Читать книгу Always Turned On - Jennifer Schneider - Страница 23

The Internet is also, unfortunately, a place where people who have deviant or illegal sexual interests such as pedophilia or exhibitionism can exercise those interests. Prior to the Internet, many people flirted in fantasy with these various behaviors but were held back from acting out because of potential negative consequences, or they simply didn’t have access to the people with whom they could have this type of sex. On the Internet they can find others who will support and encourage these interests, thereby lowering the boundary between fantasy and action. This has the strong potential to normalize harmful/illegal sexual behaviors for people who otherwise might never have indulged their interest, and the results can be catastrophic for both the person and their potential victims. In this respect, digital technology can sometimes drive not only sexual addiction but also sexual offending.