Beyond Touching: Evolutionary Theory and Computer-Mediated Infidelity

摘要: Computer-mediation allows sexual relationships to exist despite geographical separation. The current study utilized evolutionary theory as a framework for understanding sex differences in perceptions of cyber-infidelity. A sample 115 college students (46% male, age 18-42) were asked rate their response evidence cyber-infidelity across four indices: jealously, infidelity, distress, and destructiveness. Based theory, it was hypothesized that female participants, opposed males, would be significantly more likely categorize extra-dyadic computer-mediated behavior report higher levels distress jealousy, the stimuli destructive relationship. Findings supported theoretical perspective but limited. Although jealousy ratings yielded no significant differences, participants characterize an act these behaviors, behaviors intra-dyadic Consistent with ex planation, findings suggest females are than males view acts emotional infidelity.