Internet Relatonships

[Omniscient]

Well, as of late I've been struck by how many people here have and seem to be encouraging developing online relationships. Now, I'll first state that I have no quarrel with cybersex, porn, webcam chatting, and the like. I am however very skepitical and critical of developing online relationships. Several of our regs have related horror stories of their own and friends. But, everyone seems to have an experience of their own. So everyones hearing bad stories, but has their own stories with no signs of regret of hesitation to do it again.

I read about a year back (I wish I could recall the source, but I am certain it was a very mainstream periodical) an in depth study of online dating. Basically it broke down the social and intimate signals that are lost and falsified in that environment. The point being that the human interaction that is needed to develop a healthy relationships is missing online, and can't be replaced by technology. Things are slightly improved when incorperating phone calls, but the physicals keys that relate so much between couples is missing. I believe this assessment, I can't understand how you can understand someones moods, and emotions without seeing facial expressions and hearing voice inclinations. Emoticons don't cut it.

I would like to hear everyones impression of online relationships, and if you have a story please relate it.