Dark Side of the Internet

Am I in Love with My Computer? Real Life vs. Cyber Relationships--
Is one better than the other? Several explanations exist which all point to the conclusion that neither is better than the other, but they are definitely extremely different. Here's why:
    Cyber relationships have four distinct advantages to real life relationships. First, the relationship is mostly asynchronous. This is nice because both people in the relationship can think about what they say before they say it. It also helps in awkward emotional situations. No one is ever put on the spot to respond quickly when confronted with something important.
     Secondly, some people can express themselves better in the written word. A text relationship may help individuals communicate their ideas clearly and effectively, whereas in a face-to-face communication, they might be at a loss for words.
    Thirdly, a written relationship can be held on to through records and the relationship can be preserved over time. With recorded documents, various aspects of the relationship can be re-examined and re-evaluated to clear up misunderstandings. A user can also save those text documents that have a special impact on their lives.
    Finally, the cyber relationship will be based on a common interest or the intellect. Physical appearance is not relevant unless pictures are sent back and forth. Many people believe that this kind of relationship allows people to read into what the other person is saying. People often say there is a sense of empathy that carries across the computer screen.
    Real life relationships involve most or all sensory experiences. When you are in a real life, face-to-face relationship you can see, feel, touch, smell, and even taste another person (if you really want to). You can observe facial expressions, listen to tone of voice, hold, squeeze, and tickle another person when you are with them. Text relationships do not allow for this.
    The important difference between these two types of relationships is physicality. Anything you do with someone in Cyberspace can be done with someone in real life. But there is no way you can replicate real life relationships in a Cyberspace relationship. As stated in Integrate Your On-Line and Off-Line Life , however the relationship is formed, it should be integrated with other aspects of one's life in order to prevent a separation or dissociation of lifestyle.

Is Cyber Romance Real?--
Cyberspace romances are a more intimate form of cyber relationships. In this situation, two people meet over the Internet and communicate about their deepest feelings, including love, hopes, dreams, and fears. You communicate on a different level in a cyber romance than someone would with an Internet friend.
On some levels, people may fall in love over the Internet because of the anonymity factor. It allows for fantasy and imagination to take over for both of the individuals involved. In most cases, however, both partners eventually feel the need to meet because imagination only goes so far.
Cyberspace romances can be successful for two major reasons.
1) The Internet is a great way for people with similar interests and personalities to meet, despite geographical constraints.
2) Physical appearances do not play as strong as a factor in terms of attractiveness as do ideas, values, and personality. People have developed several hypotheses about on-line relationships, and more information can be found on Web pages listed below.

Cybersex--
Cybersex is an area that falls under another category not discussed here. (See Anti-Social Behavior on this Web site.)

Let's Get Together!
Group Dynamics and the Internet Therapy and Support Groups--
Therapy and support groups help people with similar concerns find each other in a relatively easy manner. People find comfort in meeting others with similar issues. There is a common thread that exists in each one of us to help others going through hard times. On-line groups span geographic space and allow people to meet each other, when they otherwise would not have. (See On-Line Self-Help Therapy on this Web site)

Chat Rooms--
Chat rooms are an interesting place to observe group dynamics. In many cases, this is an area of the Internet that becomes addictive. (See Are You Addicted to the Internet? on this Web site.)

So, Now What? Links and Summary There are many psychological aspects that still have yet to be studied. Cyberspace is a world that takes on a different meaning to each of its users. It can also have both positive and negative effects. One of the negative effects not mentioned in depth in this page is (See Addicted to the Internet on this Web site.) To find out more about Psychology and the Internet, visit some of these Web sites below.

Check out these worthwhile Web sites! Communication Addiction Disorder:
Concern over media, behavior, and effects

Supervisors Guide:
Statistics on who is addicted to Internet and types of addictions.

Psychology of Cyberspace

Psychologist's Paper on the Internet

Center for On-line Addiction

Internet Addiction stories

Communication Addiction Disorder: Concern over media, behavior, and effects

Internet Addiction Guide (PHd analysis of internet addiction)

Net addictions are pathological