The rise of gooning: Inside the World of the Gooner Subculture
VICE News has documented the emergence of a niche online subculture known as "gooning," where individuals engage in prolonged self-pleasure sessions in pursuit of an elusive state of euphoria, with the phenomenon…
Source: VICE News YouTube · September 24, 2026 at 2:02 PM · AI-assisted report
OpinionLAS VEGAS, 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
VICE News has documented the emergence of a niche online subculture known as "gooning," where individuals engage in prolonged self-pleasure sessions in pursuit of an elusive state of euphoria, with the phenomenon gaining mainstream visibility over the past 18 months.
Market Impact
The documentary, titled Inside the World of the Gooner Subculture, explores whether gooning qualifies as a bona fide social movement, complete with its own terminology, rituals, and community norms, or if it remains an internet meme that has spiraled beyond its original intent. Host Noelle Perdue attended the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo—the world’s largest porn industry event—to investigate the subculture firsthand, interviewing participants about their motivations, anxieties, and the cultural significance of their activities.
The report highlights how gooning has evolved from an obscure online trend into a more organized and vocal community, with adherents describing their practices as a form of meditative or even spiritual pursuit. Some participants frame their extended sessions as a means of achieving mental clarity or emotional release, though critics dismiss it as an extreme form of escapism fueled by pornography consumption.
The documentary premiered exclusively on VICE’s Members Only platform, underscoring its niche but growing audience.
While the phenomenon may not directly impact Malaysia’s regulatory or economic landscape, it reflects broader global debates on digital culture, mental health, and the commercialization of adult entertainment. The AVN Expo, held annually in Las Vegas, serves as a key hub for industry discussions, where such subcultures often intersect with mainstream media and consumer trends. No further immediate policy or market implications are specified in the report.
Related: AVN Adult Entertainment Expo · Noelle Perdue · Las Vegas