1. 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
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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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