Emotional Attachment in Online Dating

Positive Aspects
The computer is measured as a physical presence in the online dating sphere. The new technologies of web message create an intangible space that facilitates the growth of relationships and moving investment (Robins and Webster, 1999). The technologies, such as avatars, audio messaging, web cam and Voice over IP applications; create a more gentle connection that penetrates the separate nature of the virtual domain. Traditionally, users could only use text to state emotions, which Greenfield (2005) argues does not reveal context and facial cues, however with the foreword of these new features, users are allowed to additional express their emotions in sound and images.

The virtual space provides a sanctuary for individuals who are unconfident or ashamed of such “imperfections” like physical form. When citizens log onto Cyberspace, they are either deliberately or subconsciously entering a psychological space. (Surlier, 1999) The technological example shift allows individuals with low self esteem to socialize freely with strangers, and not be incomplete by certain issues that happen outside the virtual arena. They are given the chance to meet new people and further established relationships. The shift can increase the confidence of individuals, enabling them to reveal concealed sides of character, and share close secrets and emotions. This phenomenon is known as the Online Disinheriting Effect. The Online Disinheriting Effect is credited to the liberation of expressing the true individuality without the fear of being judged.

The emotions invested when communicating with one more assists the development of a relationship. There are instances where persons meet their life partners through online dating sites and maintain they have fallen in love with the ‘real’ person inside because of the boundless nature of the virtual domain.

Negative Aspects
A degree of secrecy and invisibility of users (Surlier, 1999) plays an important role in online communication. The secrecy and invisibility factors can lead to dishonesty and harm. These factors permit users to communicate with their chosen, and often false, persona and identity. As Jordan (1999: 88) argues, “identity variability supports the masquerades and experiments of avatars the aptitude to change gender, the ability to contact experts.”

In a study conducted by Greenfield (2005), the results indicated “approximately 50% of web users confess to lying online — typically about physical characteristics and attributes.” When a personality invests emotionally in the virtual sphere, the affects mirror the emotions experienced in reality. If a person has lied about their individuality or feelings, the other member in the relationship will have the same move toward as felt in the non-virtual world.

However, often the users create false ‘realities’ of other users in the near realm. Individuals frequently ‘fill in the blanks’ because of the lack of physical interaction. Users can even become so engrossed in these created ‘realities’ that the real world becomes less real to them.

Individuals can make false Virtual Identities for both themselves and other users they interrelate with. This disillusionment can lead to people investing emotions in an imaginary person, which in twist leads to disappointment.

http://market4sale.50megs.com/