The population on the net world or the virtual world is increasing everyday and so is the insecurity and irritation of the remaining world which seems to be overreacting to social networking and Cyber-relationships
Social Networking in any form is a healthy past time, if done without compromising on work and family .Its a great destressor and can be indulged into, at any place, without any major infrastructure. It is not only a great and simple means of staying in touch with family, relatives and friends but one not only makes a large number of new virtual friends, who often become real friends, but gets aware of what’s happening in the world. You can voice your thoughts, discuss problems and express your views. Doing this often solves many personal issues as you find answers to your problems in life from experiences of others.
Being naughty and glad-eye is normal human nature. We all have our fantasies, good, bad and even ugly. Flirting or even sex-chatting on net is not socially acceptable, but has a large clientele and is definitely not infidelity. The spouses, mainly wives often get scared due to insecurity and over reaction. The funny part is that they won’t object to the hubby going for golf ,to stag parties or the bars, where he may actually indulge in real flirting or womanizing, but will object to his, being on the net, interacting with real and virtual friends, while not only being at home, but sitting next to her. The funniest part is that the wives often object, while themselves being on the net !
Every individual, married or single has right to his or her emotional, romantic and sexual fantasies. The last two of these often do not have the spouse in it, Net gives an outlet to these fantasies, but it’s as harmless as watching or reading pornography.
Net cannot be blamed for extramarital affairs, as persons inclined to it, will indulge in it, irrespective of net-sex. In fact, those spending time on net and social networking systems, will rarely have time for real infidelity .People indulging in net-chat to any extent, can be sincere spouses and those not practicing it, and are not above infidelity.
So spouses crying and worrying over the fear of losing their life partners to the net-world, should take it easy and rather try to be part of it ,with or without the partner and try to give those virtual discussions and fantasies, a reality in life.
And the bottom line is that every person has a right to his or her breathing space including a friend list, in life or in the virtual world. The extent however to be within the social norms and acceptance by the spouse depends on the faith and trust in the relationship
Sanjay Kapoor