Is infidelity, adultery, or having affairs contagious? Israel University psychologists set out to explore whether viewing online content that normalizes or glorifies adultery can influence individuals' desires in their current relationships and their initiations toward other potential partners. Researchers conducted three studies. Each had about 130 undergrad participants, both male and female, a mean age of 26 years, and an average 3-year relationship ranging from 5 months to 40 years. Study 1 Viewing a video of scientists explaining the rate of infidelity as either high or low did not significantly affect participants' desire for their current relationship or an alternative partner. Study 2 Reading others’ confessions of adultery did affect more overt displays of sexual desire and increased interest in attractive alternatives. Yet, reading others' confessions of academic dishonesty did not increase deception. Study 3: Reading survey results with high norms of adultery led to a stronger desire for alternative partners and increased flirting with an attractive opposite-sex interviewer. Beware: Associating with others who do not respect monogamous relationships may influence our relationship commitment. Long-term positive relationships are gold. Treasure them and work on keeping them shining! Reference: Birnbaum, G.E., Zholtack, K., & Ayal, S. (2022). Is Infidelity Contagious? Online Exposure to Norms of Adultery and Its Effect on Expressions of Desire for Current and Alternative Partners. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 51, 3919–3930. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-022-02392-7

Written by Jarret Bain B.S.