By PAUL MILLAR
THE HIGH rate of local love cheats, uncovered when an international website for adultery was hacked, has came as no surprise to a Geelong expert in couple counselling.
Colleen Morris said the prolific number of online dating sites made it easier for individuals to stray.
The suburbs of Geelong and Newtown had top billing locally on the hacked Ashley Madison account with 68 signed-up members of the adulterous club – the third highest in the state.
Ms Morris, a counsellor with Watersedge, said sexual activity outside a relationship was one of the major issues when she was involved in couple counselling sessions.
In-your-face online advertising attracted clients to dating websites and they then became hooked, she said.
“There’s a lot of sexual online interaction.”
Nationmaster’s database of Ashley Madison love rats revealed plenty of interaction across the region, with Geelong and Newtown’s 3220 postcode heading the list.
Belmont and Grovedale were 14 behind with 54 members, Bell Park, Bell Post Hill, Drumcondra had 20, while Corio, Norlane and North Shore had 18, the same figure as Ocean Grove. Clifton Springs, Drysdale and Curlewis had 12 listed.
The list became available after hackers infiltrated Ashley Madison, an online dating site with the motto ‘Life is short, have an affair’.
Ms Morris said ideas about relationships had changed over the past generation.
“What stimulated couples a few generations ago is what we were used to. What stimulated the senses then no longer does and behaviour escalates as a result.’’
“But even if partners look the other way, there’s a breakdown in trust.
“If people are dissatisfied with a relationship they’re more likely to go out and look for an affair and that could be online.
“Some people are inclined to experiment online, initially curiosity gets the better of them, then before they now it they’re hooked – it’s an enormous problem.”
Rising unemployment also left more people with time on their hands for flings, Ms Morris said.
“People are under stress in dealing with their relationships and for them this can be a real escape from normal life.”
Ms Morris said a significant majority of couples also preferred to stay in a broken relationship rather than leave.
