Men Cheating Increases With Unemployment
Do You Know an Unemployed Cheater?
Just this week, The U.S. Conference of Mayors released a report stating that jobless rates will reach their peak in 2010, and that-- here's the kicker-- we're looking at the possibility of 10% unemployment until 2013 "in many cities." Not only is this bad news for our professional lives, but for our private lives, too.
Studies show that individuals with low self-esteem are more likely to cheat on their partners, but they probably aren't picking someone up in a bar right now. They're too broke for that. Instead, we're seeing a resurgence of cyber-cheating, from booming matchmaking service subscriptions to guys just being plain ol ' shady online. Married, semi-single, dating, or otherwise attached, many people are taking care of that ego online, sexy-style, instead of kicking butt in the boardroom.
When tensions rise at home (cash-flow problems, unemployment, or role reversals), online infidelity risks skyrocket. In mid-2009, David Reese, the owner of UK-based Married and Looking, said that he saw an increase of subscribers to his site, many of whom said that they were avoiding "the stresses caused by worrying about their jobs or businesses" and "harsh reality." Since then, the jobless rate climbed in Britain, and the recent rebound to 7.8% (from 7.9%) was accompanied by a warning that unemployment rates could rise above 9% by the end of 2010.
A peek at Alexa ratings hints that continued worries boost infidelity websites' traffic. The Ashley Madison Agency, which specializes in promoting extramarital affairs (and offered LeAnn Rimes a free lifetime membership last year), has seen steady growth since January 2008: the traffic rank went from around the top 15,00 to 4,500 in January 2010. Philanders.com, which not only provides dating services for committed individuals looking to cheat, but gives tips on not getting caught, stayed strong through tumultuous economic changes.
Even the adult industry seems to be swingin', pardon the expression, if the attendance at this month's Adult Entertainment Expo is any indication. A 10% increase was reported over last year, and that's quite a change from "bail out!" cries from the adult industry in January 2009.
Signs of the Unemployed Cheater
If someone you're close to has been sacked, you might want to check this list of possible signs.
*He's defensive about his daily activities. If he's "searching for jobs" 12 hours a day, then why hasn't he updated his years-old resume?
*He doesn't want to share anymore. While the living room desktop was always fair game, now he gets antsy when you use it.
*He has a secret folder of "me!" pics on his computer, which look like profile snaps. None of his public listings, like Facebook or LinkedIn, have been updated. Oh, and why are you cropped out of every one?
*He has changed his habits: he likes to "work late" online while you catnap or watch TV, or he only uses his smart phone when you are away.
*He's cache-clearing like crazy. He uses two different browsers, he selectively deletes things off his history page, or he gets mad when you comes over to chat when he's on his laptop.
*He seems to have new security issues. You've lived together for ages, but now he's on a password-changing bender.
*He's doing stuff-- anything-- that's red-flag material. You have instincts. Trust them.
Have you ever caught an Internet cheater?
