Dear chickie097,

Cyber sex is a form of outercourse. It involves sharing erotic fantasies with a partner in a private chat room on the Internet, over e-mail, or through Instant Messenger. Some people may masturbate — touch their own sex organs for pleasure — while they participate in cyber sex.

Outercourse is sex play that doesn't include vaginal intercourse. It can include massage, body rubbing, and using sex toys. It's nearly 100 percent effective against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, as long as no body fluids are exchanged.

Someone once said that people think other people are sluts if they have more sex than they do. Unless the word "slut" is used a joke to congratulate someone on enjoying their sexuality, it's probably not a good idea to use the word to judge other people or ourselves, because the word suggests that there's something "dirty" about being sexually active, and that is not really true. People's sexual activities and choices are their own business and everyone has different values about sex. What's right for one person may not be right for another. And while it's totally fine if someone chooses not to be sexually active, deciding to participate in any kind of sex play, whether it's in person or in cyberspace, does not make anyone a slut.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.