From the infatuation with “Daddy” Michael Myers to the adoration for the Ghostface character in the Scream franchise, masked men have captured the internet’s fervent interest. The term “Ghostface kink” surged in Google searches as TikTok users embraced a (sexy) Halloween vibe. Some creators crafted videos simulating sensual pursuits by Ghostface, while others incorporated Ghostface masks into their relationships to add excitement.
In recent months, content creator Brittany Broski openly expressed her fascination with TikTok performers embodying the masked characters from Call of Duty and the band Sleep Token. A video of her discussing her attraction to these mysterious musicians has garnered half a million views on TikTok.
“If I see a man in a mask,” Broski humorously mused, “it’s over.” She openly acknowledged, “I have a mental problem, I have a mental lack somewhere… and I’m not really motivated to do anything about it.”
Intrigued by these engaging pieces of content, we’ve consulted experts to delve into the erotic allure of masks. What makes them so enticing, especially when worn by grisly characters? What does our fascination with masked figures reveal about our deeper sexual desires?
Fear and Uncertainty
Fear and arousal are deeply connected. Gigi Engle, a certified sex and relationship psychotherapist and resident intimacy expert at dating app 3Fun, explains that fear and arousal stem from the same core emotion of physiological arousal. The adrenaline rush experienced with fear can elevate heart rate and blood pressure. Engle notes, “It’s a state of euphoria so intense that we crave and pursue it. Think about people who thoroughly enjoy rollercoasters or scary movies. They genuinely relish the sensation of fear.”
Moreover, heightened fear also leads to increased genital blood flow. Engle highlights that people experiencing fear may report genital arousal despite not feeling sexually aroused. “Consensual situations designed to amplify the ‘near-death’ sensation do not actually put you in a life-threatening scenario, but your nervous system cannot distinguish the difference,” she points out.
So, those viral TikToks that make being chased by Ghostface seem alluring? The thrill is purely within the realm of fantasy. Engle emphasizes, “Although fear can intensify sexual arousal, it’s vital to understand that the ‘fear’ or perceived ‘danger’ is firmly rooted in actual safety.” Engle asserts, “In order to be fully aroused, we need to feel secure.”
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Anonymity and Confidence
“Wearing a mask sometimes offers the opposite of fear, providing a sense of security and confidence,” suggests Bobby Box, a certified sex educator at b-Vibe. “Similar to how individuals feel comfortable being bold online but not in person, a mask provides a veil that allows someone to act more boldly or differently.”
Box explains, “When even a part of someone’s face is obscured, their identity undergoes an immediate transformation.” Furthermore, masks have the potential to alter one’s voice, “further eliminating any personal identification.”
Subsequently, this opens the door to a multitude of sensual possibilities. “The person behind the mask could be anyone and engage in anything, creating an incredibly alluring scenario,” Box elaborates. “I know numerous gay men who prefer anonymous encounters or request the use of a blindfold to conceal their identity. While some men do this due to being secretive, others are merely aroused by the notion of engaging in intimacy with a stranger.”
An early 2023 study observed that people who perceive themselves as attractive are less inclined to wear a mask in hypothetical situations such as a job interview or while walking their dog compared to those who do not consider themselves attractive. Box suggests that this concept extends to the bedroom, where masks can offer comfort and inspire confidence for those unsure about their appearance, fostering a greater sense of adventure.
Role-play and Fantasy
When it comes to role-play, masks provide “a simple way to visually assume a role without much effort,” states Box. “I mean, even Clark Kent relied on a mere pair of glasses to conceal his identity as Superman.”
Embracing bad boy archetypes and forbidden liaisons increases the allure of a sexual encounter with any partner, be they a stranger or a long-term companion. Masks often play a critical role in making this style of role-play believable, enhancing immersion, according to Box. If our desire to romantically engage with a tragic character is partly driven by the belief that our affection can redeem them (think Phantom of the Opera, Kylo Ren), unveiling their mask symbolizes a deeper level of trust and connection.
Attraction to fictional characters seen in horror films and media can become entangled with fear in intriguing ways. Engle elucidates that when fear combines with an erotic stimulus or image, such as a sexy actor starring in a scary movie (think Brad Pitt in Seven), the physical arousal generated by fear might be confused for sexual arousal. Essentially, people link it to the attractive person rather than the fearful situation.
Engle further points out that this blending of fear and attraction also happens with people we’re attracted to in real life. Engle mentions that “sharing a thrilling experience like riding a rollercoaster with someone you’re interested in can complicate the differentiation between fear and attraction.”
Ironically, concealing oneself in the bedroom may paradoxically serve as a liberating escape from insecurities and expectations. As long as you feel secure, integrating masks into intimate moments is perfectly natural.
