Ever since the emergence of digital technology, relationships have certainly been taken to the next level. If previously romantic relationships can only be formed when two individuals meet face-to-face and develop feelings only after spending much time with each other, now with the wonder of the Internet, it is unnecessary to go by this conventional way anymore. People are now exposed to a new, but not necessarily the better, option of dating: the virtual one. The whole dating process – from meeting that particular someone to flirting, sharing interests till actually becoming a couple and breaking up – is now being experienced not physically, but virtually through the Internet. Many feel that this trend is inevitable, seeing how technology is always aimed at improving our life from all aspects, not excluding socially. This, however, raises the controversial question of whether cyber-dating is indeed the way to go and if it really should replace physical dating.
To begin with, the concept of having an online relationship is often associated with the lack of seriousness towards the commitment itself. Finding a partner in the digital world takes much less effort than in actual life. Countless websites and forums on the Internet now allow people from all over the world to meet and forge relationships with one another. They can even choose which type of digital communities they wish to join and socialize in. To meet someone who shares the same interest with them is no longer tricky as digital users are often categorized in a more clear-cut manner. For instance, World-of-Warcraft addicts will get to know fellow gamers through the online game itself, music-lovers will easily find others like them listening to songs or watching music videos on YouTube or Britney Spears fans will meet one another on her fans-site. It is easier to approach and clique with each other as well as there is now a common interest that they can exchange endless information about and keep in...