Current:Home > Markets'Challengers' spicy scene has people buzzing about sex. That's a good thing, experts say. -Secure Growth Academy
'Challengers' spicy scene has people buzzing about sex. That's a good thing, experts say.
View
Date:2025-04-13 02:44:54
Tennis has never been sexier thanks to "Challengers," the new Luca Guadagnino-directed movie starring Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist now in theaters.
The three stars of the movie make out in a seductive, steamy scene that nearly leads to a threesome – and it's a clip that people can't stop talking about. "Challengers was good, I want to join a threesome and play tennis now," wrote an X user. Another chimed in: "due to challengers, i am now deeming this summer The Summer of the Threesome."
So why is a threesome (or in this case an almost-threesome) a big spectacle to begin with anyway? Experts say healthy, safe, consensual sex can take a lot of different forms. The "Challengers" scene is a good opportunity to talk about it.
When it comes to threesomes, "if you and your partner fantasize about it and want to make it a reality, there are many safe ways to do it," says Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, an associate professor in the Department of Human Communication Studies at California State University, Fullerton.
Did you see?These bisexual swingers shocked their Alabama town. Now they're on a mission to spread acceptance.
'One of the most common sexual fantasies'
Many relationships thrive when partners engage in conventional, "healthy," plain, old sex – some online have nicknamed this "vanilla sex." but some couples enjoy alternatives, like swinging or role play.
And now, these interests are being included in the narrative – including on the big screen.
"Threesome is one of the most common sexual fantasies in America," Suwinyattichaiporn says. "So, whether people think it's 'right' or 'wrong,' they're fantasizing about it."
Jenni Skyler, a certified sex therapist, previously told USA TODAY, some have begun criticizing "vanilla sex" in favor of alternatives that are seen as more adventurous: "It's interesting to see that we've now demonized the type of sexuality that used to be the only permissible form."
Part of why the conversation is changing is due to the internet and social media, Skyler says. People now have a "safe space" to seek advice or hear stories from strangers – without shame or discomfort.
Will how we think about sex ever change?A weatherman was fired when his webcam photos leaked.
What happens when we're more open about sex
Is a threesome a good idea? Like most things, it depends. "Some couples are more open minded when it comes to involving others in their sexual relationships while others may feel extremely turned off by it," Suwinyattichaiporn says.
But just because kinky sex is different, doesn't mean it's bad. In fact, studies have shown that unconventional sex and fantasies, like consensual BDSM, sex with multiple partners or role play, can reduce psychological stress and improve mental health for some.
"As long as everyone involved is consenting adults, I think anything goes," Vanessa Marin, a licensed sex therapist, previously told USA TODAY. "Consent. excitement, good communication and trust are so important for healthy sex."
Plus, if we view sex as dangerous or taboo, we don't stop people from having sex. Rather, we stop productive, healthy conversations about how to engage in these behaviors safely.
Remember that not everyone has to take part in every kind of sex. "We as a society have to understand that normalization doesn't mean 'everyone should do it,' Suwinyattichaiporn says. "It simply means, people who consensually want to do it shouldn't have to hide and feel ashamed of their sexual explorations."
Experts emphasize that the sex conversation goes beyond just the physical act of sex. For many, it's about love, relationships, and validating a sense of self.
Marin adds: "If we can learn about these varied ways to have healthy sex and accept them, that's going to go a long way in helping dismantle the shame that's shaped this conversation for centuries."
Contributing: Jenna Ryu
veryGood! (33)
Related
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- Small plane crashes onto New York highway, killing 1 person and injuring another
- Epic Games to give refunds after FTC says it 'tricked' Fortnite players into purchases
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- PACCAR recalls over 220,000 trucks for safety system issue: See affected models
- Australian man arrested for starting fire at Changi Airport
- Federal appeals court takes step closer to banning TikTok in US: Here's what to know
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- South Korea opposition leader Lee says impeaching Yoon best way to restore order
Ranking
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- Fortnite OG is back. Here's what to know about the mode's release, maps and game pass.
- Philippines' VP Sara Duterte a no
- Analysis: After Juan Soto’s megadeal, could MLB see a $1 billion contract? Probably not soon
- Sam Taylor
- Morgan Wallen sentenced after pleading guilty in Nashville chair
- Joe Burrow’s home broken into during Monday Night Football in latest pro
- 'Unimaginable situation': South Korea endures fallout from martial law effort
Recommendation
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
Krispy Kreme's 'Day of the Dozens' offers 12 free doughnuts with purchase: When to get the deal
Philippines' VP Sara Duterte a no
Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan
Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
Morgan Wallen's Chair Throwing Case Heading to Criminal Court
As a Major California Oil Producer Eyes Carbon Storage, Thousands of Idle Wells Await Cleanup
Austin Tice's parents reveal how the family coped for the last 12 years