Infidelity In America

Forming relationships in 2018 has become as easy as swiping on a mobile app. In the height of the digital ecosystem, dating apps have flourished significantly in the past few years and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. However, what about the quality of our relationships? The ease of forming relationships is also as easy as committing infidelity. The infidelity rate has increased dramatically within the last twenty-five years in the United States.

Gender

Both men and women cheat for many different reasons including sex, emotional connection, boredom, and a lack of sexual satisfaction from his/her partner, etc. They both have something missing in their relationships that compel them to look elsewhere for what they want. However, the statistics show that men are more likely to engage in infidelity. In fact, 22% of men, and 14% of women admit to cheating on their significant other.

Age

Studies have proven that people are more likely to cheat when they are nearing milestone ages (29, 39, 49, 59). Nearing the age of a new decade can make us re-evaluate our lives and relationships, and ask ourselves whether we are truly happy. If we are unhappy at this point, we are likely to seek a solution.

Income Level

There is a strong correlation between cheating and how much money you make in comparison to that of your spouse. Studies have shown people are more likely to cheat as they become more economically dependent on their spouses. It seems that neither women nor men like inequality in a relationship or feeling inferior, which is the stimulus for cheating. Men who earn less than their partners can feel emasculated. Their traditional role of being a breadwinner, which is typically ‘masculine’, has been diminished. Cheating can help compensate for that loss.

Adultery Laws

The United States is one of few industrialized countries to still have laws criminalizing adultery. These laws come from the state level, so it can vary from state to state, but as of 2017, adultery is still a criminal offense in 21 states. Up until the mid 20th century, most states (especially Southern and Northeastern states) had laws against fornication, adultery, or cohabitation. However, in more recent years, these laws have been gradually eradicated by courts deeming them as unconstitutional. Penalties vary from a $10 fine (Maryland), to four years in prison (Michigan).

American Cities

By looking at the memberships from AshleyMadison.com, a website for married people looking to cheat (which has nearly 17 million users), a survey found the cities with the most adulterers were as follows: Austin, Texas; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Boston, Massachusetts; New York City, New York; Los Angeles, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; New Orleans, Louisiana; Houston, Texas; San Diego, California; Charlotte, North Carolina

Final Thoughts

So, are the quality of our relationships causing infidelity now, more than ever before in America? Committing infidelity is as easy as forming friendly relationships these days. With that, the infidelity rate has increased dramatically within the last twenty-five years in the United States. Age, gender, income levels, and demographics all play a role in why partners stray. Being aware of the signs and trends is the first step in protecting yourself from serious heartbreak - and possible legal implications.