Sunday, February 10, 2008

McKenna et al

This article continues to discuss internet relationships in reference to one's inner or true self. It was interesting that these authors went a step further to create the structural equation model. This model shows how people continue to carry out their relationships beyond the internet. I was surprised to see that a small percentage continue to communicate through letters. This model also showed that people sometimes become engaged or simply have an affair after they connect with each other's inner self. This article does include the fact that most internet users suffer from social anxieties and loneliness, but it also shows how the relationships can continue to grow.

2 comments:

Erin H. said...

I thought it was nice that they mentioned Internet relationships can be lasting - in fact, my best friend met someone on Match.com a few years ago, and they got married in October!

Here's their success story:
http://success.match.com/StoryViewer.aspx?storyId=19947

Anita Blanchard said...

I wonder with regard to letter writing, if that's just a national trend since people can email so much quicker.