Since its creation and introduction into the public domain, the internet has become one of, if not the most, convenient and preferred source for information publishing, receiving and sharing. The World Wide Web regularly subjects its consumers to offensive images and videos, both intentionally and unintentionally; which is mainly due to the lack of surveillance, screening and monitoring in place. This disturbing material usually takes the form of nudity and other R18+ rated content, and is so readily available and accessible via. the Internet that it has lead psychologists to believe that those who are avid participants in cyber-sex could potentially suffer from the same detrimental consequences faced by those that have experienced severe alcohol or drug abuse. Although not necessarily physically harmful, individuals that engage in or become obsessed with material or acts of an inappropriate nature can be affected emotionally; which in turn can bring or cause physical harm to another person as a result of that individual’s mental state and influenced actions.As it has no life of its own, it is us as human beings and consumers that control the nature of the World Wide Web and determine whether it is safe or dangerous. As we become more familiar and aware of the Internet’s capacity, our ability to misuse this online environment increases. Our vulnerability, especially those in the teen and youth age group, can also be taken advantage of whilst engaging in what would seem like innocent online activities. This signifies the point whereby the distinction between cyberspace and reality can become blurred, with individuals tending to dangerously expose themselves to others they would never notice nor associate with in reality. As the Internet is a seemingly unscreened medium, what protection is available to those that put themselves in such a compromising position? The freedom to be who you want benefits activists or protestors, but becomes a dangerous risk to those that purposely or accidentally create and form bonds based on these false pretences. Although online relationships of either a friendly or sexual nature include everything but the risk of disease, the emotional attachment felt has proven to be significantly more overpowering compared with what individuals have experienced on a face-to-face or realistic basis.
The cyborg is an important concept that is closely interrelated within the world of cyber-sex. People become “cyborgs” when a part of them becomes undeniably tied to the computer as an extension of themselves. This joining illustrates the degree to which human and machine function and survive as one unit. As a result of this connection, the physical sex life of an individual diminishes and turns into “cyber” sex through the utilisation of words, images or live web cam and via. a chat room or instant messenger medium. Forming relationships and becoming attached to people in this way does not reflect on society’s common understanding of relationship commitment and loyalty, with many believing there is often no validity behind a bond between people that have never met each other. The Internet is at its most powerful and somewhat dangerous in terms of social expression through its adoption of three important elements: access, affordability and anonymity. As it never closes, people have the capacity to find free of charge sexually related websites that are open and available to users of any gender, age, background or sexuality. Although this degree of anonymity allows anyone to access websites of their choice and of any nature without feeling as though others will disapprove of their actions, the notion of deception incorporated within this ability makes it difficult to guarantee that who you think you are speaking to is really who they perceive themselves to be.
Cyber-sex is just one of the many “exciting” yet dangerous forms of hyperreality that can occur on the Internet. Pornography (child), online dating, online harassment, virtual rape, cyber prostitution, sexual empowerment, negotiating boundaries, exploring desires, addiction, false identities, deception and infidelity also have the potential to be detrimentally harmful to the individual concerned as well as others around them. Those that engage in such immoral acts are often unstable or insecure in their current lifestyle and often seek comfort in those that are unfamiliar to them and of whom don’t know them at all. It is here that the link between cyberspace’s sexual activities and an individual’s emotional state of mind and vulnerability becomes evidently clear and recognisably harmful. There have been many cases of crime committed by people who have been connected in some way to the evil side of the Internet, a concerning factor which leaves us to wonder why more hasn’t been done to screen material or monitor inappropriate activities that take place via. a service that is so easily accessible by anyone and most unfortunately, vulnerable young children and predators.
