title: Does virtual intimacy exist? A brief exploration into reported levels of intimacy in online relationships.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Brevard Campuses, Palm Coast, Florida, USA. Veronica_Scott_Counselor@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Veronica M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Karen E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Mottarella
authors.forename: Maria J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Lavooy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D003380:Courtship; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009769:Object Attachment; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012917:Social Adjustment; D014584:User-Computer Interface