The development of romantic relationships online.

I found the interview with Alexis very interesting. I can really relate to her story because one of my best friends from high school and I got to know each other over the Internet. I met him through a family friend--so our first interaction was in person, and I would see him in school everyday, but the conversations that would take place on the Internet would last for hours and cover a wide range of topics. I really got to know this person just from talking with him so much on AIM. I think that we are still so close now because we were able to build a solid relationship back in high school. It was because of the interaction over the Internet that neither of us were scared to share our thoughts, feelings and opinions on so many different things. I believe its because of the relationship that formed with him that I am such a believer in the romances that develop online, even though I'm sure many of you will come to disagree with me.

One of the things I loved most about Alexis's interview was how passionate she was in portraying her experience. Her story was really compelling and drew me in. In the beginning she discusses her the chat room as a positive experience... "it was a medium to be blatantly honest and open with people without the fear of rejection because you have anonymity. I was always polite, but had absolutely no fear about being honest, which felt good." I feel that her description is exactly what facilitates the online relationship between her and Craig. Once she senses that Craig is genuine she feels she can be open and honest with him, which is when their relationship begins to blosom. They both have mutual trust for one another which is nutured by the online environment. Alexis also described feeling "somewhat isolated and lonely the months I found myself chatting online with people." This is another characteristic that may have contributed with her falling for Craig. She was feeling left out, like no one at Lehigh was relating to her, which caused her to be drawn to Craig who was giving her the attention and understanding she needed at that point in time.

When Alexis and Craig finally talk on the phone Alexis explains her feelings, "....i realized then that I had a major crush on him. I think partly because it made him 'real.' It was something that made him a complete person. " This verbal interaction took their relationship to the next level making it more personal and causing their connection to intensify. Because they had built such a solid foundation over the internet, I think that it made sometimes akward first experiences like talking on the phone or meeting for the first time, a little bit easier. They both already knew so much about each other so they just needed to take the time to appreciate each others company via phone or face-to-face interaction. I also believe that is was the solid foundation that made it so comfortable for them to kiss each other upon meeting for the first time. I think it just felt natural to them.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading their story and it re-enforced my positive feelings on relationships formed in cyperspace. I have more to say regarding the interview, so I'll be posting more later.
I look forward to reading everyone elses opinions!