Internet Sex Addiction (ISA) or pornography is a term used to describe the practice of an individual when he/she views, downloads, and trades in web-based pornography or participates in role play rooms meant to satisfy adult fantasy. Current studies reveal that the widespread availability and accessibility to online sexually explicit content has made ISA the most ordinary type of behavioral problem setback among Internet users (Young, 2008).
According to various researchers, there are a number of reasons people have sexually addictive manners and conduct. Increased sexuality on the Internet has been facilitated by three major causes, also known as Triple A Engine. These factors include accessibility, affordability and anonymity. Accessibility of innumerable adult sites makes it convenient for sexual addicts to access and view pornographic material 24/7. Accessibility to free sex and its increased demand has made many sites to keep their prices affordable or free of cost so that more people can visit their sites and view adult content. Lastly, the opportunity of remain anonymous at such sites has also increased viewership of Internet pornography. Triple A Engine components have increased the “risk factors for Internet users who already have a problem with sexual compulsivity or to those who have psychological vulnerabilities rendering them at risk for developing such compulsivity” (Young, 2008).
People with emotional problems have a greater tendency to go online and satisfy their sexual needs by watching pornographic videos and images or involve in sexual conversations. They do so in order to fill the void in their soul due to anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Internet sex addiction works as a temporary distraction for them. Similarly, cyberspace sexual connections are also developed by individuals who are not confident or isolated from the real world. Thus, electronic communication and the related anonymity make it convenient for sex addicts to have their sexual fantasies fulfilled (Young, 2008).
References
Cooper, A. (1998). Sexuality and the Internet: Surfing into the New Millennium. Cyber Psychology & Behavior, 1, 187-193.
Young, K. (2008). Internet Sex Addiction: Risk Factors, Stages of Development, and Treatment. American Behavioral Scientist, 52(01), 21-37.
