INFIDELITY THROUGH FACEBOOK

Infidelity through Facebook

Infidelity through Facebook

This paper presents an analysis of interviews conducted from three individuals; one men and two women. The interview questions were framed only after the consent of the interviewees. The interviewees include Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Jones, and Mr. Charles. All of these participants have somehow or other been involved in romantic relationships through social media websites; particularly facebook.

Introduction

Infidelity is a breaking of the bond of trust between two partners in a relationship through emotional and/or sexual betrayal with another person. Infidelity can occur over varying time periods, from a one-night stand to a long-term affair, and can occur with both married and unmarried couples. Infidelity within marriage is also known as adultery. Studies have shown that marital infidelity is relatively common and that more men than women commit infidelity (Smith, 2005). Answering a question regarding the increasing rate of infidelity among working women, Mrs. Smith held the point of view that women were committing infidelity in ever-greater numbers due to social, cultural, and legal changes. The stresses of infidelity and its aftermath affect a mother's emotional and physical health as well as that of her children, often straining the mother-child relationship.

The increasing likelihood of female economic self-sufficiency and more gender-equitable divorce laws has played a role in the growth of infidelity among women. Historically, women who committed infidelity faced much harsher legal punishments and social repercussions than men who committed infidelity. Currently, most women who commit infidelity meet the person they are unfaithful with at work, an increasingly probable scenario as women entered the workforce in greater numbers beginning in the mid-20th century. Internet technology has also facilitated infidelity and created a new category of infidelity, as some illicit couples carry on emotional relationships entirely online.

With reference to another question, Mrs. Jones, a mother of two children was of the opinion that modern motherhood issues have also contributed to the growth of female infidelity. Many mothers feel overwhelmed as they try to balance the demands of marriage, family, and careers, working long hours, cleaning the house, preparing meals, maintaining sexual satisfaction in their relationship, and maintaining their children's increasingly hectic schedules. Some mothers also complain that once they have children, they feel as of they are sacrificing their own identity to become a good mother. The stereotypical social expectations of a good mother, based on the concept called intensive mothering, can make mothers feel guilty or afraid to express their frustrations. Some mothers use infidelity as an escape from these stresses and difficult emotions.

Mrs. Smith shared her views in the following words.”Mothers who commit infidelity or whose partner commits infidelity will likely experience a number of physical and emotional symptoms that can impact their health and parenting ability”. The stress of the situation is often accompanied by a wide range of emotions, including anger, depression, resentment, guilt, and self-doubt. Both the person who commit infidelity and their partner may vacillate between emotions, become stuck in a particular emotion, and may experience these emotions at varying levels ...