What is Ashley Madison and how does it work?

Ashley Madison is an online dating service specifically designed for individuals who are seeking discreet extramarital or non-monogamous relationships. It operates by allowing users to create profiles, where they can list personal preferences, characteristics, and the type of relationship they are seeking. Users can browse through profiles of other members and initiate contact through private messages or chat functions. The platform offers various privacy features to help maintain discretion, such as photo masking options and anonymous user identities. Ashley Madison operates on a credit system for initiating communication, meaning that users must purchase credits in order to start conversations with potential partners. The service markets itself as a means to find like-minded individuals interested in discreet sexual encounters or romantic affairs outside their current partnerships.