Cheating used to be a very immoral sin to commit, especially when you’re married or in a long-term relationship. Everyone detests it. It’s unforgivable. People – especially women, who were caught cheating, were stoned to death during ancient times. They knew the possible consequences of their actions, but still chose to do it very discreetly.
Today, in the presence of modern technology, comes the booming industry of online dating sites and apps. These sites and apps were designed to connect different kinds of people either to find love or simply to hook up online and offline. It’s so easy to reach out and talk to people from all around the world, now. All you need is a good Internet connection and you’re good to go.
It’s because of the Internet that people find it so easy to cheat. We are living in a hookup culture where casual sex is openly celebrated. It’s causing people to become too complacent that sex and illicit relationships are available for them at anytime. It’s why most millennials will choose to get married and start a family much later in life, rather than what Gen X or Y did.
Sure, it’s better to have a taste of the different fruits available out there. But think about it. Online dating sites and apps provide you with millions of choices. And the more choices you have, the harder it is to choose. Why? It’s become a paradox.
According to the book written by the American Psychologist Barry Schwartz, we don’t really benefit from having more choices. We are constantly thinking that there is someone better out there. Thus, not really be able to choose which one is right for us, or be content with what we have or whom we are currently with.
So if you’re married and still wondering what’s out there, you’d probably turn to online dating sites and apps to find out. People are naturally curious and tend to join the bandwagon when they hear everyone’s raving about something new. You register; create your profile and then what’s next? Talk to random people you find attractive. People try to justify cheating by not putting labels. Like saying “we’re just talking.” Really? The act of entertaining the idea that you’d still want to get to know someone on a deeper level or talk to someone you find attractive online is already cheating. Some online dating sites even encourage extra-marital affairs! Most people on dating sites don’t really care if you’re married or committed. The fact that you are there, it’s already a given that you are looking for something more than just talking.
Sure, anyone can cheat and find someone to cheat with, in a bar or anywhere else for that matter. We can’t blame it all on technology and online dating sites. People created this technology. People are responsible for their actions and whatever consequences they may bring. It’s at their discretion to have an affair whenever and to whomever they want. But we can’t ignore the fact that the Internet is indeed a very powerful tool for cheating.
