Internet Sex Addiction
Internet Sex Addiction
Volume 9 Issue 3, May-Jun 2025 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470
INTRODUCTION
Internet sex addiction or cybersex addiction or online foundation for understanding problematic sexual
sex addiction, and or compulsive sexual behavior behavior through an addiction framework [2], and
online, is the behavioral addiction characterized by also described it as a treatable condition.
excessive use of online sexual content, as shown in These behaviors was said to include compulsive
Figure 1. The internet today has significantly exposed masturbation, as shown in Figure 2 , extramarital
people to sexual content, making it more accessible, affairs, use of prostitution, and consumption of
affordable, and anonymous – the three features often pornography – which was in offline contexts, as
referred to as the “Triple A Engine” [1]. shown in Figures 3 and 4.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Emergence of the Internet and the Birth of Online
The concept of “Internet sex addiction” emerged in Sexual Behavior
tandem with the rapid rise of digital technology and Mid-1990s: This period marked the advent of
the increasing accessibility of sexual content online. widespread internet use. Netscape, one of the
With the wide use of the internet in the 1990s, graphical browsers became common, paving the
concerns began to emerge about its potential for way for pornography and sexual content finding a
compulsive or addictive sexual behavior. new medium.
Early Foundations: Sex Addiction Before the 1998: Dr. Kimberly Young, a pioneer in internet
Internet addiction research, published the first structure
Before the internet era, compulsive sexual behavior works on Internet addiction, including references
was discussed under terms such as “hypersexuality” to sexual behaviors as a subtype [3].
and “sexual addiction.”
1980s: In the 1980s, Patrick Carnes popularized 1999: In 1999, Dr, David Greenfield introduced
the term “sexual addiction” with his seminal the “Internet Sex Screening Test” (ISST) and
book: “Out of the Shadows,” which laid the emphasized the “Triple A Engine” – which means
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accessibility, affordability, and anonymity, Ongoing Debates and Current status
making online sex uniquely addictive [4]. Some critics argue that labeling sexual behavior
as “addiction” may pathologize moral normal
Early 2000s: Clinical Recognition and Case
Studies sexual expression.
Early 2000s: In the early 2000s, therapists and Others emphasize the “need for clear diagnostic
criteria,” especially for youth and adolescents
researchers began reporting increasing numbers of
clients seeking help for compulsive online sexual who are growing up in a digital environment.
behaviors. Additionally, these were often DEFINITION AND DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
accompanied by relationship issues, legal problems, The internet sex addiction is not officially recognized
or professional consequences. as a distinct disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)
Clinical literature also started framing these behaviors
within the broader concept of “behavioral addiction,” [11], but it shares many characteristics with other
drawing comparisons with gambling and video game behavioral addictions. The DSM-5 includes “Internet
addictions [5]. Gaming Disorder” in its appendix for further study,
which parallels many behavioral addiction symptoms
Integration with Behavioral Addictive such as:
Frameworks Preoccupation with sexual content
As the understanding of behavioral addictions Failed attempts to reduce or stop usage
matured, scholars began to align “cybersex Tolerance (needing more content for the same
addiction” with other non-substance addictions, effect)
focusing on “dopamine-driven reinforcement Withdrawal symptoms when not engaging
mechanisms” and “compulsive behavior loops.” Continuation despite negative consequences
Furthermore, research began to shift from
anecdotal evidence to empirical studies using Sexual addiction is broadly more sometimes
neuroimaging and psychological assessments [6, identified under “Compulsive Sexual Behavior
7]. Disorder” (CSBD), included in the International
Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) by the World
Mainstream and Academic Recognition (2010s) Health Organization (WHO) [8].
DSM-5: The DSM-5 (2013) did not include
internet sex addiction or hypersexual disorder, but CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
“Internet Gaming Disorder” was proposed as a Accessibility and anonymity: Easy access to
condition for further study, paving the way for sexual content is provided by the internet, and
recognition of similar behavioral addictions. anonymity can facilitate addictive behavior.
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) Dopamine release: Viewing sexual content can
officially recognized Compulsive Sexual stimulate the brian’s reward system, releasing
Behavior Disorder (CSBD) in the ICD-11, which dopamine (known as the “feel good hormone”)
includes behaviors like compulsive pornography and potentially leading to addiction, as shown in
use, potentially encompassing internet sex Figure 6.
addiction [8], as shown in Figure 5. Underlying issues: Internet sex addiction may be
The studies during the 2010s highlighted links linked to underlying mental health issues, such as
between problematic pornography use, mood depression, anxiety, or trauma.
disorders, and neurobiological changes [9]. Symptoms and consequences: Some of the
Technological Expansion and Modern Trends symptoms and consequences of internet sex addiction
With the rise of mobile devices, high-speed include:
internet, and social media, the nature of internet Excessive use: By spending increasing amounts
sex addiction evolved. of time viewing online sexual content, despite its
Modern compulsive behaviors include: negative consequences.
Withdrawal: Experiencing withdrawal
• Sexting and exchanging explicit images via
symptoms, such as anxiety or irritability, when
apps.
unable to access online sexual content.
• Hookup app addiction (e.g., Tinder, Grindr).
Negative impact on relationships: It can result
• Webcam sex and live-streaming interactions. in damage relationships, as well as social isolation
The COVID-19 pandemic witnessed a notable (i.e leading to secrecy and deception), and
spike in pornography consumption, bringing negatively impact daily life (interference with
renewed attention to online sexual behaviors as daily responsibilities).
coping mechanisms for stress and isolation [10].
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Mental health concerns: This may lead to 5. Treatment Challenges
depression, anxiety, and other mental health Limited resources: The issue of limited resources
issues. and specialized treatment programs can make it
Preoccupation with online sexual activities: difficult for individuals to access effective help.
This will result in persistent, intrusive thoughts Comorbidities: Internet sex addiction often co-
about online sexual content, even when engaged occurs with other mental issues that may require
in other daily activities, hence interfering with comprehensive treatment approaches or plans.
their ability to focus and complete other tasks, as
SOLUTIONS TO INTERNET SEX ADDICTION
shown in Figure 7.
CHALLENGES
Consumption of illegal or inappropriate
The solutions to addressing Internet Sex
materials: This has to do with seeking out for and
Addiction or dependency require a multifaceted
engaging with sexually explicit content that is
approach such as [13-19]:
illegal or morally questionable. This could have
potential legal consequences, as well as 1. Treatment and Support (Therapy and
exacerbate the addiction and complicate the Counseling)
recovery process [12]. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This is used
to help individuals identify and change negative
CHALLENGES FACING INTERNET SEX
thought patterns and behaviors associated with
ADDICTION
internet sex addiction.
Internet sex addiction is faced with several challenges
Support groups: Joining support groups such as
which include [13-15]:
Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA), can provide a
1. Stigma and shame sense of community and accountability. SAA is a
Social stigma: Individuals struggling with internet fellowship of individuals who share their
sex addiction often face social stigma, hence experience, strength, and hope with each other so
making it difficult to seek help. they may overcome their sexual addiction and
Self-stigma: The feelings of shame and guilt can help others recover from sexual addiction or
prevent individuals from acknowledging their dependency.
struggles and seeking help.
2. Self-help strategies: This is the use of self-help
2. Access and anonymity strategies, such as:
Easy access: Because the internet makes room for Blocking software: Using blocking software or
easy access to sexual content, this makes it apps can help individuals limit access to certain
challenging for individuals to control their websites or online sexual content.
behavior. Accountability partners: This will help provide
Anonymity: The anonymous nature of online support and encouragement in recovery.
interactions can facilitate addictive behavior.
3. Treatment Programs
Affordability: Sexual content are easily affordable
Specialized treatment programs: This is to
as Web keep prices low and there are many ways
provide comprehensive care for individuals
to access “free” sex as well (the “Three A
struggling with internet sex addiction.
Engine”).
Online therapy: It provides convenient access to
3. Mental Health Concerns treatment for individuals who may not have
Depression and anxiety: It is known that internet access to in-person services.
sex addiction can contribute to depression,
4. Support for Partners and Family
anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Couples therapy: This helps partners work
Trauma: Underlying trauma can also contribute to
through relationship issues related to internet sex
internet sex addiction, thereby making treatment
addiction.
more complex.
Family support groups: This helps to provide a
4. Relationship Problem safe space for family members to share their
Relationship damage: In this case, it can cause or experiences and receive support.
lead to damaged relationships, or to social
5. Digital Literacy/Education and Awareness
isolation, and hence negatively impact intimacy.
Public education: Raising awareness about
Partner distress: The partners of individuals
internet sex addiction can help reduce the stigma
struggling with internet sex addiction may
and encourage individuals to seek help.
experience distress, feelings of betrayal, and
School-based programs: Educating children and
relationship insecurity.
adolescents about healthy online behaviors can
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help prevent internet sex addiction, as shown in [3] K. S. Young (1998), “Caught in the net: How to
Figure 8. recognize the signs of Internet Addiction – and
a winning strategy for recovery,” Wiley.
6. Monitoring and Parental Controls: This will
help prevent exposure to inappropriate content [4] D. Greenfield (1999), “Psychological
and reduce the risk of developing cybersex characteristics of compulsive internet use: A
addiction. There is also the need for parents to preliminary analysis,” CyberPsychology &
maintain open communication with their children Behavior, vol. 2. No. 5, pp. 403-412.
about safe internet use and the potential dangers
[5] H. M. Orzack & C. J. Ross (2000), “Should
associated with online sexual behaviors,
virtual sex be treated like other addictions?”
7. Visit or see a counselor. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, vol. 7, no. 2,
8. Consult a health care provider for information and pp. 113-125.
treatment. [6] Laier, M. Pawlikowski & M. Brand (2013),
9. Monitor and limit your internet habits. “Sexual picture processing interferes with
working memory performance,” Journal of Sex
10. Develop other interests by being involved in Research, vol. 51, no. 7, pp. 1-13.
campus clubs and organizations.
[7] V. Voon et al. (2014), “Neural correlates of
11. Take good care of yourself e.g. eat regular meals sexual cue reactivity in individuals with and
and sleep at night. Be mindful of your moods and without compulsive sexual behaviors,” PLOS
behaviors that lead you to use the internet. ONE, vol. 9, no. 7, e102419.
Identify your rituals and what triggers you to go
online. [8] World Health Organization (2018), “ICD-11:
International Classification of Diseases,”11th
CONCLUSION Revision.
Internet sex addiction or dependency is a complex
and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive [9] M. Brand, C. Laier & K. S. Young (2016),
approach to understanding and addressing its root “Internet addiction: Coping styles,
causes, symptoms, consequences, and treatment. By expectancies, and treatment implications,”
acknowledging the potential risks and negative Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 7, pp. 738.
consequences of excessive online sexual behavior, [10] J. B. Grubbs et al. (2021), “Pornography
individuals can take steps towards recovery, problems due to moral incongruence: An
promote/develop healthier online habits and seek integrative model with a systematic review and
support when the need arises. meta-analysis,” Archives of Sexual Behavior,
More information on Internet Sex Addiction can be vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 397-415.
obtained in the books in [20-24], and in the following [11] M. P. Kalfa (2010), “Hypersexual disorder: A
journals: proposed diagnosis for DSM-V.” Archives of
Journal of Behavioral Addictions Sexual Behavior, vol. 39, no. 2, pp, 377-400.
American Behavioral Scientist [12] Valley Spring Editorial Team (October 5,
The Journal of Treatment & Prevention 2024), “Cybersex addiction: Symptom, cause,
Journal of Psychosexual Health treatment and prevention,”
The Journal of Sex Research https://www,valleyspringrecovery.com/cyberse
Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy x=addiction-symptom-cause-treatment-and-
The Journal of Early Adolescence prevention
Journal of Adolescent Health
Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity [13] M. D. Griffiths (2012), “Internet Sex
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology Addiction: A Review of empirical research,”
Addiction Research & Theory, vol. 20, no. 2,
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