Sex and the Net: Clinical Implications

Abstract

Sex “surfing” has become one of the more popular features of the Internet. Virtually every type of sexually conventional and unconventional sexual interest can be accessed via the Net, including pictures and movies, sounds and stories, and real-time interactions. Given the widespread appeal, volume, and easy accessibility of sexual material on the Internet, it is not surprising that issues involving “netsex” have entered the consulting room. Clinical issues stemming from involvement with netsex fall into three overlapping categories: (1) those involving the gay, straight, or transgendered individual; (2) those involving couples, and (3) those involving individuals with paraphilias.