LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY FOR EDUCATION

CYBERSEX ADDICTION
All internet usage activities that contain sexual content for enjoyment, entertainment,
exploration, education, trading, or seeking sexual or romantic partners are referred to as
cybersex activity.
Cybersex addiction is a non-drug addiction characterized by online sexual engagement
on the internet. Nowadays, many sex or pornographic materials are freely accessible via
internet media. It can lead to addiction, which can have a wide range of negative
consequences for users, including relationships, money, and psychiatric issues such as
serious depression and anxiety disorders.

Forms of Cybersex

 Mutual Masturbation with Cam Performers

Individuals can masturbate to a video performance online. Many websites provide this
service for a small price or even for free.
 Online Activity in Fantasy Chat Rooms
Fantasy chatrooms provide interested persons with the option to explore their sexual
fantasies and fetishes in a supposedly safe virtual environment with others who share
similar interests.
 Sexting
It is a term that refers to the act of sexual interaction combined with texting (or
communicating via some form of electronic communication involving text).
This can be done through a free or pay-to-hire service, or with a willing partner.
 Teledildonics
Teledildonics is a form of cybersex that requires the use of connected sex toys.

The Five (5) Phases of Cybersex Addiction

 Discovery Phase – users will feel pleasure while performing internet activities
related to cybersex.
 Experimental Phase – internet offers users an infinite selection and opportunity
to explore new sexual behaviors, and this leads to continuous engagement in
online sexual activities despite negative consequences.
 Escalation Phase – internet addicts get bored with the same fantasy routines
and look for a new, bigger, or more dangerous challenge. This leads to persistent
recollection of these behaviors, causing damage in their regular life and the
feeling that they require more.
 Compulsive Phase – online sexual behavior of the user is growing.
 Phase of Helplessness – addicts feel hopeless and cannot be helped. This will
then evolve into the feeling of withdrawal and relapse may also occur.
Impacts of Cybersex Addiction
1. Intimacy Issues
Intimacy is jeopardized when sexual participation becomes more animalistic than
emotionally connected, as is frequent with cybersex addiction.

2. Relationship Issues
Children of a parent or guardian who is addicted to cybersex may suffer as a result of
their parent or guardian not being present and/or constantly bickering with their spouse
or partner in front of them, potentially leading to divorce. Common acquaintances may
be completely forgotten.

3. Contributing to Forced Sex & Human Trafficking

With the amount of pornography available online, pornography showing an overseas
trafficking survivor is only a search away. Even those who would never plan to
participate in behaviors that injure a youngster or entail human trafficking do so from
time to time and are not always aware.

How to Overcome Cybersex Addiction

 Get an accountability partner

 Install filtering/monitoring software on devices
 Cancel memberships/clear devices that contain material that enables their
addiction
 Remember who you’re quitting for
 Consider participating in a support group
 Seek professional help

References:

Cybersex Addiction and Phases: https://mji.ui.ac.id/journal/index.php/mji/article/view/3464/1877

Forms and Impacts of Cybersex Addiction: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/cybersex-

addiction/