| This study investigated what characteristics might pertain to individuals who would engage in computer mediated intimate relationships (CMIR), and whether the perception of loneliness or lack of perceived off-line alternatives might contribute to an individual's participation in CMIR.;The sample population included only individuals who are presently involved in CMIR, or who have had CMIR in the past, never having met the relationship partner face-to-face off-line. After completing the study with an n of 317 respondents, analyzed data resulted in significant differences in the experience of loneliness and the perception of offline alternatives between participants whose CMIR is extra-dyadic and those whose CMIR is their primary relationship. Results showed that respondents whose CMIR were extra-dyadic were significantly less lonely than respondents whose CMIR was their primary relationships. Respondents' perceptions of offline alternatives were significantly higher when their CMIR was extra-dyadic than when their CMIR was their primary relationship. In addition, most individuals involved in CMIR did not go online intentionally looking for an intimate partner. Thus, loneliness is not necessarily the motivating factor in pursuing a CMIR. The implications are that an individuals' motivation for pursuing online intimate relationships may differ depending on the type of offline relationships in which they are involved. The study also found that individuals involved in intimate online relationships are typically honest with their online partners about their gender, appearance, and sexual orientation. |
