Online Infidelity Research Articles

Disability and infidelity with a cross-cultural couple: an emotionally focused therapy case study

ABSTRACT This clinical case study delves into the therapeutic process of a cross-cultural couple, facing the intersection of disability and infidelity concerns. This intersection illuminates the intricate dynamics that arise when couples navigate both the complexities of disability and the emotional turmoil associated with infidelity. Utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), case intervention unfolded through three distinct stages, revealing intricate emotional dynamics, attachment styles, and communication patterns. The study explores the couples’ narrative, negative interaction cycles, and distinct emotional processing styles, considering complicating factors such as immigration challenges, cultural norms, and online infidelity. To strengthen bonds, the therapeutic approach promotes cultural sensitivity, intersectionality, and emotional connection. Despite time constraints and visa issues, the study highlights the efficacy of EFT in navigating the complexities of this cross-cultural couple. This case study contributes to the existing literature by examining the interplay of disability, infidelity, and cultural diversity within the framework of couples’ therapy.

The phenomenon of online infidelity in dyadic relationships

The article considers such a phenomenon of modern partnerships as online infidelity. The problems and relevance of online infidelity research in foreign and domestic literature are described. An attempt to operationalise and separate the concepts of microchange and online infidelity (cyber infidelity) is presented. The results of the aerobatic study with the help of an unstructured interview and a survey on the topic of online infidelity in partnerships between men and women are presented.

COVID-19, Family and Love Relationships: Perception of Stress, Relational Quality, Family Functioning and Online Infidelity Behaviors

The world has been facing a pandemic crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 disease. In Portugal, there were several waves of the pandemic, characterized by peaks of infections and deaths, as well as several measures that had an impact on the way people feel and relate. The main objective of the present investigation was to analyze stress during the pandemic, and its relationship with family functioning, perceived relational quality and online infidelity behaviors. 234 subjects participated, aged between 18 and 61 years. The study results indicate moderate to severe levels of stress, and these were significantly related to online infidelity behaviors. A total of 9.4% of the sample engaged in online infidelity behaviors during the pandemic period (between March 2020 and May 2021) and 13.4% of these behaviors were predicted by the variables under study. It was concluded that stress and relational quality are risk factors for online infidelity behaviors. Stress is also related to the dysfunctional dimensions of family functioning. In the aftermath of the pandemic, various aspects of the relationship may have been affected by the levels of stress felt, and culminated in online infidelity behaviors and family dysfunction. The results suggest the importance of relationships as a protective factor against pandemic changes, but also the need to work on relational aspects in times of crisis.

Pathways to online infidelity: the roles of perceived online dating success, perceived availability of alternative partners, and mate value discrepancy

Online dating applications have become increasingly popular in recent years and a common way for relationship initiation. However, the potential implications of online dating applications for long-term relationships are not well-understood. To further the literature in this field, this study aimed to examine the association between perceived online dating success and online infidelity-related behaviours by considering two possible indirect paths through perceived number of alternative partners or mate value discrepancy (i.e., mate value relative to one’s partner) and attention to alternatives. A total of 338 individuals that were currently in an exclusive long-term relationship participated in this study. A serial mediation analysis with two parallel paths revealed that perceived online dating success is associated with higher perceived availability of alternative partners and higher mate value relative to one’s partner, both of which are associated with attention to alternatives that, in turn, increases engagement in online infidelity-related behaviours. No direct association between perceived online dating success and online infidelity-related behaviours was found.

Factors Affecting Online Infidelity: A Review

Online infidelity has been a topic of discussion for the past two decades. Hence, while it is on the agenda of current researches, the associated factors of online infidelity have not yet been sufficiently clarified. The current review examines factors affecting online infidelity in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. In the review the studies were included considering the criteria of (i) being an empirical study, (ii) being written in Turkish or English, (iii) being published in peer-reviewed journals (iv), evaluating at least one factor that may affect online infidelity. Eight studies which include factors affecting online infidelity were examined and the findings of these studies were evaluated. More positive attitudes towards infidelity, lower relationship commitment, higher quality of alternative partners, lower marital quality, higher loneliness, lower relationship satisfaction, higher relationship uncertainty, anxious and avoidant attachment, and being in a strong position were found significantly associated with online infidelity.

Sexual Orientation and Infidelity-Related Behaviors on Social Media Sites

Little research has been focused on offline or online infidelity in GL dating relationships, especially in a post-communist socio-cultural context. Infidelity-related (IR) behaviors on social media sites might be as hurtful to relationships as offline infidelity, both in gay, lesbian (GL) and heterosexual romantic monogamous relationships. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to examine the associations between dyadic satisfaction, attitudes toward infidelity, and problematic internet usage, with IR behaviors on social media sites among GL and heterosexual unmarried individuals in Romanian sexual minority communities. Results showed that GL respondents did not significantly differ from heterosexual participants regarding IR behaviors. Furthermore, we found the main effect of attitudes toward infidelity and problematic internet use on IR behaviors. Sexual orientation highlights the main effect of IR behaviors when analyzed with dyadic satisfaction. The current study may be a precursor to further research investigating correlations in online IR behavior among lesbian and gay individuals engaging in consensual nonmonogamy. Implications of the findings are discussed in the social context of a post-communist country where GL individuals may face discrimination and stigma because of their sexual orientation.

“But it wasn't really cheating”: Dark Triad traits and perceptions of infidelity

Infidelity constitutes a threat to those in exclusive romantic relationships and may lead to relationship dissolution. There is, however, substantial variation with regards to the acts that are or are not considered to be infidelity. In the present study, we investigate the relationship between Dark Triad traits and the acts perceived to constitute infidelity. Five categories of infidelity are considered; online infidelity, fantasized infidelity, emotional infidelity, sexual infidelity, and hidden attachment. Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism and primary psychopathy) predicted the extent to which specific acts were perceived to constitute infidelity when controlling for demographic factors and personal experience of infidelity. In particular, those high on Machiavellianism were less likely to perceive fantasizing and expressed emotion as infidelity. Those high on primary psychopathy were more likely to perceive fantasizing and emotional expression as infidelity and less likely to consider sexual acts or hidden attachment as indicators of infidelity.

Is Infidelity Predictable? Using Explainable Machine Learning to Identify the Most Important Predictors of Infidelity

ABSTRACT Infidelity can be a disruptive event in a romantic relationship with a devastating impact on both partners’ well-being. Thus, there are benefits to identifying factors that can explain or predict infidelity, but prior research has not utilized methods that would provide the relative importance of each predictor. We used a machine learning algorithm, random forest (a type of interpretable highly non-linear decision tree), to predict in-person and online infidelity across two studies (one individual and one dyadic, N = 1,295). We also used a game theoretic explanation technique, Shapley values, which allowed us to estimate the effect size of each predictor variable on infidelity. The present study showed that infidelity was somewhat predictable overall and interpersonal factors such as relationship satisfaction, love, desire, and relationship length were the most predictive of online and in person infidelity. The results suggest that addressing relationship difficulties early in the relationship may help prevent infidelity.

Justify my love: Cognitive dissonance reduction among perpetrators of online and offline infidelity

A longitudinal survey study was conducted to examine which strategies for reducing cognitive dissonance were used among men engaging in infidelity. Data were collected in two waves, 1 month apart ( ntime1 = 1514, ntime2 = 425), from a sample of male users of Ashley Madison, a “married dating” site targeting users who are seeking to engage in infidelity. Because perpetrators of infidelity may justify their behaviors differently depending on whether they cheated in an online environment, both online and offline infidelity behaviors were considered. Results indicated that attitude change and self-concept change were positively related to online infidelity, while only self-concept change was positively related to offline infidelity, suggesting their differential effectiveness for various communication media. Self-concept change, attitude change, and denial of responsibility were negatively related to psychological discomfort and perceived negative impact at time 2, indicating their relative success for reducing negative psychological outcomes compared to other strategies such as adding consonant cognitions.

Exploring Links Between Online Infidelity, Mate Poaching Intentions, and the Likelihood of Meeting Offline.

This study examines digitally enabled mate poaching on Ashley Madison, an online dating platform for extradyadic affairs. To explore mate poaching as a potential explanation for what drives users of Ashley Madison to transition their online relationships to offline encounters, we conducted a multinational survey of 1,676 users (88.5 percent male, Mage = 50.98). Participants provided open-ended data about their mate poaching objectives, which ranged from short-term sexual encounters to long-term sexual and emotional affairs and new exclusive relationships. Structural equation modeling showed that participants' attitudes toward online infidelity predicted whether they would consider meeting someone from the website in person. Mate poaching intentions also mediated the effect of attitudes toward online infidelity on the likelihood of meeting another user face to face in the future. The results extend evolutionary theories of mate poaching to the digital dating environment and demonstrate the value of these perspectives for explaining relationship initiation practices on infidelity websites.

Experiences after infidelity via internet communication: Surveillance, ambivalence, and termination

Infidelity is a challenging but prominent issue in couple therapy. In addition to the negative outcomes, clinicians generally report that infidelity is the second most difficult problem to treat after intimate partner violence. The purpose of this study was to identify the recovery process in the betrayed (non-participating) partner. Specifically, we sought to identify the implications of online infidelity (infidelity that occurs through Internet modalities, such as social media messaging, direct messages, etc.) on the betrayed partner during recovery. Across three focus groups of those in dating relationships, we identified an eight-stage process through the lens of the betrayed partner: intuition, investigation, discovery, confrontation, response, forgiveness/limbo, termination, and new rules. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

THE NECESSITY OF COUPLE EDUCATION REGARDING THE IMPACT OF ONLINE INFIDELITY ON ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS

The main objective of this study was to investigate behavioural and emotional cues that could predict engaging in unfaithful behaviour online. Starting from the use and gratification theory, this study shows how people satisfy certain personal needs which are not fulfilled in their romantic relationships using social networks. A number of 250 participants, (N = 250) completed the SONTUS scale of time spent on social networks, the TILES scale, which reports the interference of technology in everyday life, and the SMIRB scale for online infidelity. Time spent on social networks and the interference of technology in everyday life predict infidelity in the online environment. It is necessary to educate couples on this subject.

Perceptions of infidelity: A comparison of sexual, emotional, cyber-, and parasocial behaviors

Previous research indicates that extradyadic sexual behaviors and other behaviors including emotional infidelity, pornography use, and online infidelity are considered to be acts of betrayal. However, perceptions of infidelity occurring through social media and of romantic parasocial relationships (one-sided romantic attachments formed with media figures) have not been well researched. In two exploratory studies, I examined a) the extent to which participants rated parasocial, sexual, emotional, and social media behaviors as infidelity, and b) how hurtful these behaviors would be if a partner were to enact them. I also examined how often participants reported having been negatively affected by their partner’s parasocial romances. Results indicate that activities such as sexting and sexy Snapchatting are perceived similarly to both cybersex and physical sexual infidelity, and that parasocial infidelity is seen similarly to pornography use. These similarities apply to whether the acts are seen as infidelity, and in terms of the emotional pain the acts may cause. These results indicate that extradyadic social media and parasocial behaviors can be negatively perceived, and may be likely to negatively affect real-life romantic relationships.

Internet Affairs: Partners’ Perceptions and Experiences of Internet Infidelity

This study utilizes an online survey (open and closed questions) to examine how those whose partners’ have engaged in online affairs define and experience online infidelity. As with offline affairs, respondents were most likely to define sexual (vs. emotional) behaviors as infidelity (e.g., cybersex, exchanging sexual self-images, sharing sexual fantasies online). However, thematic analysis of the qualitative data identified how online behaviors and spaces are confusing and that infidelity is defined more broadly and fluidly in the online context. This potentially explains why participants saw the Internet as facilitating affairs. Findings are discussed in relation to existing literature and study limitations.

The Role of Online Infidelity Behaviors in the Link between Mental Illness and Social Media Intrusion

Online social interactions can potentially benefit users. Excessive use and certain behaviors, however, may cause interpersonal problems and promote toxic behaviors such as stalking. The present study explored the link between mental health status and social media intrusion (addiction) in a sample of 243 married/cohabiting romantic partners (female 177, male 66). The sample was divided into two groups based on the diagnosis or nondiagnosis of mental/emotional illness. We also tested a mediation model to examine whether social networking sites (SNS) related infidelity behaviors mediate the link between mental health and social media intrusion. The results revealed that there is a positive relationship between mental illness and SNS intrusion, and SNS related infidelity behaviors partially mediated this relationship. These findings suggest that partners should be cautious when making friends online and should take proactive steps to avoid the possibility of engaging in infidelity behaviors. Therapeutic implications and limitations of the study are discussed.

The influence of power on online sexual activities among Chinese men and women in committed relationships

Power has been empirically demonstrated to influence infidelity. This study investigated the influence of power on online sexual activity (OSA), as a form of online infidelity, among Chinese men and women in committed relationships. We also explored the potential mediating effect of attitude toward infidelity on the relationship between power and OSA. We hypothesized that powerful individuals would engage in OSA more frequently than would less powerful individuals. Participants (N = 425) completed questionnaires assessing their OSA experience within the past 12 months, as well as their own sense of power and their attitude toward infidelity. The OSAs were categorized as viewing sexually explicit material, sexual partner seeking, cybersex, and flirting. Three aspects of power were measured: position, perceived power, and sense of power. The results showed that individuals with higher positions engaged in all types of OSA more frequently than did individuals with lower positions. Power, a latent variable comprising perceived power and sense of power, also significantly predicted OSA, while attitude toward infidelity played a mediating role in this relationship. The findings demonstrate a common mechanism underlying the effect of power on both offline and online infidelity.

Marital Quality, Loneliness, and Internet Infidelity.

The rapid development of information technology, such as the Internet and social networks, lead to an increasing number of online relationships in the world and caused some problems for families and society. One of these problems is extramarital relationships that occur through the Internet and social networks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between marital quality and Internet infidelity by considering the role of loneliness. Participants comprised a total of 406 (190 female and 216 male) married persons, who responded to Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S), Internet Infidelity Questionnaire (IIQ), and Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS). The structural model showed that marital quality has negative correlation with loneliness and online infidelity and loneliness has positive correlation with online infidelity. Results also showed that loneliness has a mediating role in the relationship between marital quality and online infidelity.

Infidelity and the Internet: The Geography of Ashley Madison Usership in the United States

Ashley Madison(.com) has earned several million dollars facilitating extramarital affairs online; however, the market determinants of online infidelity matchmaking have not been researched. The now‐infamous customer data breach in 2015 provided a unique opportunity to analyze a large population of individuals (N=702,309) who paid to engage in extramarital affairs using Ashley Madison. Aggregating this sensitive data into spatial units, we measured the relationship between several theorized market determinants and Ashley Madison subscription and spending rates in major United States markets. We found income is the leading market determinant for internet‐facilitated infidelity, indicating the service behaves as a luxury good; further, several characteristics related to infidelity at the individual‐level were also significant, including the negative relationship between religiosity and infidelity. Strong regression model performance suggests these results are robust insights into the market for online infidelity‐matchmaking.

Relationship quality predicts online sexual activities among Chinese heterosexual men and women in committed relationships

In this study, we examined the online sexual activities (OSAs) of Chinese men and women in committed relationships, with a focus on the characteristics of OSAs and the factors prompting men and women with steady partners to engage in OSAs. OSAs herein were categorized as viewing sexually explicit material (SEM), sexual partner seeking, cybersex, and online flirting. We hypothesized that individuals not satisfied with their current relationship would seek gratification via OSAs. Participants (N = 344) completed measures of OSA experience within the past 12 months and relationship quality (i.e., relationship satisfaction, adult attachment, and communication patterns). Almost 89% of the participants reported OSA experiences in the past 12 months even when they had a real-life partner. Men showed higher rates and frequencies of engaging in all subtypes of OSAs compared to women. As predicted, individuals with lower relationship quality in real life, including low relationship satisfaction, insecure attachment, and negative communication patterns, engaged in OSAs more frequently. Overall, our results suggest that variables influencing offline infidelity may also influence online infidelity.

Love thy neighbour: Personality traits, relationship quality, and attraction to others as predictors of infidelity among young adults

Infidelity is defined as the violation of a couple's assumed or stated agreement concerning emotional and/or sexual exclusivity. The current study examined the utility of personality traits (i.e., the Big Five and SIS/SES - an individual's sexual response to sexual desires, arousal, and behaviours are based on the balance between sexual excitation and sexual inhibition; Bancroft & Janssen, 2000) relative to relationship quality and attraction to others in predicting reports of infidelity among a sample of young adults (ages 18–26 years). A total of 131 men and 164 women from the US who reported being in a romantic relationship were recruited using MTurk®, an online crowdsourcing survey tool. Participants completed a series of measures assessing demographics, relationship quality and investment, sexual experience, sexual attitudes, attraction to others, and personality traits, including the Big Five and SIS/SES. A notable minority (16.6%) of participants reported at least one occasion of past infidelity during their current romantic relationship (yes/no reports); however, reports of infidelity increased significantly when individuals reported actual sexual, romantic, and online infidelity activities (78.6%). Personality traits within the Big Five and SIS/SES models were not significant predictors of infidelity. With each occurrence of emotional attraction to a person other than their current partner, the odds of reporting infidelity increased by 51.6%. The findings are discussed in terms of implications for counselling and education regarding infidelity, as well as continued research on risk factors for infidelity among young adults.