In a true sign of the times, computers have taken over as the communication aid of choice. Its instantaneous transmission has now made it an essential piece of equipment in offices and homes alike. Multi-million pound deals are drawn up over the air waves and the social lives of children barely old enough to read are constructed in the same manner.

Parents and teachers keep in touch via internet and email and there cannot be anyone who hasn't heard of social networking systems like Facebook and Bebo. I'm not an expert on this aspect of internet interaction but looking over the shoulders of my children, I see webcams are hugely popular now.

Webcams have been around for some time, originally transmitting still pictures that could be stored on the computer's hard drive. And this is where new technology meets the oldest profession in the world. Responding to a call from the pornography industry for adult webcams, a Dutch developer invented a piece of software that could make the webcams run live images in real time without the need for web browser plug ins.

Of course, this technology has been used in many, many applications from security to traffic through to volcano watching. It is now possible, via the internet, to watch what is going on in another part of the world at any given time.

And this is exactly what makes it so popular within the pornographic industry. Adult webcams have enabled the industry to flourish in a new direction. Bored housewives can now earn themselves a well paid living, giving sex shows to the paying public. Enveloped with this service is also the chance to chat with these women for sexual pleasure.

Of course, adult webcams are not totally the domain of women. Men also get paid for employment of this type with gay or straight viewers.

Much debate has grown since the coining of the phrase 'cyber sex'. Some people consider any sexual contact with someone outside of the relationship as cheating. Others consider it a boost to their own flagging love lives. However, there are so many possibilities opened up since adult webcams became popular that the question is where to draw the line.

If no relationship is in place then surely, indulging in adult webcam sex is a harmless release. Many people find the release of sexual tension a great aid in general health. It can be used to reduce stress and aid relaxation, therefore inducing a good night's sleep. However, come home from work early to find your husband relieving himself in front of a young woman displaying her wares on an adult webcam and your view may be a little different!

Some couples find adult webcams a useful way of spicing up their sex life together, much the way that pornographic videos are often watched as a couple. As with all things, the use of adult webcams should be used in moderation and it is only when the user becomes addicted and it begins to interfere with every day functioning or causes problems in a relationship due to secrecy that a step back needs to be taken.