Let’s start with the basics…

Main Entry: voy·eur
Pronunciation: \vwä-ˈyər, vȯi-ˈər\
Function: noun
Etymology: French, literally, one who sees, from Middle French, from voir to see, from Latin vidēre
Date: 1900
1 : one obtaining sexual gratification from observing unsuspecting individuals who are partly undressed, naked, or engaged in sexual acts; broadly : one who habitually seeks sexual stimulation by visual means
2 : a prying observer who is usually seeking the sordid or the scandalous

Well that sounds down right dirty… or um, actually not so much. I guess anyone who gets aroused by the sight of someone partially undressed, naked, or having some sort of sex would be called a voyeur. I’d say that’s pretty much everyone out there. Strange then for there to be an entire niche of webcam and porn sites classified as voyeur don’t you think? Obviously this definition is lacking in modern terms. Now it’s thought of more as being a “peeping tom”, spy, etc. Meaning there was no consent by the other to be seen.

There’s something definitly different about the internet’s voyeurs. The concept (usually fabricated to stay in accordance with the law) has a certain attraction to it. It’s very nature is that it’s forbidden and secret. It is the idea of simply observing and having no interaction with what goes on. A niche very different from some others where the idea of control is more in play. Either way it’s a huge niche and there are definitly some sketchy things that can be seen.

But most people by nature, from what I know, like to watch things, they don’t want to be bothered to make decisions or act on anything. Something completely spontaneous and ’sordid’ unfolding in front of your very eyes. It’s an audience, and they will be there… you just may not know it.