University of Tehran on behalf of the "Cyberspace Research Policy Center" and the "UNESCO Chair on Cyberspace and Culture: Dual Spacization of the World" Journal of Cyberspace Studies 2588-5499 10 2 2026 07 01 Internet infidelity among Iranian users: The role of interpersonal and intrapersonal factors 417 431 103874 10.22059/jcss.2025.397028.1171 EN Javad Ahmadzadeh Department of Counseling, Faculty of Humanities, University of Bojnord, Bojnord, Iran. Aliakbar Soleimanian Department of Counseling, Faculty of Humanities, University of Bojnord, Bojnord, Iran. Tayebe Rahimi Pordanjani Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Bojnord, Bojnord, Iran. Journal Article 2025 06 09 <strong>Background:</strong> The emergence of virtual social networks has facilitated a new form of marital infidelity known as internet infidelity.<br /><strong>Aims: </strong>This study investigated the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between self-compassion, relationship maintenance behaviors, and attitudes toward internet infidelity.<br /><strong>Methodology: </strong>A cross-sectional study using SEM was conducted among 481 Iranian married users. The data collection was performed using Internet Infidelity, Relationship Maintenance Strategies, Self-Compassion, and Self-Esteem Questionnaires. SEM was used to examine hypothesized relationships, and the bootstrap in Preacher and Hayes’ Macro program was employed for testing mediation.<br /><strong>Findings: </strong>SEM analysis revealed that self-compassion and relationship maintenance behaviors had a direct effect on both self-esteem and attitudes toward internet infidelity (<em>P</em>< 0.0001). However, the hypothesized mediating role of self-esteem was not supported. These findings underscore the significant influence of self-compassion and relationship maintenance behaviors in predicting attitudes toward internet infidelity.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Counseling interventions aimed at fostering self-compassion and reinforcing relationship maintenance skills may help reduce the risk of internet infidelity. https://jcss.ut.ac.ir/article_103874_40778c1bb7e21f363a1517a53c1bd4b0.pdf