An online affair, or cyber affair, is generally considered aform of cheating.
Cyber affairs are secret extramarital relationships that include intimate and sexual undertones.
They’re conducted online through chat, email, or social media, or they can happen viasexting.
Artur Debat / Getty Images
What sometimes starts out as friendly online banter can sometimes morph into something else.
Or it might involve reconnecting with an old acquaintance on social media that quietly turns into something more serious.
Ultimately, a cyber affair could cause a breakup or divorce.
If you’re worried, learning more about some signs of an online affair can be helpful.
One clue would be that you notice an excessive amount of time spent on the computer and similar devices.
But there are other, less obvious signs.
This can translate into intimacy issues as well.
Your Spouse’s Behavior Has Changed
Sudden, unexplained changes in behavior can indicate infidelity.
They may also react bytelling lies.
In many cases, the exact behaviors and examples all come down to your relationship boundaries.
Inappropriate texting, sending flirtatious messages, and using dating apps might, however, typically cross the line.
Some behaviors that you might consider signs of an online affair include:
What Causes Online Affairs?
Like other forms of infidelity, there are many reasons why people engage in online affairs.
There could also be an underlying mental health issue or even an addiction involved.
Your spouse must be willing to end this affair immediately if it is happening.
Ask your spouse for honest communication to fix the hurt andrebuild trust.
You both will need to agree to communicate about the impact that the affair has had on your relationship.
2019;13(2):237-252. doi:10.5964/ijpr.v13i2.376
American Psychological Association.Are internet affairs different?
Brasseur P, Finez J.Performing amateurism: a study of camgirls work.
In: Naulin S, Jourdain A, eds.The Social Meaning of Extra Money.