Compulsive Cybersex Behaviors
When people hear about online pornography addiction, they often picture isolated individuals using their phones to watch videos of naked women while hiding underneath their bedsheets. But this is just one aspect of compulsive cybersex behavior. Compulsive cybersex involves engaging in repeated patterns of sexual activity that interfere with daily life. It can include surfing pornographic websites, sending or receiving explicit messages and images through email or text, chatting online, or interacting with others through social media platforms.
The risks associated with these behaviors are both relational and individual. Relationally, compulsive cybersex can lead to damaged trust between partners, increased tension, decreased communication, and even infidelity. Individually, it can cause negative consequences such as financial loss due to excessive spending on sex sites, anxiety and depression related to shame and guilt, as well as health issues from prolonged masturbation sessions.
There is evidence that suggests that compulsive cybersex may be linked to problematic real-world sexual behavior, including promiscuity, unprotected sex, and sex crimes.
One study found that among men who sought help for a pornography addiction, over half had engaged in other forms of risky sexual behavior, such as visiting prostitutes or having unprotected sex. Another study showed that 86% of men who viewed porn regularly reported problems with intimacy and communication in their romantic relationships.
There has been research indicating that viewing pornography may alter brain chemistry, leading to a reduction in feelings of reward and satisfaction from real-life sex. This could potentially result in a cycle of seeking out more extreme types of stimulation online, which could have further implications for relationships.
In terms of mental health, individuals with compulsive cybersex may experience distress related to shame and guilt about their behavior. They may feel ashamed of the amount of time they spend engaging in this activity or worried that others will find out about it. These feelings can lead to increased anxiety and depression, worsening the condition.
Compulsive cybersex has been associated with low self-esteem, body image concerns, and difficulty forming meaningful connections with others.
To address these relational risks, couples therapy or individual therapy may be helpful. This type of treatment involves working with a licensed professional to identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and improve communication skills. It can also provide support during times when one partner is struggling to stay away from online sexual activities. In addition, some people find success in joining support groups or attending 12-step programs like Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA).
While compulsive cybersex can cause harm both relationally and individually, there are ways to manage the behaviors and lessen their impact on daily life. With proper help and support, those who struggle with this issue can overcome it and rebuild trust within their relationships.
What relational risks are associated with compulsive cybersex behaviors?
Compulsive cybersex behaviors involve individuals engaging in frequent, excessive, and often anonymous sexual activities online, including viewing pornography, interacting with strangers on adult websites, participating in sexually explicit chat rooms, or exchanging intimate messages with others.