10. Virtual Identities - Intimacy Online
Virtual Identities
There are a number of functions that are a common point of contact used by online users that have the potential to lead to friendship, romantic relationships and even cybersex. Virtual Community, email, message boards, chat rooms and instant messaging all have the ability to bring people together.
Many people claim that the use of Cyberspace as a base to form will result in superficial or transient relationships. (Surler, J: 2004) While it is acknowledge that such relationships may exist, it is also important to recognise that many firm friendships, romances, even marriages have resulted from online liaisons. (Surler, J: 2004)
Those who indulge in online relationships find that through the use of virtual communities and identities, they have access to not only numerous people across the world but also have the ability to narrow down those who fulfil their ‘potential’ partner requirements.
However, while many people have formed lifelong relationships or romances with those they have met online, there are also a number of notable risks involved with the process, including relationship breakdowns.
Many counseling organisations claim that chat rooms are the fastest rising cause of relationship breakdowns. (UF News: 2003) Mileham states, never before has there dating world been so handy for married men and women looking for a fling. With cybersex, there is no longer any need for secret trips to motel rooms. An online liaison may even take place in the same room as one’s spouse. (UF News: 2003)
However, it is also important to recognise that there are a number of dangers associated with pursuing online relationships. An example of such danger includes deception through false identity. With millions of people changing their personas to fit with what they feel will encourage others to pursue friendships if not relationships with them, the chance of finding someone who is not who they say they really are is highly possible.
References
Surler, J. (2004) Hypothesis about online text relationships [Online]. Available: http://www.rider.edu/~suler/psycyber/textrel.html [Accessed: 24/10/2004]
UF News. (2003) UF Study: online dating virtually irresistible to some married folk [Online] Available: http://www.napa.ufl.edu/2003news/internetinfidelity.htm [Accessed: 24/10/2004]
Belinda Gatz 11:53, 28 Oct 2004 (EST)
