When Traditional Adultery Isn’t Convenient Enough

While driving home today my wife and I stumbled across a radio commercial that really drew our attention. The advertisement was for an online dating service similar to most of the others seen or heard advertised. This particular service has apparently found an opening in the market of online dating and has wedged itself into a peculiar niche.

The twist? Unlike E-Harmony or other dating services that seek to match up lonely singles, Ashley Madison has its marketed objective as pairing up already dating or married men and women, otherwise known as “When Monogamy Becomes Monotony.” While slime-balls in the years past had to flirt with the secretary or make inappropriate advances at the babysitter, men (and women) can now seek infidelity from the comfort of their own computer.

While I admit I am not surprised that such a site exists per se, I admit that I am rather stunned at the apparent visibility such a “business” maintains. The agency is complete with its own media page that boasts a rather large list of mentions from occasionally reputable sources, such as CNN and Dr. Phil. While I’m sure Dr. Phil might portray such a service negatively, mentioning it before such a massive audience can’t do anything but boost publicity. Apparently Ashley Madison agrees that “no publicity is bad publicity.”

While I cannot solely blame such services from existing while there is a demand in a market economy, as certainly the unfaithful play the key role, but have the persons behind this service no souls? Is there not a moment’s consideration given to encouraging a behavior that is damaging to society and can destroy lives of whole families? The answer: a resounding no.

Included in their FAQ is an incredibly demented attempt to justify and excuse just such activity:

Oh really? Is anyone naive enough to think that the facilitation of a service does not make it more prevalent? This would be on par with claiming that liquor stores do not aid in the encouragement of drunkenness. While opinions on the prohibition of alcohol in the US vary, an undeniable fact is that ceasing the mass production of booze did in fact cut down on the practice.

We’re rapidly approaching a world where even maintaining a facade of virtue is unnecessary. Couched as freedom of choice infidelity is claimed righteous. It is frightening the depths of which totally depraved souls can continue to reach.

Tag: eharmony