Internet Sexual Addiction Essay Example

focus on female forms of extreme sexual behaviors, such as nymphomania, which were viewed more negatively compared to male forms like satyriasis.

Female sexual addiction is more prevalent, potentially due to societal double standards. Historical research on sexuality prior to the 1980s indicated that women were labeled as "sex addicts" more frequently than men. However, in actuality, male sexual addiction is more widespread than female sexual addiction. The question arises: is extreme sex truly an addiction? Initially, sexual addiction was not regarded as a genuine form of addiction when compared to other addictive behaviors.

While the definitions of addiction may differ, it is evident that excessive sexual behavior shares similarities and connections with acknowledged addictions. Similar to individuals who are pathological gamblers or alcoholics, those with a sex addiction find it challenging to manage their self-destructive sexual actions. In reality, sex addicts frequently neglect the significant physical, interpersonal, and emotional repercussions of their behaviors.

The extensive consequences of engaging in extreme sexual behavior include feelings of despair, a decrease in self-esteem, a lack of interest in non-sexual activities, financial troubles, legal problems, difficulties at work, the breakdown of families, and the loss of relationships. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding the most appropriate term to label individuals with extreme sexual behavior. Commonly used terms include sexual addiction (Carnes, 1983), sexual impulsivity (Barth & Kinder, 1987), sexual compulsion (Coleman, 1986), and non-paraphilia related conditions (Kafka, 1993).

According to Carnes (1999), sexual addiction is defined as any compulsive behavior related to sex that hinders a normal life and eventually becomes uncontrollable. However, he has also described it as an abnormal attachment to an experience that affects one's mood (Carnes,

1983). When exploring the psychological motivations behind addiction, there are three main categories: fantasy addictions, which involve sex-related activities that provide an escape from everyday reality; satiation addictions, which involve sex-related activities that relieve discomfort and tension; and arousal addictions, which involve sex-related activities that elicit excitement and stimulation.

Sexual addiction encompasses different forms of sexual behavior and is difficult to accurately gauge. Roughly three to six percent of the population is estimated to be affected by this problem (Carnes, 1999). Studies indicate a strong correlation between childhood abuse and adult sex addiction, as many individuals grappling with sex addiction have endured substantial levels of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse.

Individuals who seek treatment from self-help groups or professional clinics can influence socio-demographic factors. These groups include Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), Sex Compulsives Anonymous (SCA), and Sexaholics Anonymous (SA). However, sex addicts can be found across different nationalities, classes, races, and sexual orientations. There are identifiable patterns of behavior associated with sex addiction as described by Carnes in 1999. These behaviors involve participating in unrestrained and uncontrolled sexual activities such as frequent affairs, excessive consumption of pornography, and compulsive masturbation which can lead to significant mood changes.

The sex addict experiences severe consequences due to their sexual behavior and inability to stop, despite these serious outcomes. These consequences may involve legal risks ranging from minor offenses to accusations of rape, risks of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, attempts at suicide, suicidal behaviors and/or fixation, abortions, undesired pregnancies, missed career prospects, significant relationship or marital issues, and the loss of a spouse or partner.

As sex addicts develop tolerance, they seek increasing amounts of sexual involvement to attain satisfaction.

This may manifest as a desire for more abnormal and unusual sexual activities, frequent sexual encounters, and increased consumption of visual pornography. Importantly, these patterns of behavior should be interpreted as investigative and do not exclude other signs indicative of sex addiction.

The emergence of internet use as a platform for sexual desires is a significant development of the past decade. This phenomenon, which was not previously categorized in terms of sexual addiction or compulsion, raises questions about how we understand and define sexual addiction. Furthermore, utilizing the internet for sexual purposes is transforming interpersonal relationships and social communication patterns.

This is very much true on the subject of sexuality (Cooper, Delmonico, ; Burg, 2000).

In addition, the subject that is most often searched for on the Internet is 'sex' (Freeman-Longo ; Blanchard, 1998).

The convenience provided by adult chat sites and Internet pornography offers an immediately accessible vehicle to effortlessly fall into compulsive patterns of Internet use (Young, 2000).

The first to take advantage of new technological tools for publishing (e.g. Internet, videotapes, photography, etc.) have been the pornographers.

According to estimates, the Internet pornography industry was predicted to reach $366 million by 2001, although other estimates already placed it at $1 billion (Sprenger, 1999; The Guardian, 1999). Additionally, research company Datamonitor reported that over 50 percent of internet expenditure is associated with sexual activity (The Guardian, 1999). This includes traditional online versions of adult magazines like Playboy, as well as more extreme pornographic content and forums discussing various sexual deviations and paraphilias. Various forms of explicit content are available online, such as voyeuristic webcam websites, live sex and strip shows, sex videos and clips, and both free and paid

pornographic image libraries (Griffiths, 2000a).

Before investigating the potential "addictiveness" of the Internet and its connection to sexual addiction, Griffiths (2000a) suggested first exploring all the ways in which the Internet can be used for sexual purposes. The goal is to identify which activities may be done excessively or have the potential to lead to addiction. Griffiths (2000a) noted that the internet has been utilized for a wide range of sexually related behaviors.The activities listed here involve editing and manipulating pictures online, primarily for sexual gratification or entertainment purposes. This includes creating fake photos of celebrities by superimposing their heads onto the bodies of others. Individuals also explore different identities and genders online, forming new personas and engaging in relationships. Sexual relationships are continued through chat rooms and email. Unfortunately, some individuals use the internet to engage in harmful behavior such as pedophilic "grooming", cyber-stalking, and online sexual harassment. Others seek temporary sexual partners through chat rooms, escort agencies, and personal advertisements. Long-term relationships and the search for sex counselors and therapists are also common. Many individuals seek sexual material online for masturbation or amusement purposes, while others search for educational resources. Online sex shops attract visitors who may purchase products like toys, vibrators, and clitoris stimulators. Additionally, some individuals buy and sell sex-related products offline. It is evident that only a few of these internet behaviors have the potential to become addictive, compulsive, obsessive, or excessive.The Internet has led to the growth of addictive behaviors such as committing sex-related Internet crimes, forming online relationships, and using Internet photography for sexual purposes. One particularly surprising effect of the Internet's rise is the addictive potential of online

relationships.

An online relationship, also known as a "cyber-affair," is when individuals engage in romantic or sexual connections through online communication. These connections are primarily sustained through electronic contact in various virtual platforms such as newsgroups, interactive games, chat rooms, virtual communities, and email (Young, Buchanan, O'Mara, Cooper, Griffin-Shelley, 2000). Initially starting as innocent encounters or simple email exchanges in chat rooms, these relationships can escalate into passionate and extreme cyber-affairs and eventually culminate in sexual activities offline (Young et al., 2002). Moreover, those involved in cyber-affairs often participate in mutual exchanges of erotic language known as "cyber sex." This refers to online individuals engaging in text-based sexual fantasies with each other, which may also involve masturbation.

Using online chat rooms, individuals can easily participate in online social gatherings with just a push of a button, eliminating the need to physically leave their desk. Furthermore, participants in online group chats have the option to engage in one-on-one conversations through instant messaging or continuous emails at a later time. Arguably, this method is considered the simplest, fastest, most accessible, and most disinhibiting way to meet potential partners. There are several reasons why online contacts have the potential to become addictive and seductive. The Internet's anonymous and disinhibiting nature are among these factors, which may generate intense excitement for those involved in cyber-affairs.

Disinhibition is one of the main attractions of the Internet (Joinson, 1998). Online users tend to open up and emotionally disclose themselves more quickly than they would offline. What might take months or years to achieve in an offline relationship can happen in a matter of days or weeks online. The perception of acceptance, intimacy, and trust

motivates users to rely on cyber-affairs for comfort and companionship (Cooper & Sportolari, 1997). Scholars have identified three factors that fuel online sexuality and shape the perception of Internet's attraction and power for sexual activities, known as the "Triple A Engine" proposed by Cooper (1998a). It includes:
• Anonymity – individuals believe their conversations and exchanges are anonymous.
• Affordability – competition on the Internet keeps sex-related website membership prices low, with multiple ways to access "free sex."
• Accessibility – the Internet provides millions of websites that are available 24/7.
Young (1999) developed a variant of the "Triple A Engine," called the "ACE model."ACE is an acronym that represents three key aspects: Anonymity, Convenience, and Escape.

Although neither model explains the process of cyber-affairs, they do identify factors that contribute to emotional and/or sexual cyber-affairs, including escape, affordability, convenience, accessibility, and anonymity. Furthermore, virtual settings offer temporary distractions, excitement, and comfort. Schneider (2000) also highlighted other appealing aspects of the Internet. Cyber sex is affordable, legal, and can be enjoyed in the privacy of one's own home while eliminating the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for participants.

In addition to providing a hidden and traceless sexual encounter, cybersex offers quick access to partners and a sense of security for online users. These advantages may be especially beneficial for marginalized groups, such as homosexuals. Research on internet addiction has shown a relationship between the amount of time spent online and the negative consequences reported by users (e.g. Young & Rogers, 1998; Cooper, Scherer, Boies, & Gordon, 1999).

The Triple A Engine, as explained by Cooper (1998a), has the potential to make the Internet problematic for individuals with pre-existing issues

with sexual compulsivity or psychological vulnerabilities, putting them at risk of developing such compulsivity. Young (2000) argues that the anonymous nature of online communication offers a greater sense of control over the nature, tone, and content of sexual experiences. Furthermore, she suggests that unlike real-life encounters, women can easily find new partners if their cyber lovers disappoint, while men can log off after orgasm without needing lengthy goodbyes. Additionally, Young (2000) poses unanswered questions that could be explored through the Internet.

The internet's anonymity allows individuals to privately imagine and explore sexual fantasies without fear of judgment or exposure. Cyber sex offers a safe and confidential avenue for those curious about a variety of sexual behaviors. This sense of freedom motivates online users to experiment and validate their adult desires. Young concludes that the cyber world's acceptance encourages sexual exploration.

If there is to be recognition of "Internet sexual addiction" as a legitimate term, it must be substantiated by scientific evidence. Furthermore, consensus on the recognized criteria and measurement of its prevalence is necessary. Though advancements are being made in this field, it still remains a theoretical topic. Certain scholars group similar addictions with sex-related disorders, while others classify them separately. The extent to which Internet sexual addiction differs from conventional forms of sexual addiction is presently uncertain pending further empirical investigation.

Despite its perceived disinhibiting and anonymous nature, cyber sex is considered a new form of communication that many individuals may engage in. While there is incomplete evidence suggesting the existence of Internet sexual addiction, it comes from both indirect (Orzack & Ross, 2000; Schneider, 2000) and direct sources (Schwartz & Southern, 2000; Cooper et al.,

2000). It is important to acknowledge that the collected data have certain flaws in their methodology. These flaws include reliance on reports from treatment providers and partners of cyber sex addicts, samples consisting of individuals seeking treatment, and the use of self-selected samples among others.

Engaging in sexual activities on the Internet can have significant negative repercussions for some users, as evidenced by available evidence. These individuals often exhibit addictive behaviors similar to those of an addiction. The Internet provides a platform that easily fosters compulsive, obsessive, addictive, and excessive behavior. One contributing factor is the wide range of online resources that can fuel other addictions and compulsions. For individuals struggling with sex addiction, the Internet poses a dangerous gateway. Furthermore, the Internet offers various activities such as role-playing games, social networking, file transferring, emailing, and net surfing.

The addictiveness potential of certain activities on the Internet, like role-playing games or Internet relay chat, may be higher compared to other activities. It is important to note that there is no evidence suggesting that cyber stalking and other sex-related cyber crimes are "addictive". However, a few case studies conducted by Griffiths, Rogers, and Sparrow in 1998 do indicate that cyber stalkers show addictive tendencies such as conflict, mood modification, and salience. Further research is needed to determine if these behaviors can be categorized as genuine behavior addictions. Cyber-affairs introduce a new dynamic to couples' relationships.

According to Cooper, Boies, Planchon, and Putnam (1999), there is a continuum of sexually related behaviors on the Internet, ranging from normal and healthy to abnormal and unhealthy. The Internet offers various advantages for engaging in these behaviors, including escape-friendliness, affordability, convenience, accessibility, disinhibition,

and anonymity. Cheating online is often driven by these factors. It may be challenging to discover cyber-affairs, but this does not diminish their importance in both professional and academic settings. It is crucial for individuals involved in such behaviors, whether as participants or recipients, to recognize that the Internet brings a new dimension to couple relationships.

Excessive Internet use can have significant consequences for couples and impact their evaluation and treatment when faced with relationship failure, whether intentional or unintentional. Although text-based relationships may bring fulfillment to some individuals, more research on this subject is necessary. Barak, Fisher, Belfry, and Lashambe (1999) highlight the absence of clear evidence concerning the effects of pornography on users. Young et al (2000) emphasize the need for additional research to improve our understanding of identifying and categorizing problematic sexual activities online.

Further empirical investigation is not necessary for specific areas that involve excessive internet use and its correlation with sexuality. These areas include virtual affairs, online relationships, computer addiction, internet addiction, and internet sexual addiction. Treatment options for sex addiction consist of self-help groups, aftercare support, patient assistance, and outpatient assistance. In addition to these options, educational workshops, support groups, and family counseling programs are available to both sex addicts and their loved ones. The aim of these programs is to enhance understanding of familial dynamics and beliefs that contribute to the "addiction".

Counseling programs aim to assist sex addicts in restoring a normal and healthy sexual life, similar to how individuals with eating disorders are encouraged to develop healthy eating habits rather than completely abstaining from food like alcoholics. Nevertheless, treatment options for Internet sexual addiction are limited, and avoiding computer

use entirely may not be the most effective long-term solution due to the pervasive presence of computers and the Internet in daily life. Consequently, future research should concentrate on identifying the particular object or aspect that individuals addicted to internet sexual activity are truly addicted to if they seem addicted to the Internet itself.

Is the individual addicted to the Internet? Is it because of the accessibility, anonymity, or other features of the Internet? Or is it due to the abundance and nature of information available (such as explicit content)? Alternatively, could it be a specific online activity like cyber stalking, role-playing games, watching live sex shows, engaging in explicit conversations, etc.? It is possible that a combination of these factors contributes to this addiction. It's highly likely that the Internet serves as a platform for this "addiction" to manifest as an abnormal and unhealthy compulsion.

More research is needed to identify the risk factors for individuals vulnerable to sexual addiction on the Internet. Some examples of this research include: (1) Developing and evaluating strategies for treating Internet addiction or compulsivity. (2) The increase in Internet usage has led to more therapists and medical practitioners working with patients struggling with Internet sexual addiction (Cooper et al, 2000). (3) Studying different data collection methods from the same participant, such as ethnographic techniques, neurobiological/genetic testing, face-to-face interviews, etc. (4) Identifying specific online activities that may contribute to sex-related problems, similar to how initial drug use like marijuana can lead to harder drugs like cocaine. (5) Further exploring the structural aspects that can influence the addictive potential of certain forms of online sex addiction. (6) Examining individuals' perceptions regarding different

forms of sexual addiction. (7) Investigating risk factors and effects associated with online sexual addiction. (8) Conducting a study on risk-taking behavior and other elements related to compulsion management among online sex addicts using appropriate control measures.

Research has indicated both similarities and differences between traditional forms of sexual addiction and online sexual addiction. The text explores whether there is a connection between addiction or compulsion towards online and offline sex.The text also delves into the topic of how engaging in Internet sex addiction or compulsion can lead to harmful offline actions such as pedophilia. Research explores various elements, including examining the correlation between online sex addictions and personality disorders, mood disorders, substance abuse disorders, and other related conditions. Furthermore, studies explore the participation of minors in online sexual activities specifically regarding the potential for children and adolescents to develop an addiction to Internet sexual activities.

The text discusses a study that focuses on the impact of adult material and Internet pornography on children's engagement in sexual activities. The research suggests the need for clearer categorization of problematic online sexual activities and further investigation into the effects of availability and access. It also recommends studies that aim to prevent internet sexual addictions by using diverse respondents. The text proposes family and twin studies to identify familial risk factors while controlling for social and demographic variables. (Freeman-Longo, 2002)

References: Barak, A., Fisher, W. A., Belfry, S., & Lashambe, D. R. (1999). Sex, Guys, and Cyberspace: Effects of Internet pornography and individual differences on men’s attitudes toward women. Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality , 11 , 63-91 . Barth , R . J . , & Kinder , B.

N.

(1987). The mislabeling of sexual impulsivity. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 13, 15-23.

Carnes, P. (1999). Dr. Carnes online resources for sexual addiction recovery. (Located at http://www.sexhelp.com/)

Carnes, P. J. (1983). Out of the shadows: Understanding sexual addiction. Minneapolis : CompCare.

Carnes, P. J. (1999). Editorial : Cybersex, sexual health, and the transformation of culture. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 6, 77-78.

Coleman, E. (1986). Sexual compulsion vs. sexual addiction: The debate continues. SIECUS Report, 14(6), 7-11.

Cooper, A.& Sportolari,L.(1997) Romance in Cyberspace: Understanding online attraction.

The text provided includes citations from academic journals and a book on sexuality and the internet. These references are from CyberPsychology and Behavior, Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, as well as "Cybersex: The Dark Side of the Force" edited by A. Cooper.

Here is a unified version of the text with all preserved:

Journal of Sex Education and Therapy, 22, 7-14.

Cooper, A. (1998a). Sexuality and the Internet: Surfing into the new millennium. CyberPsychology and Behavior, 1, 181-187.

Cooper, A., Delmonico, D. & Burg, R. (2000). Cybersex users, abusers, and compulsives: New findings and implications.

In A. Cooper (Ed.), Cybersex: The Dark Side of the Force, pp. 5-29. Philadelphia: Brunner Routledge.

Cooper, A., Putnam, D.E., Planchon, L.A. & Boies, S.C. (1999). Online sexual compulsivity: Getting tangled in the net.

Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment &​​​​​​​Prevention,
6, 79-104.

Cooper, A., Scherer, C., Boies, S.C. & Gordon, B. (1999).