So some friends and I got into a discussion about the internet and love. With sites like Eharmony & Match.com more and more people are turning to the internet to find the "one". This led to a further discussion of people who maintain long distance relationships, and the feelings that arise from interacting from other people even before you see them. Personally I believe human interaction is human interaction, and that yes you can get feelings from talking and spending time with people online. There is an aspect of the normal interaction missing but for the most part, I feel that you are able to focus on the parts of the person that mean so much more after looks fade. Some friends on the other hand, feel that feelings can not be formed until you are able to interact with the person face to face.
What brought up this conversation? One of my friends, Sarah, recently told us that she has been talking to this guy who lives cross country for about 10 months now. They met through a game that they both play, and have been talking outside the game apparently quite a bit. They haven't seen each other just merely talked on the phone, computer and texted. From what I hear they have a lot in common, and are planning on meeting here in a couple of months. She admitted to having strong feelings, and apparently he has done the same. Personally, I'm happy for her. I am glad that she has met someone who shares her interests, and makes her feel special. I say let her go through and see where it takes her. After all relationships are a learning curve of life. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.
Enter Jake. Now I love Jake to pieces, but sometimes I just want to strangle him over the 12 years I've known him, but he is still a great friend. He pipes up and says "Are you that desperate that you can't find someone locally?" Wow Jake you insensitive jerk! So the debate began.
The internet and dating have been around longer than Match.com, and Eharmony. Anytime you place a variety of people together in an environment, there are bound to be emotions at play. Forum boards, games, chatrooms, email groups, they can all share the same dynamic. You see people getting mad, teasing each other like siblings, laughing, joking around.... why wouldn't you think that affection could be a possibility?
Jake responded with "Just ain't right to fall in love with a computer screen."
True, given the scenario I'd prefer a local guy to a long distance guy, but if he makes Sarah happy isn't that what friends need to be looking for? I know that like anything new, this would've been ostracized in general society, but I feel that we have changed enough to allow for technology in our lives... all aspects of our lives... even our love lives. You go Sarah! Do what makes you happy!
So what are your thoughts? Has the internet affected your love life? Did you meet your SO through the internet?
