[3] Increases in Internet connectivity, bandwidth availability, and the proliferation of webcams have also had implications for virtual sex enthusiasts.
As of 2015[update], it is illegal for any person under the age of 18 to consent to any form of virtual sex (only if nude pictures are sent), because images of minors are considered child pornography.
[7] This can feel liberating, but can also be extremely dangerous as it has the potential of becoming addicting and have adverse effects on cybernauts' other aspects of life.
When one losses control and lets virtual sex impact negatively at least one aspect of their life, this is when it stops being healthy.
[10] In a research study,[10] it was found that online affairs and sexual compulsivity were reported by 53% of the virtual sex addicts interviewed to be the cause of disruption of their romantic relationships.
Generally, there are a couple of patterns explaining why one can become addicted to virtual sex and the ways one can use it as a coping mechanism.
[10] Virtual sex can serve as a distraction from painful emotions, such as loneliness, stress, and anxiety, as consuming online pornographic content makes the addict feel more confident, desirable, and excited, creating a numbing effect.
They find the online world more comforting and safe, as it is harder to pick on social clues of disapproval or judgement.
[13] It is expected that the number of long distance relationships will be increasing due to the globalized nature of today's world.