The rise of social media such as Facebook and Twitter has led to an increase in digital infidelity, a study has suggested. Digital infidelity “is the kind of cheating that is increasing,” because it is easier.
Researchers from the University of Indiana found that people in relationships are using new technology to stay in touch with potential replacements for their partners. Studies suggest that using Facebook can damage a relationship, and that married people who use the site regularly are more likely to divorce.
Those surveyed during the study admitted to exchanging romantic or sexual messages with an average of two people who were not their partner. The study found that men are twice as likely to do this although, keeping a “potential replacement” was found to be prevalent among both genders.
New research suggests that Infidelity could be the result of genetics. Scientists from the University of Queensland in Australia analysed data from 7,300 twins between 18 and 49 years old who were all in long-term relationships. Despite being in relationships, 9.8 per cent of the men from the study and 6.4 per cent of the women admitted to having two or more sexual partners over the course of the last year. The research indicates that “people’s genetic make-up influences how likely they are to have sex with someone outside their main partnership”.
A new study suggests that men and women have very different attitudes to infidelity. Nearly 64,000 men and women were polled by researchers. Those within the study identified themselves as straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual. Each were asked which would be most upsetting: if their partner admitted a sexual affair with someone they had not fallen in love with, or if they admitted to falling in love with someone else but had not had sex with them. The majority of straight men (54 per cent) said they would be more distressed by sexual infidelity whilst most straight women, gay men, lesbians and bisexuals claimed they would be more upset by an emotional affair. In fact, only 30 per cent of these groups agreed that sexual infidelity was more distressing.
If you have reached the difficult decision to separate due to your spouse or civil partner’s infidelity or for other reasons and you need advice, please contact our dedicated divorce team at The Family Law Co, Exeter. One of our solicitors in Exeter and Plymouth can advise you on what action you need to take.
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