A think Piece By Uncle Abdul

Whether it's Frankenstein's laboratory of the 30's or the electronic torture machine in 'Barb Wire' in the flick of the last decade, there's an awe inspired by modern technology that stirs us. If only we can couple it to other activities that also stir us--like BDSM--what a powerful combination could be had.

Computers are the latest tech fad. Now many BDSM'ers currently use computers in play as a communication tool, to wit, either online play or sending an e-mail to set up a play date. But this isn't the only aspect I want to discuss. What possibilities exist for using computers directly in BDSM? I'll call this C/BDSM.

Now actually computers are currently being used today for controlling BDSM play aspects. For one, there are a whole bunch of non-BDSM people (currently but that doesn't mean that BDSM people don't do it). They use their computers in electrical stimulation for masturbation purposes. These computers generate electrical waveforms, which are run through stereo amplifiers to internal electrodes--anal and urethra, generally. This is much the same that is done with PES, Folsom Boxes, and TENS units, except a larger variety of waveforms are available. (Unc's WARNING NOTE: Computer/amplifier is a type of play that has a high risk, and anyone contemplating such play should thoroughly investigate and be aware of the risks beforehand.)

Also recently seen at party, a couple was playing where she was on the St. Andrew's Cross and wearing headphones connected to a laptop. The couple, however, was using the laptop as a CD player to play music specifically for their scene. But this too is a bona fide example of C/BBSM. But are there any other applications of the direct use of computers in BDSM?

Computers as machines offer a variety of programming and control possibilities. This is often done in industry, but we've already seen house automation--control of lights, appliances, and audio/visual systems--using computers. If computers can turn on a light, can't it also turn on a play partner? The answer of course is yes. Let's look at the possibilities.

Direct electrical stimulation is one possibility already in use. But computers can also operate mechanical devices: vibrators, pumps, motors, mechanical releases, etc. Computers can also accept inputs from devices like thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, lie detectors, and the like. It is now possible to hook up input and output devices in a closed loop system so that a partner's action or response and the computer would control outputs to deliver either pleasure or pain. The control can be entirely automatic, but it is safer if it's under the control or intervention of the partner's top.

Consider the following scenarios:

• The bottom is bound to a chair and is forced to complete a questionnaire. A shock is delivered for every wrong answer, and a pleasing vibration for every right answer. A warning is issued if it takes too long to answer. The top controls a panic switch in the event a safeword is called.
• A computer is used to control pleasurable multiple channel electrical stimulations in response the submissive's blood pressure and pulse rate, while the top manually does flogging and, of course, keeps the panic switch handy.
• During an interrogation scene, a voice stress analyzer is used as a lie detector. Shocks or warnings are delivered if the computer detects a lie. Again the interrogator/top has one hand on the panic button.

The possibilities for C/BDSM are limited only by our imagination, to wit, unlimited. I do have specific safety guidelines for people who want to actively develop such projects. I'll cover these in a future article. But for now I'll let your imagination take flight. If you have any thoughts you'd like to discuss or share, contact me at UncleAbdul@gMail.com.

Chao-4-Now

Unc'

© by Uncle Abdul, 2001. No copies--hardcopy or electronic--may be made without expressed, written permission of the author. This material is presented for informational purposes only and is not represented as nor should it be interpreted as a standard, a specification, a recommended practice, a guideline, or even a professional opinion on the safety of C/BDSM or of any equipment or systems. The author cannot be held responsible for nor does he certify the safety of any equipment or devices that are built, designed, and/or manufactured utilizing this information. In the nature of a textbook the author requests comments on omissions and errors that a reader may find contained herein. The author can be contacted at UncleAbdul@gMail.com.

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