Increased usage of the Internet has given rise to a new challenge to marriages: That of online infidelity, which is perceived to be as traumatic as actual infidelity. This article highlights the negative impact of online infidelity on marital relationship and its detrimental effect on the mental health of the offended spouse using a case vignette. The article discusses the importance of marital therapy in dealing with the factors contributing to online infidelity and in rebuilding marital trust. Infidelity is commonly understood as a violation of the marital agreement, a betrayal of one's trust, and a threat to the marital bond.
The discovery that your partner is having an affair can be upsetting. But if it is an online affair, it can also be confusing and bring up many questions. You might wonder if it meets the definition of real infidelity, why they sought an online affair when you were available, and what is appealing about having a virtual affair. Online affairs can be difficult for both the injured partner to understand, as well as for the therapists who work with them as they may be more accustomed to helping clients work through in-person affairs.
Sharing personal information brings people closer together. Verified by Psychology Today. Love, Digitally. How do we feel about someone who leaves their wedding ring at home when they go out?
But if we take online communication seriously, and respect the power of imagination, there is nothing funny about it. In fact, it is simply a new manifestation of a problem that has been known to spiritual teachers for centuries. But first a bit of background.