You are deepening the misunderstanding by using cyber or cybering instead of cybersex. While "cyber" is often being used as an abbreviation for cybersex those two are not the sinonymes. Cyber is a prefix or a noun that denotes to anything electronic, computer or Internet related, it has nothing to do with sex unless it is a part of the word "cybersex".

Speaking of cybersex, there are lot of people that gets addicted to it. On the other hand, it is a ground for exploration, experimentation in the safe environment and learning for some. It's all about how one approaches the activity. Which leads us to the conclusion that while safe in one area (STD's and pregnancy) cybersex can be dangerous in other (addiction and neglecting the sex activities away from computer).

how can it be helped

I think there are many people who have cybersex that have no intention of ever meeting the person they're having cybersex with. In those cases, there is absolutely no danger of STDs. I don't agree that cybersex leads to "depression" or "personal neglect" (you show no sources or evidence for this). Cybersex is pretty much the same thing as masturbation (which is normal, and healthy) except that it's slightly more fulfilling. It's just masturbation with fantasy enhancement from another person (and all men fantasize while they're masturbating anyway). I strongly disagree with people who claim that cybersex is "unhealthy" or "harmful". For married people, yes, of course it's a question of fidelity. But for single people, it's generally harmless. If you meet the person face-to-face, the STD dangers rise - but that isn't cybersex anymore then, is it?

At 31 years old I hold a full-time job, have a circle of friends that I hang out with, I'm happy and I play music as well as sports as regular hobbies. And I probably have cybersex a few times a week, for maybe an hour or hour and a half. And yet, I've never experienced "personal neglect" nor "depression" as a result of this. Cybersex can be practiced in moderation just like alcohol when it comes to "drinking socially" and safely. Cybersex in moderation is a perfectly fulfilling, healthy and a safe lifestyle if you're single and you don't intend on meeting the people you cyber with -- which is the case with very many people who go to cybersex chatrooms. In fact, cybersex is actually SAFER than if you're single and you're sleeping around promiscuously. People need to realize that masturbation is natural and that cybersex is just a way to enhance it, and it's completely harmless to do so.

I agree with Darren that cybersex is just another way to have a pleasant sexual experience if you are single. But I think what Dr. Lamm is really trying to say is that sometimes the solution to loneliness can become a real problem. Like anything that enhances your mood cycbersex can become addictive. That's where the problem really is, not in cybersex itself, but in the addictive process that sometimes occurs as a result. Only you know if you are doing it compulsively or if its just a healthy release. One way to learn more about yourself and what is going on sexually is to visit www.thisisgreatsex.com and take the Great Sex Assessment. If you are having problems with addictive sex this can help clarify what you might want to try to do differently, especially if you are in a relationship. The assessment is free and just takes a few moments of your time. Check it out.

Nice article. I think what Dr. Lamm is trying to say is he wants to warn us the effect of cybersex if we got hook on to it. Its just a warning.

Nice article to read and thanks for the warning. Watching pornographic images and videos for some is just for fun but be constant watching is quite alarming it may lead to addiction.

Well all thing can become adicting including cybersex but at least there not out spreading all of these STDs around. There are a lot of problems in todays society including this but I do think it's a healthy alternative to shoring around your local bar.