Virtual Romance through Computer Mediated Communication

This week's entry is going to be quite interesting and thought provoking for two reasons. The first reason is that this is my last entry for the communication blog and second is that it is based on the thing that we all are dependent on or can't live without these days; the Internet(New Media).The popularity of Internet communication or Computer Mediated Communication has dramatically gained popularity over the years. People use the internet for various reasons like playing online games, create blogs(which I have been doing for the past 2 months), download music and to date online. It has made our lives so convenient and easy ,as everything is just a click away. In fact I am a complete internet addict and stay online for atleast four hours a day! But as a coin has two sides, the use of internet also has its disadvantages.

While surfing the net this week, I stumbled upon an aritcle which amazed and amused me at the same time. It was a case based on the dangers of online dating after a woman in Hamilton filed a case against a 41 year old man for sexually harrassing her. They were dating online since November and had decided to meet up on Friday night. However, things took a drastic turn when the man went to the woman's house and she fell prey into his hands.Click on the link for more details.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10559535

Although Computer Mediated Communication has revolutionised a person's lifestyle, yet one aspect of it cannot be easily dismissed ie Anonymity. As there is less information about communicators online, it is easier to fake your identity which results in a lowered sense of accountability. The above story is a case of online deception as the woman was disillusioned when she met her so called 'Dream Man'. But online dating has been gaining popularity as people are more comfortable in virtual relationships nowadays. Here is a quote from Sherry Turkle.

“In cyberspace, we can talk, exchange ideas, and
assume personae of our own creation. We have
the opportunity to build new kinds of
communities, virtual communities, in which we
participate with people from all over the world,
people with whom we converse daily, people
with whom we have fairly intimate relationships,
but whom we may have never met.”

(Sherry Turkle, New Windows on the Self)

Patricia Wallace points out that Internet communication are an inexpensive way to create an impression, polish one's personal persona and tell the world something about oneself and their interests(Thinking Through communication -Sarah Trenholm). Hence, it gives a boost to people's confidence when they find someone appreciating them and their work in the virtual world rather than facing criticism for their shortcomings in the real world.

However there have been quite a number of successful marraige cases with the help of online dating or matrimonial sites. Here are two stories illustrating the statement:

1) Bride-Dipanwita Batabyal
Groom -Reetobrata Mookherjee
Marriage Date 16/01/09
We met each other through Bengalimatrimony and instantly felt the connectio, and decided to tie the knot. Our heartfelt thanks to Bharatmatrimony for great service.

2) Bride Vidya Subramanian
Groom Vinod Radhakrishnan
Marriage Date Yet to be fixed
I posted my son's profile on bharatmatrimony website in Aug 2008 and we were overwhelmed by the response we got. Within a short time he could find his match and they are getting engaged next month in the US. The bride was also registered on your website and my wife & self are grateful for their assistance.

After going through all the articles, I personally feel that face to face communication is a lot better and accountable than computer mediated communication. I would prefer to date someone I personally know and met ,rather than dating online. But I admit that sometimes I am more comfortable sharing messages online.So the question or questions of the week. a)Do you believe in virtual relationships or would indulge in one? b)Are you more comfortable communicating online or in the real world? What do you think about the above instances? Do let me know your views.