A cyborexic bond may be formed between two or more people in which mechanical devices are primarily vehicles of communication. A typical example of such a bond is between to pen pals. Each person writes a message using a writing utensil, word processor or chat software. The message is sent to a recipient who then reads it. Normally this is a bidirectional process. Since the content of such messages has much in common with the content of a normal conversation at a social gathering, a psychological bond may form, ranging from what would commonly be termed "acquaintance" or "friendship" to something more emotionally powerful.
The commitment required by all parties to maintain the bond is to continue communication via the same mechanical means. Under these circumstances, refraining from use of the mechanism could be construed as disapproval, neglect, betrayal or abandonment. Consider a person who who decides to delay returning voice mail messages. Others may find themselves angry at this new condition on the relationship. What may underlie the anger is emotional pain due to perceived neglect.
One patient with a compulsive disorder found it functionally necessary to set an artificial boundary limiting certain activities that led to loss of control. Her intention was to "refrain from experiencing any sexuality through mechanical or electronic media" on a daily basis. This statement for her implied abstenance from pornographic material including glamour magazines, phone sex, stimulation devices devices, use of optical equipment in voyeuristic activities and use of chat software for anything other than business purposes.
The formulation of the boundary is significant since it tells us something about the ideology or behavior of the individual who set it. Perhaps this individual sees the proper expression of sexuality as free from "mechanical or electronic media." Perhaps the person has an inability to limit the time or intensity of engagement with such activities as is characteristic with addiction to substances.
© Copyright 2002, Douglas Decicco, 3230 NE 9th Terrace,
Pompano Beach, FL - This writing may be duplicated and distributed freely provided
the following three restrictions are adhered to during the duplication and distribution
of said writing, regardless of the number of recursive duplications or distributions
made:
(1) No fee shall be collected by the distributor in payment for the writing
or the duplication or distribution thereof.
(2) Neither this writing, its title, its punctuation, its spelling, its layout
nor this copyright shall be modified, amended or abbreviated.
(3) This copyright shall be included and clearly visible on any and all printed
or electronically displayed pages containing this writing.