Internet Infidelity

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(1) How Internet infidelity can be harmful to a relationship. Are there instances where Internet infidelity is not harmful?

Online transmission involves synchronous (e.g. chat rooms and video conferences) and anachronous (e-mails) communications. Particular to online counseling there are several benefits for individuals to use this technology that includes: (a) anonymity, (b) convenience, and (c) time-delay (Richards and Viango, 2008). In other instances, individuals reluctant to see a counselor face-to-face can do so under the cover of anonymity. Additionally, from a multicultural perspective, clients from diverse backgrounds avoid the pressure from cultural and/or language barriers. However, the use of online technology, particularly chat rooms has caused a larger societal problem. In Internet Infidelity. Mileham (2007 has conceptualized this particular term to describe those who are in committed relationships but also who use chat rooms. Online fidelity in internet chat rooms has become commonplace. According to Mileham (2007), individuals are developing long-term relationships on the Internet, despite being married. Milham conducted a study that examined the phenomenon of online infidelity in chat rooms.

Mileham (2007) sought the answer to four questions regarding online fidelity: (1) what online fidelity involves, (2) how it happens, (3) what leads individuals to the computer in search of relationships, and (4) why online chatting is considered infidelity, and what dynamics chat room users experience in their marriage. Mileham (2007) found three reasons to provide an answer to these questions that were based upon into three theoretical constructs ...