Some would immediately say there would be more risk in an online relationship; however, isn’t is just as easy to create a false identity or say you are someone else offline as it is online? But you can also meet someone extremely genuine and true both online and offline. So why are people so feared of the online relationships? Is because we don’t know exactly what is on the other side of the computer screen?
More and more people are hearing about how they met the love of their life or their soul mate online. I think it’s great for people to connect and live happily ever after; however, I personally fear the possibility of deception on the Internet. From thePsychology Today article, “Cyberspace: Love Online,” author Hara Estroff Marano she says:
“Indeed, online relationships can be unusually seductive. They are readily accessible, they move very quickly, and under the cloak of anonymity, they make it easy for people to reveal a great deal about themselves… And while cyber relationships can be more sincere and open than offline relationships, they also leave a great deal of room fordeception, although online relationships are marked more bydreams than deception.”
I have never personally gotten involved in an online relationship and I don’t think I ever will. I would have too much fear of being deceived. I personally would much rather go out and meet people offline and face-to-face. Then if it turned out to be a long distance relationship I could use the Internet as a way to maintain that relationship.
I don’t think there is more risk online verse offline because the possibility of rejection still exists in both worlds. It seems that with the numerous social networking websites, chat rooms, and dating/match websites that a lot of people are finding their perfect match online. Furthermore, that these sites are safe and have built in precautions. With high success rates it’s another alternative for individuals to try.
It is great for everyone to find their soul mate whether that be offline or online. In the end individuals need to think twice about what they post and protect themselves from the dangers online, and this guideline goes for any activity individuals partake in online.
Sources- Cyberspace: Love Online
Writing, Research, & Technology 