INTERNET SEX ADDICTION

The Internet and Sex Addiction

With the explosion of the Internet, not only has the exchange of information become easier and more convenient, but also has the access to pornographic material. Prior to the Internet, the average Joe was not very vulnerable to purchasing porn. In fact, the average person would probably be embarrased to purchase porn from an adult book store. However, with the anonymity and convenience provided by the Internet, porn is just a click away.

"Explicit X-rated porn that once was available only in sleazy side street shops is as easy to get on a PC as ordering pizza."

In addition to making pornographic images widely available, Internet technology also provides an interactive experience and a realm of virtual intimacy for its users. On-line videos, chat rooms, games, photo-galleries, and virtual reality provide users with several different mediums through which they can obtain and experience porn. While in the privacy of their own homes, users can safely and anonymously "fantasize, flirt, and (virtually) get intimate."

This revolution of Internet pornography has its negative effects. In particular it has contributed to an increasing number of sex addicts. Unsuspecting Internet users fall victim to cybersex obsession. Users find themselves devoting more and more time to cybersex instead of to their families and relationships. According to an MSNBC report, cybersex is a serious growing addiction. Mental health experts warn that this addiction has hazardous side effects. Like any addiction, if excessively used, cybersex can interfere with daily activities and can ruin relationships. People have lost jobs, spouses and money because of their addiction to on-line sex.

"Cyber-sex is the crack cocaine of sexual addiction,"
- Dr. Robert Weiss, director of the Sexual Recovery Institute in Los Angeles

While not everyone who views porn on the net will become a sexual addict (like everyone who drinks alchol doesn’t become an alcoholic), cybersex is dangerous because, "it reinforces and normalizes sexual disorders," says Dr. Weiss. "A man may have had a passing interest in teen-aged girls, but he'd never go into a bookstore or try to buy child pornography. Sitting in his living room he finds a ton of teen sites and thinks maybe it's not such a big problem."

Results from an Sex Addiction Report

In 1998, The San Jose Marital and Sexuality Center and MSNBC.com conducted a sexual addiction survey of Internet users. The researchers found that of the 9,265 users surveyed, almost 80 percent used their home computers for sexual purposes. In addition, one percent of respondents could be classified as cybersex compulsives (used the Internet for sexual purposes for 11 or more hours per week). [4] The following are more results from the survey.

• 7 of 10 participants in survey keep online sexual activities a secret
• 1 in 5 men and 1 in 8 women use computers at work to access sexual material
• 6 times as many men engage in online sexual pursuits as women
  

In addition, the study suggested that at many as 17 percent of respondents that were not at risk before the Internet may now be vulnerable to sex addiction that interferes with their daily lives. Sexual addiction is a growing problem in our society.

Solutions

According to sex therapists and other health experts the best thing to avoid becoming cybersex addicted is to abstain from surfing the net for porn. However, if you or a friend/family member is a cybersex addict, the best way is to discuss the problem. There are many sex therapists that can offer advice, and even the Internet is an excellent resource through which one can obtain help. Web sites like www.onlinesexaddict.com and groups like Sex Addicts Anonymous help many people overcome their sexual addiction.