how is technology changing relationships?

[Danny]

The use of instant messaging, online social networks, email and other forms of electronic communication has become increasingly common among people of all ages. How do these new technologies affect the way we socialize and build relationships? position with reasons and examples from your own experience, observations,

[heyhey]

Look at the Facts and Arguments essay in today's Globe and Mail - how Facebook ruined my high school reunion.

I could write volumes on this topic and so have others. Google it.

[Ranger4402]

The internet is the best and worst thing to ever happen to gay folk. It is the best thing because no matter where you live, the gay world is at your fingertips. You don't have to feel so alone. I remember when I was a teenager and it felt like I was the only non straight person for 100 miles around. That was never the case. But it sure felt that way.

Before the internet, meeting other gay folk for possible love was very hard. There were hardcopy personal ads that you could run in gay newspapers. But the turnaround time and circulation of the ad was very limited.

But the Internet is not a 100 percent good thing either. I think the Internet allows some weaker minded people to behave badly. Examples of this include breaking up by e-mail or text message. That's a rather cold way to treat someone.

Another issue with the internet is the concept of long distance relationships. I am in one and I enjoy it a lot! I should, I've been at it for 8 years. But, long distance relationships are not for everyone. In fact, for nearly everyone they are a bad idea. Only a small group of people have what it takes to love someone over many miles.

Finally, communication is an art and it is expressed in many ways. One can perfect their cyber communication skills to a fine edge. But we also have to be able to deal with people face to face. That too is a skill that is learned through repitition. The less we communicate face to face, the less good we become at it.