Casual Encounters: One Night Stands Take On Cyberspace

Ah, Craigslist. I have used you to find an apartment, multiple jobs, a free chair, babysitting clients, and even acting gigs. You’re my portal to the world. A best friend who has the answer to everything. Even sexual frustration.

The Casual Encounters section on Craigslist is exactly what it seems like it would be; a place for horny people to post messages explaining their horniness. The messages range from the semi-innocent:

“Good looking white corporate exec looking to find an attractive woman for daytime trysts…let’s take the time to get to know one another…I’m open minded about age and race….tell me something about yourself and perhaps we can chat…Have a great day…”

To the completely blunt:

“Average looking male, D/D free, slim athletic build looking for an average looking female, D/D free between the ages of 25 and 38…I would like to meet you for a sexual encounter. We can meet for a drink if interested”

To the weird:

“a 28 yr old, 6′0, apx 200 lbs, very attractive, bronze complexion, tall dark and handsome type, clean, multicultured, NYC native, urban young man…here to meet an NYC girl to hang out with me while she wears long colorful socks…I’m seriously just looking for a cutie to spend time with who will let me admire her in her socks (full clothed is fine, some nice shorts or skirt is a plus)…”

Occasionally there’s a picture attached with either half of someone’s body or a full frontal. Although I find the whole thing strange and uncomfortable, there are lots of people who enjoy the anonymity of no strings attached sex. It’s exciting, a little dangerous, simple, easy…and a surefire way to turn a boring night into something more—without the expensive, time consuming bar hopping.

Fire up those keyboards, kids. One night stands just became a lot easier.