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Published on: March 1, 2017
Does virtual intimacy exist? A brief exploration into reported levels of intimacy in online relationships
Veronica M Scott1, Karen E Mottarella, Maria J Lavooy
1Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Brevard Campuses, Palm Coast, Florida, USA. Veronica_Scott_Counselor@yahoo.com
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.
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