Cybersex Risk

Cybersex is usually safe sex. As interactions are taking place over a computer network, there's no risk of transmitting an STD to a partner or getting them pregnant. However, it's not entirely risk-free. Individuals should be aware of the possible loss of privacy if materials they share are passed on to others.

Abstract:

The Internet is increasingly used as an outlet for sexual activity. This literature review explores key definitions, perceived benefits, risks, and consequences of engaging in cybersex, as well as its influence on youth and young adults. The accessibility, affordability, and anonymity of the Internet make it highly appealing to users. Increasing time spent online for sexual activity may lead to cybersex abuse and compulsive cybersex behavior. This poses a threat to relationships, work, and educational pursuits. Chatrooms are especially prominent as a slippery slope to more extreme sexual behaviors. Characteristics of cybersex users do not seem to be divided by subgroups such as gender, sexual orientation, and marital status. There are only limited amounts of research on youth and online sexual activity, but some research suggests that adolescents are engaging in cybersex. Moreover, college students appear to be at particular risk for developing cybersex compulsive behaviors. Increased health education about the dangers of potential cybersex addiction and abuse is needed. In addition, health educators need to add cybersex to their curricula to warn users of potential addiction.

Statistics about Online Sex Addiction

Admissions Director Tiffany Silva, LCSW, compares teen online sex addiction to an iceberg. Parents can see the tip of the iceberg, but there are often greater dangers that they do not see. Because cybersex or viewing online pornography can take place in the privacy of a teen’s bedroom, parents are seldom aware of the extent of their teens’ addiction. Moreover, cybersex is a relatively new problem that many parents struggle to understand. Let’s take an objective look at some statistics related to online sex addiction.

Sex on the Internet

According to a 2010 report from the Family Safe Media:

1/4 of all online search engine requests are pornographic.

1/3 of Internet users report unwanted exposure to sexual content.

2/3 of junior high school students have viewed online pornography.

34% of those students are at risk for developing compulsive online sexual behavior.

8.9 million people in the U.S. need therapeutic intervention as a result of their addiction to cybersex.

Most consumers of Internet pornography are between ages 12 and 17.

 

These numbers are alarming for many parents. Exposure to online pornography can be harmful to young people by promoting sexist attitudes which make it difficult for them to sustain relationships. Furthermore, teens are still at-risk even if that exposure is unintentional. Moreover, few parents would be comfortable with their teen viewing any form of Internet porn.

Teen Online Sex Addiction

Because of their familiarity with technology, casual attitudes toward cybersex, and interest in experimenting or risk-taking behavior, students are the group most at-risk for cybersex addiction. With teens at particular risk for online sexual addiction, it is not surprising that a Stanford/Duquesne study completed in 2000 described cybersex as a public health hazard. The risk of addiction is only increasing because few health organizations recognize it as a danger. The study also found at least 200,000 Internet users are addicted to online sexual content. Although pornography or cybersex addiction is increasingly common, it can be difficult to know whether or not someone you love is struggling with addiction. 야한동영상

 

Because of the shame involved in this kind of behavior, 70% of people who participate in cybersex keep it a secret. While this topic can be difficult for parents to discuss, parents need to seek help if they believe their teen is suffering from online sex addiction. Due to the severity of sexual addiction issues, it is better to address them as early as possible.