Poll: Are There That Many Asexuals Here?

[mrblakemiller]

From Wikipedia:

Asexuality (sometimes referred to as nonsexuality), in its broadest sense, is the lack of sexual attraction to others or the lack of interest in sex. It may also be considered a lack of a sexual orientation. One commonly cited study published in 2004 placed the prevalence of asexuality at 1%.

One percent is one out of a hundred (I know, duh). That means that you typically shouldn't see a person self-identify as asexual on the first page of any of those threads about sexuality that keep coming up around here.

Not to be mean, but I don't buy that that many asexuals are here. A lot of people on the forums are young, many haven't had what they would call a romantic or sexual experience, and the Internet makes for great anonymity and lack of accountability. I think many of the people who say they are asexual just don't have an interest in dating right now and want a cooler term for it. So do you believe that the many people who claim to be asexuals (claim to have no desire for sex of any kind) really belong to this small psychological group?

 

[JoJo]

I don't believe that most of the people here who claim to be asexual are lying, it's just that people are more likely to post that viewpoint and so get on the first page than be heterosexual post #25. Same reason lots of Aspergers people turn up on Aspergers thread, or people with tattoos on tattoo threads, someone who doesn't have the typical POV is more likely to post than someone who would be posting something that's already been posted on that thread a zillion times.

 

[mrblakemiller]

I don't believe that most of the people here who claim to be asexual are lying, it's just that people are more likely to post that viewpoint and so get on the first page than be heterosexual post #25. Same reason lots of Aspergers people turn up on Aspergers thread, or people with tattoos on tattoo threads, someone who doesn't have the typical POV is more likely to post than someone who would be posting something that's already been posted on that thread a zillion times.

You might have something there. I was just about to say that most of the topics I was thinking of that dealt with sexuality were usually just "What sexuality are you?" and not "What's your weird sexual status?" but I could see most heterosexuals not bothering to post in a thread like that.

[And then that "The More You Know" star goes over my head]

 

[smithy_2045]

The internet is full of lies and half-truths.

 

[Kae]

I think that's more like they haven't developed or made up they're mind about what sex means to them, or they simply don't know how they feel yet more than they are asexual.
As for me, I personally do feel attracted to women but I really don't want to have sex, it sounds weird, I mean I like the connection part of it and having dates because that's fun, but sex... it's just weird I guess I just don't want to, everything that's down there just seems disgusting to me, I just don't like the idea of it, I guess you could say that I'm just afraid of sex more than I'm asexual which is probably true and I can think of a reason why that would be but it's rather personal and I don't feel like telling everybody in the Internet about it.

 

[OmniscientOstrich]

I'm not sure there's that many here to begin with, but I don't really see why they'd have to save face with random strangers on the Interwebz so I don't see any reason to believe they are lying. That said, I think there may be a few with at least some sex drive who have no current interest in pursuing a relationship. *shrugs* Iunno, not really that big of a deal at any rate.

 

[Antitonic]

I trust you like a brother. Until the day you betray me.

I'm willing to believe people are what they say, unless it's extremely unlikely.[footnote]If someone here actually IS a 50' tall lizard monster, I apologise.[/footnote] I mean I don't know them personally, and realistically, probably never will. So why should I be concerned if someone's talking themselves up? I know myself, even if you don't, and if you choose to believe I may not be telling the truth, then more power to you. You're wrong, but you're free to believe it.

As for this:

One percent is one out of a hundred (I know, duh). That means that you typically shouldn't see a person self-identify as asexual on the first page of any of those threads about sexuality that keep coming up around here.

Statistically, yes. But otherwise, why not? I'm an asexual, so I should wait before posting?

 

[RanD00M]

I think most of them are pseudo-asexual, just people that either don't make an effort or are pretending because they feel like they don't have a chance at love.
I know that at least one of them is genuine, but the fact that so many claim to be is unrealistic.

 

[Hap2]

Although I think Asexuaity exists I think a sizable portion of them just want an excuse as to why they are single.

I remember someone here a while back said they were asexual for a while then stopped once they got a girlfriend...

Mmmm hmmm

One person's experiences and life does not validate nor invalidate another person's, nor does it serve as a universal example. Just the same as not all gay people are flamboyant, nor are all bisexual people simply people that are curious, nor are all heterosexuals raving sex maniacs, as stereotypes can often suggest. There are plenty of asexuals that have girl/boyfriends, there are plenty that are happy staying single, and there are plenty whom are still seeking out a significant other. It would be committing a fallacy to assume that one person that you have encountered, somehow represents everyone who refers to themselves as asexual.

I think that's more like they haven't developed or made up they're mind about what sex means to them, or they simply don't know how they feel yet more than they are asexual.
As for me, I personally do feel attracted to women but I really don't want to have sex, it sounds weird, I mean I like the connection part of it and having dates because that's fun, but sex... it's just weird I guess I just don't want to, everything that's down there just seems disgusting to me, I just don't like the idea of it, I guess you could say that I'm just afraid of sex more than I'm asexual which is probably true and I can think of a reason why that would be but it's rather personal and I don't feel like telling everybody in the Internet about it.

Repulsion can be common to anyone of any sexuality. I'm asexual, and not repulsed, I simply have no interest in having sex with anyone, and I'm not sexually attracted by anyone, period. I've experimented, and I've had much introspection and thought on what sex means to me over the years, and as of right now, it still means little in my life.

Not all asexuals are young kids, if that was not obvious, I know quite a few that have been married, have had kids themselves, etc. And often, things just didn't work out because sex wasn't a significant contributing factor to their relationship, sometimes it was painful or stressful, other times, it was boring. In some cases, a compromise sometimes works, and in others, sometimes it doesn't.



It'd be best if assumptions were not made based on personal experience alone, and others who refer to themselves as asexual were sought out for their perspective on why they call themselves as such, if it is the case that people do want to understand, and not merely assert one's beliefs.

 

[Kae]

I see that most people seem to assume that most are lying about this, but I mean it's not all coincidence, for most people it is different, I mean maybe someone doesn't have any sex drive at all but why? maybe he/she finds sex boring, maybe he/she has never found anyone attractive in a sexual way, or going even deeper, maybe the person has no sex drive because of some event that happened, like let's say hypothetically someone did something sexual with this person maybe before said person even understood what sex is or was and now, I don't know there are too many possible reasons for someone to not have interest in sex, and asexual doesn't really mean that a person has no interest in seeing other people (though some do lack that interest) it could be that they just have no desire to have sex with said person.
I'm sure it's pretty complicated and every person has they're own reason to come to this conclusion, and though I'm sure that there are some people that are just confused and are not sure what's going on (just like any other sexual orientation really), there are quite a few that are sure on what's going on with them, again there are people who change they're sexual orientation over time, so maybe you are just asking the wrong question, but really I think it's actually none of you're business if someone is lying about it as it is a rather personal question and it really doesn't affect you if they are, that being said I trust that most people say what they actually feel, even if it may be just for the moment or they've had years of introspection and they know themselves enough to be 100% sure, really every case is unique and you shouldn't really take it as "they must be lying but it does not match the statistics", just let people be who they are, they may be in the process of self exploration still or whatever, I think I'm starting to repeat myself.
So yeah, just let everyone be who they are, it really doesn't matter if they match the statistics or not, besides who really cares about this statistics anyway?

 

[Radelaide]

Asexuality, imo, is a total farce. Just because you have a low sex drive, doesn't mean you are asexual. It means that you don't have the same level of desire to go out and hump things as the next person.

 

[Chocomint]

I'm sure a lot of people do use it as an excuse or say they are because it appears trendy, though they are not hurting anyone so I typically roll my eyes and move on. I identify as such because I've never felt physically attracted to anyone or felt a need to have sex, but if that changes someday then so be it, I guess.

 

[InsanityRequiem]

Asexuality, imo, is a total farce. Just because you have a low sex drive, doesn't mean you are asexual. It means that you don't have the same level of desire to go out and hump things as the next person.

Did you read the definition of asexual OP put? Asexuality is not a 'lower desire than the next to hump someone'. It's a lack, most of the times complete, desire to have sex either either gender. Looking at a naked guy or girl does not get the blood pumping to the loins of an asexual.

I see what society would call an attractive person, and my response ranges from 'Not interested' to 'Don't care'. Just like most people are attracted to men, women, or both, there are those that do not see others as attractive based on gender.

 

[Talshere]

Doubt it. Its just easier being single. Given how complicated lives can be and the various pressures people are under. This is then compounded by the fact that many people are no longer forces to socialise to achieve any form of human contact. I mean, look at us.

While I suspect some people are A sexual. I very much doubt the number is anywhere as large as 1/100. There is no disadvantages to sex in and of itself. Its just fun. You just have to jump through social hoops so many people just don't bother.

 

[Shock and Awe]

I call bullshit on that as well. Many people here who claim to be asexual are probably just either not interested in dating(at least at the moment), have a low(but existing) sex drive, or have simply given up on getting a girl/man for one reason or another.

 

[Vern5]

The internet is full of lies and half-truths.

This should be the first message that appears whenever anyone opens a Browser.

OT: I believe that every last person who has claimed to be asexual here is either blatantly lying to cover their wounded hearts or just haven't found anything they would regard as attractive (which I find to be acceptable due to "different strokes for different folks"). There are way too many people claiming to be asexual so it screams of immature self-delusion. In fact, of everyone who has claimed to be asexual on this site alone, only one or two are actually asexual. The rest are LIARS.

 

[Blobpie]

I classify myself as asexual.
I just don't feel any need to go out there and get a date, or have sex.

This could just be a phase for now, it could not. Who can say right now?
For now I feel absolutely no sexual attraction to anyone, or anything really.

 

[Kevlar Eater]

I'm not asexual, but if I could give a finger or toe to become one, I would do it in a heartbeat.

To answer the question, I doubt their credibility. I'm thinking there are just as many misanthropic asexuals here as TVTropes.

 

[Hap2]

While I suspect some people are A sexual. I very much doubt the number is anywhere as large as 1/100. There is no disadvantages to sex in and of itself. Its just fun. You just have to jump through social hoops so many people just don't bother.

What? Accidentally getting pregnant and STI's not a factor?

Aside from the henpecking, some people, whether you believe it or not, are bored by sex, stressed by it, and some are even pained by it. I've experimented, and I still do not enjoy sex, it's not an activity I have any interest in aside from its philosophical implications. I have no natural interest in people in that way.

Throughout high school I was confused as to what it meant to want sex, and I still don't understand very well. But I don't dismiss that many people genuinely like and want sex. Perhaps you're in a similar position, but on the opposite side of the spectrum?