From Classifieds to Apps: The Changing Landscape of Sex Personals After Craigslist
If you’ve ever searched for a casual encounter or romantic connection online, chances are you’re familiar with the now-defunct personals section on Craigslist. However, in recent years, the way we seek out these types of interactions has drastically changed.
With the rise of dating apps and other digital platforms, traditional classifieds have taken a back seat in the world of sex personals. We’ll explore the evolution of sex personals from classified listings to mobile apps and what it means for those seeking connections in the modern age.
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The End of an Era: The Downfall of Craigslist Personal Ads
In 2018, Craigslist made the shocking announcement that they were shutting down their personals section. This move came after the passing of a controversial law known as FOSTA-SESTA, which was intended to combat sex trafficking but had unintended consequences for consensual adult activities online. Craigslist’s decision to shut down their personals section left many people in shock and scrambling to find alternative platforms for finding sexual partners. But this wasn’t the end of the story.
The Impact on Casual Sex Seekers
For years, Craigslist’s personal ads section had been a go-to destination for people looking for casual hookups, threesomes, affairs, and more. It was a free and relatively anonymous platform where individuals could post or respond to ads seeking all types of sexual encounters. Many users appreciated the simplicity and lack of judgment on Craigslist compared to other dating sites that required lengthy profiles and matching algorithms.
With its shutdown, many members of the casual sex community were left feeling frustrated and displaced. Some turned to other classified websites such as Backpage or Doublelist, but these platforms also faced legal issues and eventually shut down their personals sections as well.
But as we fast forward to 2025, it’s become clear that the demise of Craigslist’s personal ads opened up new opportunities for innovative companies to fill the void and cater specifically to those seeking sexual connections.
New Players in Town: Dating Apps Designed for Casual Encounters
As technology continues to advance at rapid speed, so do our options for finding potential partners online. With smartphones becoming an essential part of our daily lives, dating apps have exploded in popularity over the past few years. And now, with the absence of Craigslist personal ads, there has been a surge in dating apps catering to the casual sex market.
The Pros and Cons of Dating Apps for Casual Encounters
While these new dating apps may seem like a godsend for those seeking no-strings-attached fun, there are both pros and cons to consider. Here’s a breakdown:
Pros:
- Convenience: With dating apps, you can search for potential partners anytime, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. This makes it much easier and more efficient than scouring through classified ads or waiting for someone to respond via email on Craigslist.
- Variety: While Craigslist was pretty limited in terms of its categories (i.e. men seeking women, women seeking men, etc.), dating apps cater to all sorts of preferences and desires. Whether you’re looking for BDSM playmates or same-sex partners, there’s likely an app specifically designed for what you’re seeking.
- Privacy: Unlike Craigslist personal ads where anyone could see your ad or response, most dating apps allow you to control who sees your profile and messages. This adds an extra layer of privacy and security for users.
Cons:
- Lack of Verification: Unlike some websites that require users to verify their identity before being able to create a profile, many dating apps do not have this level of verification. This means that individuals can easily create fake identities or lie about their age, location, and other details.
- Fake Profiles: Unfortunately, with any online platform comes the risk of encountering fake profiles. These can be created by scammers or even bots programmed to lure users into paid subscriptions or other scams. It’s important to always exercise caution when interacting with others on dating apps.
The Top Sex Personals Apps of 2025
With the market for casual sex encounters continuing to grow, here are four of the top apps that have risen to prominence since Craigslist’s demise in the personal ads world:
AdultFriendFinder
AdultFriendFinder (AFF) has been around since 1996 and is one of the oldest and most popular dating sites for finding sexual partners. While it’s not specifically designed for casual hookups, many members use AFF for that purpose. The site boasts a large user base with over 80 million members worldwide, making it easy to find like-minded individuals in your area.
Pros:
- Mobile App: With a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices, you can stay connected to AFF anytime, anywhere.
- Huge User Base: With millions of active members, there’s no shortage of potential partners on AFF.
- Variety of Features: In addition to standard messaging and searching, AFF also offers live webcams, chat rooms, blogs, and more to enhance your experience.
Cons:
- Paid Membership Required: While creating a profile on AFF is free, certain features such as messaging require a paid membership. This can be a downside for those looking for completely free options.
- Criticism of Security: In recent years, there have been reports of security breaches on AFF which resulted in some users’ personal information being leaked. However, the site has since implemented stricter security measures.
Friends With Benefits
Friends With Benefits (FWB) is a newer app launched in 2020 that caters specifically to people seeking casual sex without commitment or strings attached. The app works similarly to other swiping-based dating apps, but with a focus on finding partners for no-strings-attached encounters.
Pros:
- Focused on Casual Sex: Unlike other dating apps where users may be seeking different types of relationships, everyone on FWB is looking for the same thing – casual sex without commitment.
- No Hidden Costs: While some features require a premium membership, there are no hidden costs or fees associated with using FWB.
Cons:
- New App Bugs: As with any new app, there have been reports of bugs and glitches that can hinder the user experience. However, the developers continue to work on improving the app’s functionality.
- Limited User Base: Being a newer app, FWB doesn’t yet have as large of a user base as some other options. This means you may have fewer options when it comes to potential partners in your area.
SextFriend
SextFriend is another relatively new app launched in 2021 that focuses solely on sexting and sharing nude photos and videos. While not specifically designed for meeting up in person, many users use the app to find online friends with benefits who they can share explicit content with.
Pros:
- No Commitment Required: With SextFriend, there’s no pressure or expectation to meet up in person – making it ideal for those just looking for virtual fun.
- Fully Anonymous: Unlike other dating apps where you must create an account and link your social media profiles, SextFriend allows you to remain completely anonymous so you can feel comfortable sharing intimate content.
- Creative Features: In addition to standard messaging and photo-sharing features, SextFriend also offers games and challenges to keep things interesting between you and potential sexting partners.
Cons:
- Lack of Verification: As mentioned before, anonymous apps can be a breeding ground for fake profiles and catfishing. This is something to keep in mind when using SextFriend.
- Targeted Toward Men: While anyone can use the app, it’s heavily marketed toward men seeking female partners for sexting. This may not be appealing to everyone, especially those seeking same-sex or non-binary partners.
Arousr
Arousr is a unique platform that combines elements of dating apps and phone sex lines. Users can create a profile and browse potential partners based on their preferences, but instead of messaging back and forth, they engage in a live webcam chat where they can talk dirty, share explicit photos, or even have virtual sex.
Pros:
- Sex Workers Welcome: Unlike many other dating sites that ban sex workers from using their platforms, Arousr welcomes them and provides them with a safe space to connect with clients online.
- Variety of Options: With Arousr, you can choose whether you want to engage in text chats, video calls, or phone conversations with your matches – making it an inclusive option for all types of individuals.
Cons:
- Paid Services Only: All interactions on Arousr require payment, which may not be feasible or desirable for some users.
- Can Be Expensive: Depending on how much time you spend chatting with others on Arousr, costs can add up quickly compared to other free or subscription-based dating apps.
The Changing Landscape of Sex Personals Online
The Impact on LGBTQ+ & Kink Communities
While casual sex seekers have felt the effects of Craigslist’s personal ads shutdown, it’s important to recognize that this change has also greatly impacted other marginalized communities such as LGBTQ+ and kink individuals.
Craigslist was one of the few platforms where people could openly seek same-sex partners or express their desires for non-traditional sexual activities without fear of judgment or discrimination. With its absence, many members of these communities were left feeling excluded and unsure of where to turn.
Thankfully, with the rise of dating apps catered specifically to these groups (such as Grindr for gay men and Feeld for non-monogamous individuals), there are now more inclusive options available. However, there is still progress to be made in terms of creating safe and welcoming spaces online for all types of sexual expression.
The Role of Technology in Sexual Connections
As we look back on the changes in sex personals over the past few years, it’s clear that technology has played a major role in shaping how we find and connect with sexual partners. And as we move forward into 2025 and beyond, it will likely continue to evolve and shape our experiences.
There are both positives and negatives to this reliance on technology for sexual connections. On one hand, it makes finding potential partners much easier and more accessible. But on the other hand, it can lead to an increase in risky behaviors such as sending explicit photos or meeting up with strangers without proper precautions. Then, to make your search for the perfect match even easier, you can take a look at some of the adult dating websites for free that are available on the market.
In any case, it’s important for individuals to always prioritize safety when engaging in any type of online activity – including seeking out sexual encounters through dating apps.
The Verdict: The Era of Casual Sex Online Continues
Despite the downfall of Craigslist’s personal ads section, it’s clear that there is still a strong demand for casual sex connections online. And with the rise of new dating apps catering specifically to this market, individuals now have more options than ever when it comes to finding like-minded partners.
Whether you’re seeking one-time hookups or ongoing friends with benefits, there’s likely an app out there that can help you fulfill your desires. Just remember to always prioritize your safety and consent and be cautious when interacting with others online. With sites like luckycrush, users can enjoy similar features and benefits, such as video chat with strangers, on these alternative sites.
The landscape of sex personals has drastically changed since Craigslist’s shutdown in 2018. But with change comes innovation, and we’ve seen the rise of new dating apps designed specifically for those seeking casual sexual encounters. While these apps certainly have their pros and cons, they have provided a much-needed platform for people to connect and explore their desires without fear of judgment or legal repercussions.
As technology continues to advance, who knows what other changes we will see in the world of sex personals? One thing is for sure – the appetite for casual sex online isn’t going away anytime soon, and companies will continue to find ways to cater to this growing market. Though some may be hesitant to engage in No Sign Up Sexting, there are many safe and secure options available for those interested in this form of sexual expression.
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Arousr
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How Can I Find Sex Personals Now That Craigslist Has Removed Their Section?
There are still many options for finding sex personals after Craigslist removed their section. Some popular alternatives include using dating apps or websites specifically geared towards casual encounters, joining online communities or forums dedicated to hookups, attending local events or parties known for promoting sexual connections, and even simply asking friends or acquaintances if they know of any potential partners. It may take some extra effort and caution now that Craigslist is no longer an option, but there are still plenty of ways to connect with others for consensual adult fun.
Are There Any Alternative Websites Or Platforms for Posting Personal Ads Seeking Sexual Encounters?
Yes, there are several alternative websites and platforms for posting personal ads seeking sexual encounters. These include sites such as Doublelist, AdultFriendFinder, and Fetlife. These sites offer similar features to Craigslist’s personals section, allowing users to post and browse ads for casual hookups and other forms of consensual adult activities. However, it is important to note that these sites may have different terms of use and safety precautions compared to Craigslist, so it is important to do proper research before using them.