Recently the hackers responsible for leaking millions of users’ information from the Ashley Madison website posted a second batch of information containing an even greater number of user profile information. Many feared a sharp and abrupt spike in the number of divorces filed across the country as spouses became aware of their partner’s cheating and/or infidelity. Although it is far too early to tell if such “doom and gloom” predictions hold true, one reality television star previously in the spotlight for family-related issues has already admitted that he has been unfaithful to his wife by maintaining two accounts on the Ashley Madison website.

Is Adultery an Outdated Concept?

It seems as if our culture is not surprised anymore when allegations of adultery are either admitted to or proven true, at least in cases of celebrities and politicians. (Adultery, of course, can be said to occur whenever a married individual engages in sexual relations with a person other than his or her spouse.) One sign that our culture no longer views adultery in the same manner as it once did is the proliferation of “no-fault” divorce laws. In states that have adopted “no-fault” laws, a couple can obtain a divorce without any showing that one spouse engaged in any “bad behavior” like adultery: instead, the parties can obtain a divorce simply on a stipulation or finding that the spouses have irreconcilable differences.