Does virtual intimacy exist? A brief exploration into reported levels of intimacy in online relationships

    Authors

    V. M. Scott; K. E. Mottarella;M. J. Lavooy

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    CyberPsychol. Behav.

    Keywords

    Communication; Psychology, Applied

    Abstract

    This study examined the levels of intimacy reported by individuals in face-to-face and computer-mediated (or "virtual") romantic relationships. As suggested by the media and promised by online dating services, some degree of intimacy was reported in computer-mediated relationships, but stronger intimacy was reported in all participants' face-to-face relationships. Results also indicated that individuals who had online, virtual relationships reported less intimacy in their own face-to-face relationships compared to individuals who had engaged exclusively in face-to-face relationships, suggesting that people may turn to virtual relating after challenges in their face-to-face experiences.

    Journal Title

    Cyberpsychology & Behavior

    Volume

    9

    Issue/Number

    6

    Publication Date

    1-1-2006

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    759

    Last Page

    761

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000243108800133

    ISSN

    1094-9313

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