what I posted then? ---
**Author:** ![5-HT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/f19dbf/32.png) [@5-HT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5-HT)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/89 "2008-09-20T17:56:33Z")
> [@Illuminatiprimus](#): > > So no-one had any thoughts on what I posted then? What sort of feedback are you looking for? This sex club doesn’t sound very appealing to me. I don’t see anything wrong with other people doing it though. That’s pretty much the extent to my feelings on the topic. ---
**Author:** ![ITR\_champion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c67d28/32.png) [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/90 "2008-09-20T17:57:54Z")
> [@Evil\_Captor](#): > > Tell that to the Georgia kid who spend two years in prison for getting a blowjob at a party from a girl his own age – a blowjob that was by ALL reports totally consensual. Okay. George kid, most Americans have sex during their teenage years. > [@](#): > > Or fuck a teenager yourself and report it to the local authorities and tell us all how you do. Though I hear Internet connections are spotty in jail, so you should definitely report to us pre-trial if they let you out on bail. I will not do this because I believe that sexo utside of marriage is wrong. Good day. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/91 "2008-09-20T18:19:55Z")
> [@Illuminatiprimus](#): > > I > How do we figure things like sex/swingers clubs? There’s a particular sex club I go to where it’s essentially one big free for all. It’s less organised than an orgy, in that people are in a nightclub doing stuff you’d expect like drinking/dancing/socialising, but most people are either close to nude or have their genitals exposed and people can be having sex anywhere and everywhere. Fine, I’ll accept the charge that such an environment falls under the category of exhibitionism, but part of it is also enjoying the opportunity for easy sex and sexual variety and really not being too worried if people are watching and/or joining in. > > Thoughts? It’s not really the same as sex in public. You have no chances of exposing yourself to a child or someone who might be shocked or offend, little chance of being arrested and also only a very small chance of being mugged. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/92 "2008-09-20T18:56:31Z")
> [@ITR\_champion](#): > > Okay. > > George kid, most Americans have sex during their teenage years. Actually, the thing that I want you to repeat to the Georgia kid is: > [@](#): > > Teenagers are not "prevented from having pretty much any sexual contact by their authorities Somehow, I just don’t think he’d buy it. ---
**Author:** ![ITR\_champion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c67d28/32.png) [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/93 "2008-09-20T21:13:03Z")
**Evil Captor** , are you honestly asserting that the authorities in the United States prevent almost all teenagers from ever having sex? If you are then I hope you’ll offer some evidence to back up that claim. (Seeing as **Agent Foxtrot** doesn’t seem willing to do so.) If not then why don’t you clarify what you are saying? ---
**Author:** ![ITR\_champion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c67d28/32.png) [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/94 "2008-09-20T21:22:57Z")
> [@NAF1138](#): > > Right, but the OP is asking why we feel this way. Why is it so intimate and private for humans when it doesn’t seem to be for other animals? I have no good answer I have a good answer. The reason why humans don’t do what animals do is that humans are not animals. Likewise humans don’t do what plants do because humans are not plants. Animals have consciousness but not self-awareness. They are not capable of distinguishing right from wrong in mating or any other type of behavior. Hence it’s predictble that they’d rut in public if they got the chance. People have self-awareness and the ability to distinguish right from wrong. Most people believe that sex should be an expression of love between two people. Hence it’s obvious why almost no one desires to have sex in public. Dragging in a bunch of observers makes it a less intimate act, and thus a less loving one. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2008, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/95 "2008-09-21T13:31:22Z")
> [@ITR\_champion](#): > > **Evil Captor** , are you honestly asserting that the authorities in the United States prevent almost all teenagers from ever having sex? If you are then I hope you’ll offer some evidence to back up that claim. (Seeing as **Agent Foxtrot** doesn’t seem willing to do so.) If not then why don’t you clarify what you are saying? Well, while they are not personally preventing kids from having sex, knowing that you can get jailed for two years (the actual sentence was ten years) for a completely consensual blowjob can have an, um, chilling effect on your libido. Like water. You know, shrinkage. For some, it may be an aphrodisiac. But the authorities were certainly TRYING in that case. (The kid’s sentence was eventually struck down by an appelate court ruling as cruel and unconstitutional under both the state and federal constitutions, but the Attorney General appealed the ruling to the Georgia Supreme Court, who concurred with the judge who struck it down, leaving the Attorney General looking like the ass that he was.) [Linkety link link link for those who are interested.](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19188343/) ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/96 "2008-09-22T03:18:25Z")
> [@Evil\_Captor](#): > > I remember watching an episode of Connections where James Burke said that at one time in England, everyone slept … and did everything else … in the Great Hall, to share warmth during the Little Ice Age and so forth. I also remember hearing or reading that the children of peasants living in a one room hut or cottage tended to grow up knowing exactly how sex was done because they had seen mom and dad doing it. > > I think it’s a matter of acculturation. Most cultures prefer privacy for the reasons listed, but if there are good reasons to have sex in public, or no reason not o, people will do it. I remember hearing the same thing, maybe in that program, maybe somewhere else. In any case [here](http://books.google.com/books?id=U9QXGzFU_wsC&pg=PA154&lpg=PA154&dq=sexual+privacy+peasant+children+sleeping&source=web&ots=IwChMT5sgd&sig=ELYz5lVlgP8EESzSY9EK9H06gdE&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result#PPA154,M1) is a Google Book search on sexuality in medieval Europe. (Page 154) which says that newlyweds were commonly placed naked in a bed and observed having sex, and that children were more familiar with it. We can be private because we have room. If we had none, frustration would make privacy less of an issue. ---
**Author:** ![kittenblue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ba8739/32.png) [@kittenblue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kittenblue)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2008, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/97 "2008-09-22T03:36:30Z")
Sex in public, while fun on occasion, does not feature a comfy surface on which to have sex. If you want to have sex during the snowy months, or when it’s raining, or downtown where there are no grassy knolls…and the bugs have already been mentioned. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/98 "2008-09-23T02:05:49Z")
> [@ITR\_champion](#): > > In summary, I’d say that most teenagers don’t start “banging the moment parental experimentation ceases” for the same reason that all people don’t spend every moment having sex. Now that accidental switch of “expermination” for the original “supervision” made me chuckle. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/99 "2008-09-23T02:08:09Z")
> [@kittenblue](#): > > . . . sex during the snowy months . . . Is a lot of fun! ---
**Author:** ![Kozmik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/8dc957/32.png) [@Kozmik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kozmik)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181/100 "2008-09-23T03:12:40Z")
Because then it would be on TMZ! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-people-having-sex-in-public/464181.md?page=4)