Cheating on the Internet

It may seem harmless, but cheating on the Internet is just as serious as cheating in the flesh. People say it is harmless because they feel that there are no victims when married partners engage in virtual sex while chatting with others online.

Psychologist Kimberly Young, author of Tangled in the Web, says "I've discovered that people were getting hooked on the Internet the way people are addicted to drugs or alcohol," says Dr. Young. "There are many stories of Internet infidelity that I've come across, and every couple's definition of cheating is different; some people believe that chatting on the Internet isn't cheating until they are at the point when they cross that boundary and they are going to meet the person."

How do you know when someone in you life is cheating on the Internet?

Young says, "A major sign that the online relationship is getting out of control is when the spouse is spending so much time around the computer that he doesn't go out with the spouse any more."

According to relationship experts, these are the common signs of an Internet affair:

* He is spending a huge amount of time on the Internet, especially time that used to be spent with you.

* He abruptly stops typing or turns off the computer in your presence.

* Your mate does not like to check his e-mail in front of you, or if he keeps multiple e-mail accounts.

* He has several unexpected meetings with people you don't know.

* Your mate regularly visits dating sites on the Internet.

* There are unusual credit card charges from unknown Internet merchants.

Alibi merchants have sprung up all over the internet. These companies supply realistic alibis--complete with supporting documentation--for straying spouses. A number of Internet companies sell computer software programs that promise to erase every site you visit, every file you open, and every person you've ever e-mailed for good. Which also means that reading your lover's old e-mails, or monitoring their online chats and downloading activity may be a thing of the past.