The development of online crime and deviance has progressed with increased access to the Internet; However, the development of online sexual deviance has sparked conflicting opinions as to whether its advancement is a greater benefit or harm to society. Sexual deviance is defined as activity or content related to sexual gratification that is considered atypical or deviant. Overall, the effects of the Internet on online sexual deviance have largely advanced, and those who participate in online sexual deviance may have distinctive identities or behaviors. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay As the Internet has become an integral part of many individuals' lives with regards to entertainment, work, and communication, the expansion of sexual deviance online has also occurred. The Internet has provided a tremendous amount of opportunities for people to anonymously access sexually explicit images and videos online at little or no cost. Even in the presence of parental restrictions, which are usually not implemented, minors have quick and easy access to explicit content online. Greater accessibility to the Internet also means individuals are more likely to encounter atypical sexual content such as incest, BDSM, bestiality, and child pornography. Risk factors that lead to encounters with sexual deviance include communicating with others through social media, gaming, and online communities. Online dating is another risk factor that has also become popular through customized websites and apps. Meanwhile, “many researchers argue that the Internet has caused a surge in the production and distribution of child pornography,” while some propose that online communities may serve as a way for pedophiles to live out their fantasies without hurting anyone. The expansion and proliferation of online sexual deviance has benefited many, despite what some may think. For example, “people with traditionally stigmatized sexual identities can reaffirm positive self-esteem by expressing their actualized psychosexual self” in open and supportive environments; and relationships can foster greater acceptance of a partner's interests. Thus, the Internet “is an unprecedented source of support for those with the most devalued sexual identities, a place where they can easily receive affirmation and reinforcement” (Durkin, Forsyth, and Quinn 2006). While some concerns regarding the increase in sexual content include the normalization of alternative sexual activity, promiscuity, increased infidelity, and addictive use, the larger concern is the safety of children and adolescents. Young teens and children online who don't know any better may interact with strangers who attempt to manipulate and take advantage of them. For this reason, it is often recommended to refrain from disclosing personal information to those online, from meeting with strangers, and from sending explicit photos. However, most Internet sex offenders “generally did not deceive victims into believing that they were older adults interested in sexual relationships,” and “most offenders did not use force or coercion to sexually abuse women.” own victims." Sexual deviance can be defined in three categories: normal, pathological and sociological. Normal deviance is widespread and has little visibility, while existing laws against such acts are usually not enforced. These behaviors, which include premarital sex,sodomy and masturbation are often seen as anachronistic. According to statistics, many of these acts are ordinary and occur in many relationships. Pathological sexual deviances are behaviors strictly enforced by the law such as rape, bestiality, incest, pedophilia and exhibitionism. Few people practice pathological sexual deviance, and even these behaviors are widely considered harmful. Sociological sexual deviance involves behaviors that require social structures to proliferate and survive. Social structures are used to gather more members in order to teach them behavior and provide them with support. These behaviors can include homosexuality, prostitution, swinging and pornography. Overall, the Internet has created a thriving environment in which a wide range of sexual deviants grow and gather support. The growing amount of sexual content online not only serves to generate more sexual acts considered deviant, but creates more supportive communities where individuals can safely express their desires without hurting or offending others. Additionally, "growing concern about sexually transmitted diseases and a broader range of sexual content has led some to experiment with new sexual activities, such as consensual voyeurism or phone and chat room sex." These developments are useful in replacing real contact to ensure physical safety while providing gratification. However, interacting with other individuals online who share similar desires can evoke latent desires that may not have been explored before. Despite claims from pedophiles, for example, that they support their right to an online space, online interaction can “push desire to new levels in some participants… and almost certainly encourages a worldview that sexualizes children.” The Internet has allowed many more acts of sexual deviance classified as normal deviance to become less stigmatized. Problems arise when pathological deviants deemed illegal and harmful are destigmatized due to the influence of the Internet. Furthermore, Internet pornography has been the prime suspect in the increase in sexual crimes and “the argument is that the Internet reduces the pecuniary and non-pecuniary costs of (violent and/or extreme) pornography, which many laboratory experiments suggest increases the propensity to commit sexual crimes." ”. While the widespread exposure of sexual content online creates more effective avenues for addressing deviant behavior, the Internet also serves as a space where individuals can find support for their personal interests. While children are often seen as the most vulnerable victims of sexual deviance, varying identities and behaviors influence who tends to participate in online sexual deviance. The most often studied types of sexual deviance are usually sex crimes and cyberpornography. Other subtypes of sexual deviance have a more limited amount of research and studies conducted in comparison. In most sex crimes, the offenders are men and are not pedophiles as most victims are young adolescents. In sexual crimes against minors, the offenders are often much older than the victim, while the victims are usually female and aged between 13 and 15. Most online sex crimes involve teenagers who are unable to consent to intercourse due to their age and who view their exchanges with adults as desirable relationships. Ultimately, "not all children are at risk of harm but... risk factors linked to personality (sensation seeking, low self-esteem, psychological difficulties, social environment (lack of20.