188 Part 2 Interpersonal Communicationwhich can lead to the development of rich and meaningful relationships both
online and off (Antheunis, Valkenburg, & Peter, 2010; Pauley & Emmers-
Sommer, 2007).
Romances and friendships can frequently bud and be maintained through
the use of electronic media. More than one-third of U.S. marriages now begin
as online matches (Cacioppo et al., 2013); although their initial interactions are
entirely electronic—only meeting face to face after a series of messages, e-mails,
and perhaps phone calls—the resulting relationships are more satisfying, and the
individuals are slightly less likely to separate or divorce once married (Cacioppo et
al., 2013). Even established couples maintain long-distance relationships by using
electronic media; they tend to communicate greater intimacy than geographi-
cally close partners and are more likely to avoid conflict and problematic topics
when communicating electronically (Stafford, 2010). Similarly, sharing photos,
videos, and stories on Facebook, Twitter, or blogs allows us to share our lives
with friends and family in other states and countries. And regular texting, video
chats, phone calls, and e-mail messages keep partners close and aware of each
other’s lives (Bergen, 2010; Maguire & Kinney, 2010; Mansson, Myers, &
Turner, 2010; Merolla, 2010a).
Of course, a danger of communicating solely online with someone is that
it can be difficult to detect whether the information posted is truthful. Photos
can be altered and descriptions of one’s experiences exaggerated. At the extreme,
online relationships might even be outright false. Former Notre Dame line-
backer Monti Te’o was the apparent victim of an elaborate relationship hoax.
He thought he was developing a romantic relationship with a woman online
who turned out to be a fake persona created by an acquaintance. When finally
revealed, the hoax created much personal as well as public embarrassment and
dismay (Zeman, 2013).ROMANTIC COUPLES,
regardless of sexual orientation,
age, race, or ethnicity, all
enjoy similar benefits of being
in a relationship: intimacy and
commitment. (top left) Mike Powell/
Getty Images; (top right) © John Birdsall/
The Image Works; (bottom left) ZHAO
YINGQUAN/Xinhua /Landov; (bottom right)
Hola Images/Getty Images