What is Ashley Madison and how is it related to adultery?

Ashley Madison is an online dating service specifically designed to cater to individuals seeking to engage in extramarital affairs or discreet relationships. Launched in 2001, its platform provides a private space for users to connect with others looking for similar kinds of relationships, thereby facilitating encounters that can lead to adultery. It operates under the slogan "Life is short. Have an affair," which encapsulates its direct appeal to individuals who are married or otherwise committed but seeking a secretive liaison. The service's relevance to adultery is thus inherent in its purpose; it intentionally markets itself as a discrete avenue for those wishing to commit infidelity, attracting controversy and debate over the morality and impact of its business model on marriages and the institution of marriage itself.