Internet infidelity occurs when a person in a relationship begins to have intimate conversations with someone online. Some of these interactions could be considered emotional affairs, even though there isn't anything sexual about the relationship. Regardless of the type of online affair your spouse is having, it can still be harmful to your relationship. Trying to figure out if your spouse is having an online affair? Here are some of the more common signs.
Internet Hours
The main thing that may clue you into your spouse's Internet affair is if you notice he is spending an unusual, excessive amount of time on the computer. He may get up extra early to get online, or stay up for hours at a time in order to "work late."
Computer Secrecy
A spouse who is cheating on the Internet may be very secretive about what she is doing on the computer; she may position herself where you can't see the computer screen, or go into a different room to check her email. If you each have your own computer, you may notice that your spouse no longer wants you on hers.
Changed Passwords
Changing logon or email passwords could be a sign of Internet infidelity. If your spouse willingly provides the new passwords for you, there probably isn't cause for concern, but if he skirts around the issue or withholds them outright, Internet infidelity may be the reason.
Website History
Because most computers keep a history of visited websites, taking a look at the internet history may provide insight into your spouse's Internet activities. It is possible to view the history and not find any questionable websites; that doesn't mean, however, that they weren't individually deleted from the history records earlier. If you pull up the history and find it empty, this is a possible sign of infidelity as well; according to the Custer Agency, a private detective firm that specializes in recognizing infidelity, erased data is often an indicator of hidden or suspicious activity.
Other Signs
Eventually, some virtual relationships turn into actual ones that include contact over the phone or in person. If your spouse always takes calls in another room, or if she constantly erases the text message or call history on her phone, she may be having an affair. Suddenly leaving home or wanting to run errands alone are also signs that an Internet relationship has morphed into an actual affair.
References
- Custer Agency
- Psychology Concepts & Connections; Spencer A. Rathus; 2009
- Internet Infidelity and Online Cheating
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