Infidelity: The ‘New Normal’
Many modern couples are redefining moral boundaries, infidelity is getting a mere shrug with ‘It’s Okay’ or ‘It’s Normal’ reaction in many committed relationships today
By : Anushree Chaurasia
Update: 2025-01-12 19:56 GMT
Infidelity once deemed a betrayal of trust and moral values, is now being reframed as a part of modern relationship dynamics. While cheating was traditionally met with societal disapproval, today, the conversation surrounding it has shifted. In certain circles, infidelity is being normalized and even justified, with the emergence of ‘infidelity coaches’ playing a significant role in this cultural shift. So, there are moments of cheat sheets and bed buddies, and it has become a new “normal” to talk about it healthily with your better half (sometimes bitter half).
This trend reflects changing attitudes towards relationships and fidelity in an era dominated by social media and instant connectivity. It raises questions about how these evolving norms affect the sanctity of committed relationships and whether the growing acceptance of infidelity is a symptom of a larger societal transformation.
Expert speak
A quick search on Instagram or YouTube reveals a growing number of self-proclaimed ‘life coaches’ offering advice on navigating extramarital affairs. Many of these so-called experts lack formal qualifications but have amassed substantial followings by marketing themselves as relationship gurus. Their messaging often portrays infidelity as a form of self-discovery or a way to rejuvenate one’s personal life.
Expert speak
A quick search on Instagram or YouTube reveals a growing number of self-proclaimed ‘life coaches’ offering advice on navigating extramarital affairs. Many of these so-called experts lack formal qualifications but have amassed substantial followings by marketing themselves as relationship gurus. Their messaging often portrays infidelity as a form of self-discovery or a way to rejuvenate one’s personal life.
Dr. Surabhi Mitra, a renowned psychologist, highlights the dangers of these unqualified influencers. “A lot of fake influencers on Instagram or YouTube labelling themselves as ‘life coaches’ without any due qualification are also instrumental in enhancing such thoughts,” she explains. “They even help train viewers as to how to maintain a good sexual life with their partner, other than their spouse, and that there’s nothing wrong in finding a healthy sexual connection with the other.”
This normalization of cheating, endorsed by individuals who hold significant sway over their followers, has sparked widespre-ad concern among mental health professionals.
Social Media Rise
Social media platforms have become fertile grounds for fostering infidelity. With their relative privacy and limitless access to others, these platforms offer an easy way to begin emotional affairs or engage in micro-cheating.
Social Media Rise
Social media platforms have become fertile grounds for fostering infidelity. With their relative privacy and limitless access to others, these platforms offer an easy way to begin emotional affairs or engage in micro-cheating.
Dr. Mitra elaborates on this trend: “The relative privacy, and limitless access to others, that social media offers makes it a perfect way to begin an emotional affair or engage in micro-cheating. These both involve forming a deep, often secretive, connection with someone outside your primary relationship.”
From subtle flirting in direct messages to liking suggestive posts, micro-cheating blurs the boundaries of fidelity, leaving many to question what truly constitutes betrayal. Emotional affairs, often conducted in secrecy, can create cracks in a relationship even before physical infidelity occurs.
Hyderabad-based Anishka Dixit (24) says that she has been cheated multiple times in her relationship with the same guy. “The basic foundation of a relationship is loyalty and respect. I feel that I’ve been humiliated and disrespected by someone I chose to give my everything. It’s heartbreaking and agonising. I gave multiple chances hoping for change but alas,” she says.
The Moral Compass
The changing perception of infidelity as acceptable or even inevitable stems from shifting societal priorities. In a fast-paced world that often prioritizes individual happiness and self-fulfilment over collective well-being, the idea of seeking personal satisfaction outside a committed relationship has gained traction.
From subtle flirting in direct messages to liking suggestive posts, micro-cheating blurs the boundaries of fidelity, leaving many to question what truly constitutes betrayal. Emotional affairs, often conducted in secrecy, can create cracks in a relationship even before physical infidelity occurs.
Hyderabad-based Anishka Dixit (24) says that she has been cheated multiple times in her relationship with the same guy. “The basic foundation of a relationship is loyalty and respect. I feel that I’ve been humiliated and disrespected by someone I chose to give my everything. It’s heartbreaking and agonising. I gave multiple chances hoping for change but alas,” she says.
The Moral Compass
The changing perception of infidelity as acceptable or even inevitable stems from shifting societal priorities. In a fast-paced world that often prioritizes individual happiness and self-fulfilment over collective well-being, the idea of seeking personal satisfaction outside a committed relationship has gained traction.
Advocates for this mindset argue that no single person can fulfil all of their partner’s needs. They justify infidelity as a natural response to unmet emotional or physical desires, framing it as a pragmatic rather than a moral issue. This perspective has sparked heated debates about the definition of loyalty and the evolving expectations within relationships. Rohan and Swati (name changed), who have been married for 12 years and are in an open relationship feel that it is normal to connect and get attracted to many people. “If both the partners or couple are on the same page then it is nobody’s business to pass judgements on commitment and infidelity. It is a matter of choice,” the duo says in unison.
Normalising Infidelity
While some view this cultural shift as progressive, others argue that normalizing infidelity undermines the foundations of trust and commitment in relationships. Cheating, regardless of its justification, often leaves lasting emotional scars on those involved. Couples grappling with infidelity frequently face issues of betrayal, self-esteem erosion, and communication breakdowns. In many cases, the involvement of infidelity coaches or the influence of social media exacerbates the damage, leading to even more profound relational challenges.
Call For Dialogue
Experts urge caution in embracing this new narrative of infidelity. Rather than normalizing cheating, they advocate for addressing the root causes of dissatisfaction in relationships through open communication, counselling, and mutual effort. “Infidelity is not just about the act; it’s about the erosion of trust and the dismissal of a commitment made to another person,” says Dr. Mitra adding, “Instead of justifying it, society should focus on fostering healthier, more transparent relationships.”
The Road Ahead
The cultural shift surrounding infidelity reflects broader changes in how relationships are perceived and navigated in the modern age. However, the question remains: Is this shift empowering individuals to explore their desires, or is it eroding the very fabric of trust and loyalty?
While some view this cultural shift as progressive, others argue that normalizing infidelity undermines the foundations of trust and commitment in relationships. Cheating, regardless of its justification, often leaves lasting emotional scars on those involved. Couples grappling with infidelity frequently face issues of betrayal, self-esteem erosion, and communication breakdowns. In many cases, the involvement of infidelity coaches or the influence of social media exacerbates the damage, leading to even more profound relational challenges.
Call For Dialogue
Experts urge caution in embracing this new narrative of infidelity. Rather than normalizing cheating, they advocate for addressing the root causes of dissatisfaction in relationships through open communication, counselling, and mutual effort. “Infidelity is not just about the act; it’s about the erosion of trust and the dismissal of a commitment made to another person,” says Dr. Mitra adding, “Instead of justifying it, society should focus on fostering healthier, more transparent relationships.”
The Road Ahead
The cultural shift surrounding infidelity reflects broader changes in how relationships are perceived and navigated in the modern age. However, the question remains: Is this shift empowering individuals to explore their desires, or is it eroding the very fabric of trust and loyalty?
As social media continues to influence how people connect and interact, the debate over fidelity is unlikely to subside. Whether society ultimately views infidelity as a personal choice or a breach of trust will shape the future of relationships for generations to come.
For now, experts like Dr. Mitra encourage individuals to seek authentic, qualified guidance and prioritize open communication over secrecy and deceit, only then can relationships truly thrive in a world that constantly redefines its moral boundaries.