The Popularity of Online Affairs

Did you know that approximately one-third of divorce litigation in the U.S. involve affairs carried out over the Internet? This eye-opening figure is even more startling in light of the fact that less than half the men in a recent survey thought that online affairs constituted adultery.

It is no surprise why Internet romance has become such a widespread trend for individuals across the nation and around the world, and why they are both easy to deny and exceptionally dangerous. For those who feel unhappy and unfulfilled in their current life or relationship situation, cyber romance provides a quick, easy, and supposedly guilt-free spark of excitement. Instead of deeply examining what is making them unhappy in the real world, many people simply turn to the Internet, believing that it isn’t cheating if there is no physical contact involved – no harm, no foul.

Unfortunately, as the first statistic above bears out, this is simply not the case. When individuals begin to associate online love with “good feelings” and refocus their sexual attention, the true, physical relationship suffers. This is because, even if there is no physical connection going on, the proximity to reality that Internet life affords means that all the same emotions and processes of a “traditional” affair are at work – the deception, the rush of excitement and secrecy, and of course, the self-delusion.

Contact Us

If you are facing a divorce due to an online affair or similar situation, contact the experienced Austin divorce lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP today at 512-472-2431. We will provide the legal support you need during this difficult time.