Cybersex

Please note that this blog may contain material that some may find offensive

The other day my mum and i were talking about pornography on the internet. She recalled helping me with a 'miniature project' on eyes when i was in grade 3. We went on the computer together and put in what we thought were appropriate key words into google to research the topic. Immediately links to pornography sites popped up. At the time I did not notice as my mother quickly navigated me away from the pages, but it is quite evident that when using the internet, it is very difficult to avoid sexually explicit material.

I believe engaging in cybersex through chat sites is perfectly fine if it is consensual and both parties are of age. However there are problems. How do you know who you are engaging in cybersex with? You may think you are chatting with Tracy the hot supermodel, when in fact, Donald the 50 year old overweight nerd who doesn't hold hygiene as a high priority is on the other end on the line.

Second Life is known for its online sex activity. The only 'no no' in Second life is creating child avatars to engage in sexual acts with. Censorship is a major issue. Ultimately I believe it is the person who is providing the access to the information on the internet that is responsible. For example, if a teenager is accessing pornography on their home computer, then it is the care givers responsibility to censor the information available to them.

Digital representations of people engaging in cybersex are very unrealistic of the average man or woman and typically represent a porn star image. People who engage in cybersex may have more of a sense of confidence and security because they can portray themselves the exact way they want to be perceived. There are no excess body hair or dimply thighs.

We have all heard of people being addicted to sex, and cybersex is no different. In fact the internet just provides another outlet for people addicted to sex to satisfy their cravings. But if you are married and engaging in cybersex with strangers, are you cheating? I would argue yes. A sexual act is a sexual act weather it involves physical contact with another person or not.

There are serious risks with cybersex and pornography, like sex offenders taking advantage of children, or simply children stumbling across inappropriate material. However, there are some people who are cashing in. There are online prostitutes in communities such as Second Life who engage in virtual sexual activities in exchange for money.

In summary, i believe there is nothing wrong with cybersex or online pornography, if it does not contain any illegal activity, is properly censored, contains the appropriate warnings and is accessed by adults. However, it is very difficult to enforce these rules.