How Chatroulette Turns Men Into Flashers

Anonymity is the critical ingredient that often makes good boys go very naughty and flash strangers wheeling through bedrooms via Chatroulette, say experts. Even men (mostly) who have never flashed anyone in their lives are suddenly finding themselves showing off their genitalia on the latest social network that allows webcam users to peer at a host of strangers online. “Chatroulette is technology's answer to an exhibitionist's prayers,” shrink and author Carole Lieberman tells the Daily Beast.

“It allows would-be trenchcoat-wearing subway flashers to get the same titillation without the danger of getting caught.” The men are often bright and successful, but have "extreme difficulty relating to women in a normal way," she explains. Some “have fears of inadequacy" and are trying for a "big" reaction from others, she adds. It seems to be part of an increasing trend in a culture in the throes of an "exhibitionist mentality, from Chatroulette to reality TV," says Lieberman. “Though not all of the participants are physically naked, they are ‘exposing’ themselves to grab attention and their 15 minutes of fame.” (More flasher stories.)