Internet and its role in the society Originally intended for defense communications Late 1970s problem of inter-computer communications was solved through the use of a shared protocol Mainly academic use throughout 1970s for email Commercial applications in 1980s Internet connectivity for home computers with implications for commercial and interpersonal use Widespread use by the end of 1990s Inexpensive computers Availability of service providers Organization of internet services with applications such as Yahoo and AOL – commercial use, interpersonal use, communications and information dissemination

Internet and the society Every important technological innovation alters society Information technology altered human relationships Altered existing relationships that were established without the use of information technology Altered the way individuals formed relationships

Effects of internet on traditional interpersonal relationships Negative Increased use is associated with diminished interpersonal interaction Increased use is associated with disengagement from family and social life involving face-to-face interactions Leads to lonely, depressed individuals with little connection with their immediate community and real experiences Positive Use is associated with wider social networks Use is associated with higher levels of contact with family and friends Neutral Internet use is higher among individuals who already have more social capital

Characteristics of internet mediated relationships Impoverished or “reduced” relationship Deprived of social cues Self centered Not (yet) socially regulated Deindividuated Relationship where the social identity takes precedence Reduced personal accountability – reduced trust Replacement by social identity (associated with the local community) Increased conformity to social groups “Pure relationship” exists for its own sake - Giddens

Pure Relationships – Giddens’ theory Relationship exists because its ideal form is wanted by individuals It offers intrinsic satisfaction Based on mutual disclosure Facilitated by the disembodied anonymity provided by internet Facilitated by the ability to manage an on-line identity Disclosure replaces passion Negotiation replaces commitment Maintained only because they deliver enough satisfaction Allows the maintenance of personal boundaries

Intimate internet relationships Reversing the developmental sequence of a face-to-face relationship Formation of traditional intimate relationships: Face-to-face contact leading to personal attraction and formation of an intimate relationship Formation of internet relationships: Decision to have a relationship leading to anonymous disclosure to a person and formation of a relationship that may develop into a face-to-face relationship Face-to-face relationship may develop into personal attraction Diminished role of face-to-face interaction and salience of attraction

Intimate internet relationships – primacy of disclosure Advantages of a disembodied anonymity Allowing intimacy and disclosure beyond interactions regulated by social norms Ability to control impressions Ability to flee stressful situations in interaction Ability to maintain a personal distance by maintaining personal boundaries Ability to ignore inquiries Ability to calculate the amount of disclosure

Some questions and concerns The boundaries of internet relationships are not well established Etiquette in communications – exception of business communications Etiquette in disputes Etiquette in the rate of communication Etiquette in honesty Definition of infidelity Traditional relationships: contact with another that undermines an existing relationship Undermining intimacy of a relationship established through disclosure Inability to learn to manage conflicts Conflicts are bound to emerge if the relationship develops into a face-to-face relationship