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Article 1: Vossler, A. (2016). Internet infidelity 10 years on: A critical review of the literature. Family Journal, 14, 366–371.

Learning Objective: Understanding the causes and effects of online infidelity

Summary: The authors provide a detailed description of research into online infidelity done in the past decade. Internet infidelity is yet to be defined, as there is no broad consensus on this topic. Several factors that contribute to Internet infidelity are described. As for the effects of online infidelity, it appears that it follows the pattern of real-life infidelity, causing significant distress and replicating the same gender differences.

Questions to Consider:

1. Why is it difficult to obtain one conclusive definition of Internet infidelity? What is the difference between Internet and real-life infidelities?
2. Which specific factors contribute to online infidelity?
3. How do therapist approach problem of Internet infidelity?

Article 2: Kloess, J. A., Beech, A. R., & Harkins, L. (2014). Online child sexual exploitation: Prevalence, process, and offender characteristics. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 15(2), 126–139.

Learning Objective: Broadening the knowledge of online child sexual exploitation and its characteristics

Summary: The use of the Internet for sexual solicitation and exploitation of children is a big problem, especially because of its increased frequency. The authors provide a detailed explanation of the typology of online child sexual exploitation, along with contributing factors.

Questions to Consider:

1. Name all of the ways the Internet can be used for child sexual exploitation. What makes the Internet so convenient for these purposes?
2. What is sexual grooming? What differentiates Internet sex grooming from its other manifestations?
3. What are some specific characteristics of chat room offenders, in comparison to other Internet-based child sex offenders?

Article 3: Lykke, L. C., & Cohen, P. N. (2015). The widening gender gap in opposition to pornography, 1975–2012. Social Currents, 2, 307–323.

Learning Objective: Understanding of changing attitudes toward pornography over time

Summary: The authors provide information on major changes that happened in attitudes toward pornography. While American society has generally become more permissive toward pornography, the gender gap has widened—men become more permissive faster than women. Several factors that might have influenced this pattern of change are proposed.

Questions to Consider:

1. Which major events in recent history have influenced attitudes toward pornography? Which factors led to the current state of general liberalization and a wider gender gap?
2. How has legal regulation of pornography changed over time?
3. What are the sociocultural correlates of permissiveness toward pornography?