Relationships and Media

Online Relationships

Can you really have a relationship with someone if you never have face-to-face interaction, and if so what makes it possible?

According to Gustavo (2006), online relationships did not discuss as much information as face-to-face relationships. Face-to-face relationships were closer in the fact that they discussed a variety of information among each other. Online relationships were specific in what they discussed; therefore there was certain significance to that relationship. These relationships are easily maintained, but did not seem to be as personal as face-to-face relationships.

Another article discussed how people are more truthful about their identity on the Internet, because they are not reluctant to withhold information from a person who was face-to-face (Matsuba 2006). These relationships become very important to individuals, and people are easily able to maintain relationships that are more honest and intimate. People are also more likely to keep the relationship much longer than face-to-face, because there is less conflict in the relationship that is online.

With any face-to-face interaction, there is more likely a chance for something to go wrong. People are more likely to incorporate body language with what the person is saying, and people are also more likely to say something they do not mean. With online conversations, people are able to think about what they are typing, and are able to correct what they are saying before sending the message over the Internet. It is important for people to have physical contact with others, but it can also prevent conflict if face-to-face conversation does not take place.

Matsuba, M. Kyle. (2006). Searching for Self and Relationships Online. Cyberpsychology & Behavior, Volume 9, 275-284.

Mesch, Gustavo. (2006). The Quality of Online and Offline Relationships: The Role of Multiplexity and Duration of Social Relationships. The Information Society, Volume 22, 137-148.

posted by Kayla Bratton @ 10:43 PM