A new platform, Batemates, is changing how men engage in collective online masturbation. Unlike previous scattered efforts on Skype, Zoom, or forums like BateWorld, Batemates offers a dedicated space for queer men to connect and share explicit experiences. This isn’t just about sex; it’s about building community in a world where mainstream platforms increasingly crack down on adult content.
The Evolution of Virtual Bating
The practice of communal masturbation online, often called “bating,” exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic. With limited social options, men turned to video chats and forums to share intimate moments. However, these spaces were unstable; Skype shut down access, Zoom began censoring content, and platforms like Microsoft Teams banned explicit material. This created a vacuum that Batemates now fills.
Batemates: A Purpose-Built Platform
Founded by Johan Guams, Batemates aims to be a permanent home for this activity. The app charges a monthly fee ($17.99 or $155 annually) and verifies users with ID checks to maintain a degree of safety. Rooms can host up to 32 participants, though smaller groups are preferred. Crucially, video participation is mandatory : users must keep their cameras on, encouraging full engagement rather than passive spectating.
Guams created the platform because he saw the hypocrisy in corporate tools banning explicit content while ignoring the fact that “everyone does it.” His goal is to create a space where men can freely explore their sexuality without fear of censorship.
The Rise of “Gooning” and Its Impact
A key trend driving Batemates’ popularity is “gooning”—intense, prolonged masturbation aimed at reaching extreme arousal without climax. Unlike casual bating, gooning is described as a meditative experience where participants push themselves to the brink of ecstasy. This practice, popularized by Gen Z on platforms like TikTok, has brought a new level of intensity to the online bating scene.
Guams criticizes the commercialization of gooning, arguing that true gooning is about vulnerability and deep connection, not performative displays. He believes Batemates can foster this authentic experience by prioritizing community over spectacle.
Safety, Identity, and the Future of Batemates
Batemates has built-in content moderation and filters to prevent hate speech and underage activity. Users can filter by ethnicity, a feature Guams implemented because mainstream bating spaces are often dominated by white men. This inclusivity, combined with the platform’s commitment to privacy and no ads, sets it apart from competitors.
As Batemates approaches 10,000 members, its success demonstrates the demand for dedicated spaces where men can explore their sexuality openly. The app’s future hinges on maintaining this commitment to authenticity and community while navigating the ever-changing landscape of online censorship.
