Internet Cheating

Welcome to the 21st Century

Internet cheating (aka online cheating) is a real threat to almost every relationship in today's day and age. Read on to learn more about it and how you can act to end it before it starts.

Ahh, the Internet: haven of information and communication - available to you at the speed of a single mouse click. But it isn't all sunshine and rainbows that result from the development of the web...

When it comes to relationships, the internet has created a new threat, a new breed of infidelity: online cheating.

What is online cheating?

The term accurately describes the action. Online cheating (aka internet cheating) is the act/s of being unfaithful to your partner by using the Internet as your medium.

It may not sound too dangerous, but with popular social networking websites such as Myspace and Facebook, along with Instant Messaging Programs, it is all too easy for you to meet new people.

(...And for new people to find you!)

So what's the problem?

Being social is a good thing isn't it? Yes, usually that's the case. But there is a significant difference between how most people present themselves and interact with others online versus how they do in real life.

Ladies, while your boyfriend may be extremely shy and the sweetest guy you know in person, online he may maintain the role of a dirty talking ladies man that would have you asking: is my man cheating?

The risks of online cheating don't end at suggestive/dirty conversations and photo sharing.

The true risk results from these activities: an actual meeting between your partner and the other internet user (which can then lead to a possible progression into physical cheating).

Without the Internet, your girlfriend would have never met the smooth talker from the town 10 miles away; your boyfriend would have never started flirting with that cheerleader from down state and you wouldn't be wondering "is my man cheating on me"?

What's the scariest part? There is no reliable way for you to know when Internet cheating is taking place. Unlike traditional cues and hints (phone calls, messages, notes, your partner "staying late at work"), online cheating occurs behind closed doors - usually safely within a password protected account.

So what can I do?

You do have a couple of options at your disposal when dealing with the threat of online cheating.

• You can install and run software on a computer that records the activity that occurs on it (key strokes, screen shots, etc) - programs such as ***** offer this service.

A less sneaky approach is...

• Be a part of your partner's online experience. If they have a Myspace/Facebook account, make your own account - it is a fun way to spend some time when bored, plus you will be able to get a glimpse of how your partner carries themselves online as well as whom they are interacting with.

An even simpler and maybe the best approach is...

• Be a good boyfriend/girlfriend and keep your relationship healthy. By keeping in tune with your partner, you will be better able to keep them happy and meet their relationship needs - so they don't go elsewhere to have those needs fulfilled (attention, compliments, etc).

Your relationship will have a much better chance of surviving in the 21st century; it won't end due to Internet cheating.

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