The internet doesn't actually make people cheat, people choose to cheat. However, the internet does make it very enticing, easy, and accessible to cheat on your partner. This is probably one of the reasons why websites such as Ashley Madison has millions of subscribers and one of the reasons why it is such a hot topic when individuals were exposed in connection to the website. So married people actually want to cheat on their spouse? This is unheard of, right? Although I'm not all surprised abut the popularity of such a website, I am surprised that people still think they can stay anonymous on the internet. Unfortunately it's that belief about anonymity which can fuel the cheating behavior.
It's really no surprise that married people would be interested in a place where they can "cheat" or "be with other people" who are not their spouse. Luckily not everyone acts on this feeling, thought, impulse, or whatever you want to call it. Unfortunately that still leaves millions of people who do act on this. So what is the allure of these websites or cheating on the internet? This is the real question this blog will address.
These websites sell a fantasy. The websites are created so when you access them, you will fill them with your fantasies. Being anonymous is just one piece of the fantasy because it allows uninhibited thoughts or behaviors to emerge. A perfect example is the mean comments or tweets people write everyday. Honestly, some of these mean things would never be said to a person's face but on the internet, it's safe. This essentially becomes a world without negative consequences. Who wouldn't want that? But the reality remains that there is a thin line between fantasy and reality, and eventually fantasies come to an end. Either because you want to make them real or because they have been discovered by real people in your life. I think the inconvenient truth here is that there are always real consequences to all behavior, whether these behaviors are enacted to fulfill a fantasy or not. So consider this: if your fantasy is important then why not share it with your partner so it can become reality or why even have a partner? And if it's not important, then why is it worth lying and risking your relationship? What are the real consequences you are willing to face for your fantasy?
It's really no surprise that married people would be interested in a place where they can "cheat" or "be with other people" who are not their spouse. Luckily not everyone acts on this feeling, thought, impulse, or whatever you want to call it. Unfortunately that still leaves millions of people who do act on this. So what is the allure of these websites or cheating on the internet? This is the real question this blog will address.
These websites sell a fantasy. The websites are created so when you access them, you will fill them with your fantasies. Being anonymous is just one piece of the fantasy because it allows uninhibited thoughts or behaviors to emerge. A perfect example is the mean comments or tweets people write everyday. Honestly, some of these mean things would never be said to a person's face but on the internet, it's safe. This essentially becomes a world without negative consequences. Who wouldn't want that? But the reality remains that there is a thin line between fantasy and reality, and eventually fantasies come to an end. Either because you want to make them real or because they have been discovered by real people in your life. I think the inconvenient truth here is that there are always real consequences to all behavior, whether these behaviors are enacted to fulfill a fantasy or not. So consider this: if your fantasy is important then why not share it with your partner so it can become reality or why even have a partner? And if it's not important, then why is it worth lying and risking your relationship? What are the real consequences you are willing to face for your fantasy?
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