Car enthusiasts have long recognized the sensory pleasure that comes from driving a manual transmission car, which provides direct control over acceleration and braking via clutch and throttle inputs. Now researchers are exploring whether this tactile feedback may also create an erotic response, similar to what happens when people touch each other's skin.
Researchers at Stanford University and the University of California at San Diego found that drivers who were asked to squeeze a ball while pressing down on the gas pedal reported increased sexual arousal compared to those who didn't squeeze anything during accelerating. The study participants weren't told about the purpose of the experiment until after it was over, but they said afterwards that they had experienced a stronger physical reaction than usual while driving. "The findings suggest there is a connection between physical stimulation and sexual attraction," lead author BJ Casey said.
Previous studies have shown that sexual arousal can be triggered by tactile stimuli such as vibrations or temperature changes in the body. But this study is one of the first to demonstrate how physical manipulations like changing the pressure on the clutch and brake pedals could affect the brain and behavior. It's still unclear why these mechanical signals would produce a sexual response, though some researchers speculate it might have something to do with the fact that our bodies evolved to enjoy friction and resistance - for example, during intercourse.
Whatever the reason, the findings add to growing evidence that human physiology is influenced not just by genetics and hormones, but by the environment we live in. In addition to the effects of car design, the way we interact with technology could shape our psychological well-being too.
Previous research has shown that using a smartphone instead of talking face-to-face can make people less satisfied in their relationships. And in general, humans seem to experience pleasure from activities that require manual dexterity and effort, whether it's cooking a meal or driving a car.