Digital infidelity has gained a lot of popularity among today’s internet generation. A lot of sex researchers have reported that digital infidelity is continuously on the rise.
But what is digital infidelity and why does it seem to be so tempting for this generation?
We can define digital infidelity as a type of cheating that people perpetrate using various digital platforms. In simple terms, it is crossing marital boundaries by using social media networks and other mediums of digital communication.
Modern advanced technology and the use of the internet have even led to changes in human relationships. It is all due to the portable nature of mobile devices that people are not available online, but they also have a lot of options to choose from and communicate with.
Online infidelity can occur anytime, anywhere. People nowadays are very much active on social media networks, and it has made online infidelity even possible when your unknowing spouse is sitting just next to you.
Because there is a physical separation, a lot of couples do not consider ‘digital infidelity’ as real infidelity but it does not make any less emotional damage than physical cheating.
How social media networks have redefined the rules of infidelity?
Social media evolution has brought various changes to almost every aspect of our daily lives. Popular social media networks like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, etc. have become a vital part of everything from our workplaces to our personal lives. Now, we can even see the effect of social media on our romantic relationships.
Previously, unfaithful behaviors in romantic relationships were very much clear-cut but the growth of social media and online communication has started to rewrite the rules of infidelity. Social media sites have made it easy to message someone new and forge a connection with them.
If you are messed up with your relationship and wondering where your relationship stands in such confusing times, then we have got you covered with everything that you are looking for. Here is how digital infidelity and social media are co-related.
There is a false sense of security encouraging digital infidelity
Infidelity through social media happens behind the screen so those who engage in it have a false sense of security. This often encourages people to cross the limits of what is acceptable within a relationship. Earlier, people needed to sneak off to some secret place to have an affair but with the introduction of social media, present-day lovers can exchange intimate photos or messages to fulfill their desires.
Exchanging messages via social media networks is an act of unfaithfulness that is not leaving the online world anytime soon because people often do not take it seriously like the physical act of betrayal.
Digital infidelity might occur because of a perceived lack of consequences
Online cheating takes the form of words on a screen, so it might not feel as real as a physical affair. This creates an illusion in the minds of people that there are no real consequences of an online affair. Disloyal partners often assume that online infidelity is less likely to be detected by their real-world partner; hence, there will not be any repercussions for their actions.
Unlike physical infidelity which usually leaves a trail of sensory signals that alerts the significant other, infidelity through social media is less likely to get caught because it is completely absent from the real world. If the disloyal partner succeeds in keeping their communication gadgets hidden from their partner’s view, then there are no chances of getting caught. This perceived lack of consequences permits people to have an affair through social media.
What actions can you take to avoid online infidelity through social media?
To avoid social media infidelity and maintain a healthy relationship the couples should have the ‘techlationship talk’ openly. This covers the important aspects of social media used while having a romantic real-world relationship.
Is there any person who is not acceptable? – Discuss with your partner whether some old flames, some specific co-workers, clients, or unknown personalities should be added to your social media handles or not.
Set certain off limits per day – Consider setting some particular times of day during which both of you will not log into any of your social media handles.
Avoid channels out of bounds – You need to have an open discussion with your partner about whether it is acceptable to have private conversations with all your online friends or if there are certain online connections with whom you should communicate through a public newsfeed.
How to cope with social media infidelity?
Social media infidelity has become a growing trend. Whether you are guilty of engaging in an online affair or a victim of it, you must know the correct ways to cope with it in a good and productive way.
If you feel your significant other is cheating on you then it is important to first share your feelings with them. This is essential to build a sense of openness and transparency in your relationship. If your partner does not answer your questions or tries to avoid you, then this is a major red flag.
If you are the one engaging in online affairs via social media and cheating on your partner, then you must be honest with your partner. Your significant other deserves to know the truth even if it was a case of digital infidelity.
An online affair also has a chance of causing lasting harm to a relationship or even a whole family. You should consider a proper investigation before proceeding with any decisions. People engaged in social media infidelity often tend to be angry with their real-life partner which might hurt them a lot. If you become such a victim, you must connect with a private detective to help you be sure of what is going on in your relationship.