Cybersex
101
© 2012
A few quotes…INTERNET
• “…increased availability of the Internet has
led some researchers to examine the
effects excessive usage has on an
individual’s social, emotional, cognitive,
and physical development.”
Watson, J. C. (2005). Internet addiction diagnosis and assessment implications
for counselors. Journal of Professional Counseling: Practice, Theory, &
Research, 33, 17-30.
© 2012
A few quotes…ONLINE PORN &
CYBERSEX
• “Given the widespread availability of
sexually explicit materials online, Internet
sex addiction is the most common form of
problem online behavior among users.”
Young, K. S. (2008). Internet sex addiction: Risk factors, stages of
development, and treatment. American Behavioral Scientist, 52, 21-37.
© 2012
What is Cybersex
• Accessing online pornography and audio,
video, and text stories.
• Real time with a fantasy partner
• Other Cybersex venues (similar to social
networking sites and portable devices
such as Blackberries, iPhones, PSPs)
• Multimedia software
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Who is viewing it?
© 2012
US Adult Internet User Demographics - Age
Age
%
18-24
13.61%
25-34
19.90%
35-44
25.50%
45-54
20.67%
55+
20.32%
http://familysafemedia.com/pornography_statistics.html#anchor2
© 2012
US Adult Internet User Demographics - Income
Income
%
Under $15K
6.23%
$15K-$25K
6.59%
$25K-$35K
9.55%
$35K-$50K
16.59%
$50K-$75K
25.58%
$75K+
35.30%
http://familysafemedia.com/pornography_statistics.html#anchor2
© 2012
Why should this concern me?
• If you are a business owner, you may want
to know that a total of 40 million U.S.
adults regularly visit pornography
websites. Ten percent of adults admit to an
internet sexual addiction and 20 percent of
men say they access pornography at
work.
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There are 100,000 websites that
offer pornography and 1 in 7
youths report being solicited for
sex on the internet.
http://internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com/internet-pornographystatistics-pg4.html
© 2012
University of New Hampshire
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Why Cybersex?
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CyberHex
Intoxicating
Inexpensive
By: David Delmonico, Elizabeth Griffin, and Joe Moriarity. See: In the Shadows of the Net, Chapter
One
© 2012
How do I know if I have a
problem with Cybersex?
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Ten Criteria of Problematic Online
Sexual Behavior
•
•
•
•
Preoccupation with sex on the Internet.
Frequently engaging in sex on the Internet
more often or for longer periods of time than
intended.
Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut
back on, or stop engaging in sex on the
Internet
Restlessness or irritability when attempting to
limit or stop engaging in sex on the Internet.
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Ten Criteria of Problematic Online
Sexual Behavior
•
•
•
Using sex on the Internet as a way of escaping
from problems or relieving feelings such as
helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression.
Returning to sex on the Internet day after day
in search of a more intense or higher-risk
sexual experience.
Lying to family members, therapists, or others
to conceal involvement with sex on the
Internet.
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Ten Criteria of Problematic Online
Sexual Behavior
•
•
•
Committing illegal sexual acts online (ex:
sending or downloading child
pornography).
Jeopardizing or losing a significant
relationship, job, or educational or career
opportunity because of online sexual
behavior.
Incurring significant financial
consequences as a result of engaging in
online sexual behavior.
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It can’t really be an addiction
because there are no chemicals
involved…
or are there?
© 2012
Between Group
Comparison
Slides
© 2012
Natural Rewards Elevate Dopamine Levels
200
% of Basal DA Output
NAc shell
150
100
Empty
50
Box Feeding
SEX
200
150
100
15
10
5
0
0
0
60
120
Time (min)
180
ScrScr
BasFemale 1 Present
Sample 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Number
Scr
Scr
Female 2 Present
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Mounts
Intromissions
Ejaculations
Source: Di Chiara et al.
Source: Fiorino and Phillips
© 2012
Copulation Frequency
DA Concentration (% Baseline)
FOOD
Accumbens
1100
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
AMPHETAMINE
DA
DOPAC
HVA
250
NICOTINE
200
Accumbens
Caudate
150
100
Accumbens
COCAINE
DA
DOPAC
HVA
300
200
100
0
5 hr
250
% of Basal Release
1
2
3
4
Time After Amphetamine
% of Basal Release
400
0
% of Basal Release
% of Basal Release
Effects of Drugs on Dopamine Levels
0
1
2
3
4
Time After Cocaine
Accumbens
5 hr
ETHANOL
Dose (g/kg ip)
200
0.25
0.5
1
2.5
150
100
0
0
1
2
3 hr
0
Time After Nicotine
Source: Di Chiara and Imperato
0
1
2
3
Time After Ethanol
4hr
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BRAIN ACTIVATION DURING SEXUAL AROUSAL
Activated region
Normal Volunteer
Non activated region
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Still Have Questions?
• You can take the Internet Sex Screening
Test for free at www.sexhelp.com.
© 2012
Recommended Reading
© 2012
Download the workbook for FREE
http://www.internetbehavior.com/services/cyber_un
hooked.htm
© 2012
Additional Information
© 2012
For more on the Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT)
trainings, the task-centered approach to addiction recovery,
and assessment testing for sexual, work and financial
issues go to:
www.IITAP.com
or email
Info@IITAP.com
or call
(480) 575-6853
© 2012
Gentle Path Press
For books, workbooks, CDs & DVDs
on the subject of sex addiction and recovery,
please visit:
www.GentlePath.com
or call
(800)708-1796
© 2012
SexHelp
For additional information about
Dr. Patrick Carnes, links to other resources,
current topics in research, and popular literature,
go to:
www.SexHelp.com
© 2012