Cyber-Relationships

In almost 75% of cases, Internet addicts use applications such as chat rooms, instant messaging, or online gaming as a safe way of establishing new relationships and more confidently relating to others. This is because some people may lack the social skills that would enable them to meet people in person rather than online hence they prefer to make friends with no direct contact with people. In addition, they get rid of any stranger or people they don’t want to chat with just by “blocking” them.

In addition to this, the Internet enables people to relate with others around the globe who share the same interest as them. Hence, those longing for community and like-mindedness but do not have a true confidant in real life would turn to the Internet and get addicted due to the numerous cyber-relationships established online.

"The texture of online relationships is totally different," says Nan McCarthy, author of "Chat," "Connect," and "Crash" which depicts the evolution of Internet relationship. McCarthy says the online world is capable of advancing relationships at a faster pace, opening the doors for immediate intimacy. Email and chat rooms are the most intimate means of communication. Through text, it allows interested parties to unveil their most revealing thoughts which may be awkward to express in face-to-face situations.