The development and maintenance of interpersonal relationships through computer‐mediated communication

A total of 985 university students were surveyed to determine how the Internet (Internet Relay Chat, e‐mail, and instant messaging) is influencing the way that people develop and maintain interpersonal relationships. Results indicated that 37% have used the Internet to meet someone new. Results show the extent to which subjects engage in flirting, self‐disclosure, cybersex, and other aspects of on‐line interactions. The study reveals that as many as 27% of subjects have engaged in deceptive behaviors such as lying and gender switching while on‐line. There were many significant differences in how males and females engage in on‐line relationships.