Internet sex addiction
A proposed sexual addiction involving harmful online sexual activity.
Internet sex addiction, also referred to as cybersex addiction, is a proposed behavioral addiction involving virtual sexual activity that leads to significant harm in physical, mental, social, or financial domains. It is considered a subset of the theorized Internet addiction disorder and encompasses behaviors such as viewing online pornography, engaging in adult fantasy chat rooms, and seeking offline sexual partners through the internet.
General
Cybersex addiction sits at the intersection of sexual addiction and Internet addiction disorder. It is considered a compulsive behavior marked by three key signs: an inability to make a conscious choice about engaging in it, a constant preoccupation with the activity, and a failure to quit even when it leads to harm. Adults with this condition take part in at least one related behavior. The reasons people try these forms of sexual expression vary widely and are often tied to underlying psychological problems or disorders. Those with low self-esteem, a badly skewed body image, untreated sexual issues, social isolation, depression, or a history of recovering from another sexual addiction are especially at risk. Other related struggles include difficulties with intimacy, self-worth, self-identity, and self-understanding. This addiction does not only affect the individual; it can also harm spouses, partners, or others close to them, leading to depression, weight gain, and lower self-esteem. If the addict has children, whether they are grown or still dependent, those children may also be affected.
DSM classification
Debate continues within the medical community regarding insufficient studies and the quality of existing research, with no repeatable, meaningful, measurable, or quantifiable analysis yet available. Consequently, no widely accepted standards or definition have been established. Internet sex addiction, like its umbrella category sexual addiction, is not listed in the DSM-5, the manual commonly used by psychiatrists in the United States for standard diagnosis.
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