Journal #2: Internet Realtionships

Real online relationships are hard to believe to be true. On one hand the relationships that are created online could be solely a friendship of support and encouragement and the other relationships could be romantic relationships.

I believe only online friendships can be real. In a friendship I look for support, encouragement, and company. I believe all these things can be provided in an online setting. I do not need to see or meet a person for them to be helpful or supportive of me. I do not believe that online romantic relationships are real. Someone can say things to make you feel good inside and build your confidence, but can you really know someone you have never met? I don't believe the physical part of a romance is the most important part by any means, but it is a big part of the relationship. It is not a true romantic relationship without the physical connection and support the person provides to you. In a romantic relationship there is a give and take that needs to happen in order for the relationship to work. With out meeting the person you are romantically involved with how can you fully understand who they are? Another big part of relationships is the communication, not only verbally, but physically. How are you to know what the person is feeling or wanting through typed words on a screen?

Online relationships are frequently being created everyday. I do not believe they are wrong, rather I do not believe they are true relationships.