'Sexting', online infidelity are common but don't replace real-life relationships, survey shows

While the internet and smartphones have made it increasingly convenient for individuals to stay in touch with their friends and family, they have also allowed many people to engage in online or "sexting" romantic encounters outside of their committed real-life relationships.

The act of sexting has become well known and involves sexually explicit text messages or photos sent from one person to another with the intent of having a romantic relationship.

Recently, a study published in the journal Sexuality and Culture investigated the popularity of online infidelity versus face-to-face relationships. The research involved more than 5,100 adults who responded to a survey that was posted on the website AshleyMadison.com, which is somewhat of an online dating site for married individuals who want to have extra-marital affairs.

The study's results showed that more than two-thirds of respondents had cheated through online relationships or sexting, while three-quarters had been unfaithful in real life. The findings indicated that sexting was more common among women and older men were more likely than younger individuals of the same sex to cheat through face-to-face relationships.

However, more surveytakers reported that they were interested in finding real-life partners than online companions.