Influence of the Perceived Infidelity of Online Sexual Activities (OSAs) on OSA Experiences Among Chinese Heterosexual Individuals in Committed Relationships

Previous studies have revealed that many individuals in settled relationships engage in online sexual activities (OSAs). Considering this, this study examined the influence the perceived infidelity of OSA has on the OSA experiences of individuals in such committed relationships. OSAs involve viewing sexually explicit material, seeking sexual partners, cybersex, and flirting. Taking these specific activities, we measured perceived infidelity concerning OSAs by asking our participants (N = 301) to select either "yes" or "no" in regard to whether they believed each constituted an infidelity. Further, the participants also mentioned if they had engaged in an OSA within the past 12 months and whether they considered engaging in OSA in general as an infidelity. Our results indicated that men are less likely to perceive OSAs as infidelities, and also that they engage more frequently than women in all subtypes of OSA. More specifically, individuals who did not perceive OSAs to be infidelities engaged in more sexual-partner seeking, cybersex, and flirting than their counterparts. Furthermore, perceived infidelity was found to mediate the relationship between gender and OSA experiences. The findings indicate that perceived infidelity for OSA shapes OSA experiences and contributes to gender differences in terms of opinions on and engagement with OSAs.