Online Affairs: Infidelity or Nothing to worry about?

It does not have to be physical to be cheating. If your partner hides what he is doing or saying to someone else on-line then he/she must feel that it is inappropriate. It is as much a betrayal of trust as any other lie would be, and not easily forgotten or forgiven.

Online affairs are akin to emotional affairs; plus add in the cyber sexing and picture swapping; yes, this is definately a matter of cheating and nothing to put up with in a relationship or a marriage.

In my opinion, it is definitely cheating. Even if the couple never meet, hearts have been changed through the process. djbtol

Whether online or not, if it is an affair, and it is kept secret from the other partner, then it is infidelity. Most people think it is harmless because you do not meet in person, but the emotions invested on it, is almost as real as a physical affair. So yes, it is cheating. The only time it will not be considered cheating is when you do it with the knowledge and approval of your spouse. If you flirt online and your spouse don't care, then you are not breaking any agreements. Beyond that, then it is cheating.

It's cheating unless your spouse is participating in the affair with you. I agree with you, it's a betrayal of trust and it's also sharing and developing an intimate relationship with someone you are not committed to.

I am going through this at the moment, I caught my husband having an online affair which has been going on for about seven months, I am devastated by it and cannot look at him the same. We are going for marriage counselling, with no support from my mother. So to me this is a very big deal, definitely cheating, and a complete betrayal of trust.