Cyber Sex addiction seems to have become a major problem in the huge internet world. So I thought it would be great to get some real facts on the subject from some great authority figures in the world of sexual behaviour.

To What Extent Can Cyber Sex Be Addictive – Dr Mark Griffiths

For many years I have been writing about sexual addictions – particularly those online. Online sexual behaviours can be classified as either cybersexual consumption (i.e., downloading and watching sexual content online such as pornography or reading sexual content in forums/chat sites without actively participating), or cybersexual interaction with others in real-time (e.g., synchronous participation in the form of text-based chat and/or video-linked conversations) or delayed (e.g., asynchronous interaction in the form of exchanging sexual content via email text, pictures and/or video). Either of these behaviours may be accompanied by concurrent masturbation. Furthermore, Internet activities with a sexual component can be problematic because (a) they manifest sexual desires that the person (or their corporeal sexual partner) disapprove of or feel guilty about, (b) they divert sexual energy from corporeal sex, or greatly distort it, and (c) because the search for the ideal online sexual material takes a great deal of time.

My research on this topic in the early 2000s also highlighted other potential usages the Internet can be put to with regards to engaging in sexual activities. These include sexual behaviours related to criminal activities, namely displaying, downloading or distributing illegal material such as paedophilic images and movies, and sexual menace online, that includes harassment and cyberstalking. Therefore, it appears necessary not only to distinguish between consumptive and interactive cybersex, but also between “normal” and deviant online sexual behaviours. Here, “deviant” refers to any behaviour that can potentially result in criminal prosecution. Therefore, it would appear that there is a wide variety of sexual activities that the Internet can be used for – some of which may take on addictive qualities as individuals begin to compulsively engage in them.

Sex on the Internet is particularly viable because of the inherent qualities of the Internet that the late Al Cooper has referred to as the Triple A Engine (Access, Affordability and Anonymity). The online world including explicit sexual material as well as potential online and offline sexual partners can be accessed anytime and anywhere, as long as there is an Internet connection in place. Most of the time, sexual activities can be pursued at virtually no cost online, clearly demarcating online sex from offline sex, considering the expenditures involved in buying sex tapes or paying for sex workers. In comparison, the costs for bandwidth access are relatively low. The internet liberates individuals from the imminent fear of engaging in something that is charged with a variety of taboos in offline life and provides the option to freely explore their (sexual) selves.

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Causes and Signs of Cybersex Addiction – Sexual Recovery Institute

Although it’s a “virtual” sexual encounter, the addictive power and destructive capacities of cybersex are still very real. The growth in Internet technologies has spurred thousands of new sex and pornography websites that can be accessed from anywhere, anytime with anonymity, creating an environment where millions of adults find themselves addicted to cybersex.

Cybersex can include viewing sexual images or content online, talking about the material with others online, or engaging in two-way conversations about sex acts. It can also include the use of Web cameras to engage in sexual acts with another partner online.

Why the Spread of Cybersex Addiction?

One of the causes for growth in cybersex addiction is dramatically increased accessibility to online resources. The growth of smarthphone technology has made it increasingly difficult to know who is participating in cybersex, allowing more access in environments like the workplace. Internet cafes and wireless Internet connections from bars, restaurants, libraries and other locations are also contributing to cybersex addictions across all demographic groups.

Another reason people may become involved in cybersex is that it allows people to create a made-up world, portray a new identity, and escape their present environment. Consequences like sexually transmitted diseases hold almost no risk, and a person can view thousands of different sexual partners or materials with the false belief that the activity is harmless.

Similarly, people engage in cybersex because they feel they can experiment sexually without anyone knowing their true identity, providing what they believe to be a safer environment than a paid sex establishment. They can also portray a version of themselves that’s a different gender or age, adding to an element of secrecy. Experiences with cybersex can also cost less than paying for other sexual services – another reason people easily become addicted.

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Males have always dominated the cyber sex arena but it seems the girls have started to get in on the act.

The Emergence of Female Sex Addiction – By Ross Rosenbeg, M.Ed., LCPC, CADC

Unlike alcohol or drug addiction, there is still no formal diagnosis for sex addiction. To make matters worse, female sex and love addiction is similarly not recognized as a bona fide addiction disorder. However, most addiction specialists agree that it has risen to “epidemic” proportions (R. Weiss, 2011).The term “sex addiction” was coined by Patrick Carnes. Carnes first used the term in his 1983 seminal book on the topic: “Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction.” Carnes is largely responsible for popularizing the study and treatment of sex addiction, as well as establishing a valid and commonly used diagnosis.

Because most statistics are based on sex addicts who seek treatment, statistical representation of this disorder is considered to be low. Women are less likely than a man to seek help for her problem sexual behavior for a variety of reasons – mostly related to shame. (Weiss 2011). Research and treatment fields have directed little attention to women’s struggle with this addiction. Other than an early treatment by Charlotte Kasl (author of Women, Sex, and Addiction: A Search for Love and Power) and some writings by Carol Ross and Jennifer Schneider, sex addiction in women has been largely ignored (Feree, 2001). According to Carnes, 3% of the total U.S. population is female sex addicts. In other words, of all American sex addicts, 37.5% are female. Carnes’ research also indicates that approximately 20% of those seeking help are female. This statistic is consistent with similar statistics regarding females seeking alcohol treatment (Carnes, 1983). According to Robert Weiss (2011), an international sexual addiction expert, author, educator and founder of the Sexual Recovery Institute, 8 to 12% of those seeking sexual addiction treatment are women.

Statistical support for the prevalence of sex addiction is starting to build. According to Dr. Patrick Carnes, a nationally known speaker and expert on sex addiction issues and recovery, estimates that 5-8% of Americans are sex addicts. The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity estimates that between 6-8% of Americans are addicted to sex. Mary Ann Miller, a psychologist who founded the Chicago chapter of Sexual Addicts Anonymous (SAA), estimates that up to 6% of Americans are (sex) addicts. Robert Weiss, another well-known expert and founder of the Sexual Recovery Institute, guesses that 3-5% of the U.S. population suffers from sexual addiction. The Mayo Clinic estimates that 3-6% of adults in the United States are sex addicts.

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It will be interesting to see to see the figures in a couple of years time to see if it increases. I think it will as there are so many great cyber sex sites out there it will be hard to not to get addicted. After all, sex makes you feel good doesn’t it, and especially in the current climate where you can’t afford to go out anywhere. Sitting down in front of the computer to get your sexual needs satisfied will be your safest and cheapest option.