ABSTRACT
Sexual minorities and those living in isolated communities can connect with others through the internet. There are websites dedicated to the special interests of the lesbian and gay community, BDSM websites, as well as websites providing information and services for transsexuals. Marginalised and stigmatised individuals can find a supportive community and an end to isolation. Internet gaming addiction is described as a new category for 'further study' in the most recent publication of the Diagnostic Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. The internet can also be used to avoid life's problems. Pornography originally meant 'writings about harlots'. Sexual addiction injures the partner and destabilises the relationship. This chapter looks at internet pornography addiction. The use of internet pornography can have a distressing and disrupting impact on the quality and endurance of relationships. The feeling of shame seems intolerable and internet pornography is used to escape the feeling of shame.
