For this week, our assignment was to read an article online and reflect on it in our blogs. The article was about an older lady who was having regular e-mail exchanges with a much younger man, and soon the conversations turned very sexual, even though the man, Rob, was married. My initial reaction to this article was that it was quite disturbing and creepy. I wondered why the woman let it go on for so long before finally lying and telling him she’s in a relationship and unable to socialize because of a spine injury. I guess she was suffering from loneliness and just wanted some excitement in her life, not to mention stimulation, but she could have at least found someone her own age!
On Rob’s part, I think he must have had some psychological issues to find such an older woman so attractive and then to allow the “relationship” to progress so far. Even after she sends him her picture, hoping he’ll back off, he only seems to come on even stronger. The woman, Sue, doesn’t seem too concerned with the fact that she is ruining a marriage, however. Although she tries to give him hints to make approaches to his wife, she lets their cybersexual relationship go for such a long time that she is obviously not all that concerned about his marriage.
I guess this example in many ways illustrates how addicting the internet can be. In the article, Sue says “…I had become used to his mail and had felt almost addicted to its receipt each day.” I suppose for this reason, neither Rob nor Sue could break off the relationship, even though it was clearly an unhealthy one for both of them. This is an alarming situation, but one that demonstrates much of what actually occurs on the internet. Cybersex, as warped as it may be, is a means of satisfaction and enjoyment for many people, and it is a reality with today’s technology. I would just advise that married people refrain from any communication—especially cybersex—that their spouse isn’t aware of!
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4 comments:
I agree that Rob might have some psychological issues because he is having a "sexual" relationship with someone online and does not plan on meeting her in any way, and the fact that he is married doesn't make the situation better by any means. The internet is addicting and from what people have said in class, it's hard to go without checking your facebook or myspace account. AIM is also another addicting program, not to mention online gaming. People get too caught up in the technology and they are in too deep to get out. Like I have said many times, we need to step back and look at what the internet is doing to us.
I completely agree with how you feel. I, too, found it odd that first, she referred to their exchanges as a relationship. Does that mean that a person can cheat on a significant other via the internet? Furthermore, I feel a little like they were having a sexual relationship with their own imaginations. It seemed almost as if they were just reading adult novels, except they were being updated frequently. I think your conclusion that the internet is very addictive is a good analysis. Many people, as this article illustrates, make the internet a very important part of their day. I think they both just needed some love in their life.
I agree that Rob might have some psychological issues as well. The whole idea that he was having a sexual intimate relationship through the internet and the phone is just strange. Although, I do not think that she sent him her picture to get him to back off. I don't think that she ever really wanted hime to back off. I think she just thought that after seeing her picture that he would, but she was happy that he didn't. I can't believe that he would do that being married and I also don't agree with Sue because she went along with it. I don't understand why people turn to the internet as a solution to their problems or to find comfort. It is just very strange to me. I'm not trying to judge anyone or anything, but it is just very hard for me to understand.
Rachel -
I think you are right. Rob probably does have some psychological problems... what else would drive him to behave in such a way? Also, I was surprised too that Sue let it go on for so long, knowing that she was ruining a marriage, like you said. I just find the whole online dating world to be very strange. It is surprising and amazing to hear what people do just because they are online.
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