Can love be virtual? Affective relationships through the internet

Abstract

Current analysis contributes towards a new way of relationships, or rather, virtual relationship. Fifty Brazilian Internet users answered a questionnaire containing 31 questions about opinions and behaviors related to affective and virtual relationship. Sample comprised males, or rather, young adults, single, with no children, middle or high socioeconomic level. Subjects believed that there might be virtual relationships at an initial phase. However, they reported the need of face-to-face contact so that the relationship could last. Further, a relatively high number of subjects considered themselves to be Internet-addicted. Results show that there were no significant behavioral and affectionate changes in this new type of relationship. Data suggest the importance of planning more researches to elucidate the consequences of virtual relationships and the abuse of Internet as a way of social communication.