Is having cybersex unhealthy - and is it the same as cheating on a spouse, even if you never meet your cybersex partner?

My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

My Answers Profile

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

Featuring Experts From

See all

Back to List

Next Question

Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors

Is having cybersex unhealthy - and is it the same as cheating on a spouse, even if you never meet your cybersex partner?

Posted:

| Report This

Answer This

Follow QuestionFollowing Unfollow

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

Following Unfollow

SUCCESS!

WebMD

7,873 Answers
94,333 Helpful Votes
149 Followers

Some 15% of the 57 million Americans who log on each day are visiting pornographic sites. For most it’s a harmless recreation. However, a study found that those who spend 11 hours or more a week on Internet sex sites show clear signs of psychological distress, frequently admitting their online sex pursuits interfere with other aspects of their life. These people also run the risk of dependence with an ever-increasing need for more time devoted to cyber sex.

As to the cheating aspect, in the eyes of at least some experts, having any type of sexual activity outside your relationship is wrong. Others take a more liberal view, believing that as long as your partner is not bothered by your cyber affairs, no harm is done. However, all experts agree that when cyber sex replaces or interferes with intimate human relationships, then it represents a problem much bigger than “cheating.” Also be aware that frequently cybersex escalates to “real” sex when one of the partners may push for a meeting.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.

Posted:

| Report This

Was this helpful?

Yes No

Thanks for your feedback.

8 of 10 found this helpful

Read the Original Article: Frequently Asked Questions About Sex and Relationships

1 Answer

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

Featuring Experts From

See all

Important: The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, blogs, or WebMD Answers are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment. Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.