Social Psychological Relationship Theories Applied to Romantic Relationships Initiated Through Computer-mediated Communication

Abstract

With the rapid development of social technology, the ways in which we interact with others has changed. In particular, online dating has altered how romantic relationships are initiated, developed, and maintained. This paper explores the differences between traditional relationships and online relationships while inquiring into what exactly makes a successful, long-term relationship. Notable social psychological relationship theories are applied to online dating while discussing relationships that are initiated online and continue offline, as well as those that remain online indefinitely. In addition, these types of relationships are compared with those that are strictly face-to-face, and those that are considered long distance. This paper sheds light on the relatively new topic of online dating by showing that traditional and online relationships share more similarities than differences, and that both require similar efforts of honesty, open communication, and face-to-face interaction to be maintained.