Ayo Technology

"It's OK to look."

Or at least, that's the slogan match.com pitches to lonely hearts considering joining an online dating site.

In a world that's becoming increasingly smaller, the Internet has emerged as a social networking tool and has become an avenue for people to pursue and maintain relationships.

LaDetra Rasberry, a senior education major whose significant other is serving in Iraq, said the Internet has been useful in maintaining her relationship. Although her relationship did not begin via the Web, Rasberry said it has contributed to the development of the relationship.

"It's another outlet for the times that we can't talk," said Rasberry. "It's easier for me to get on the Internet and send a message. There's an anticipation afterwards and when you do get that response there's happiness."

Rasberry added that she believed there were benefits to relationships that begin online.

"If someone has problems verbalizing and gets nervous meeting people, the Internet can give them an outlet," said Rasberry. "And like in my case, you might not meet the person online, but it helps develop the relationship."

While social networking sites can hurt or help a relationship, it's certain that the Internet affects relationships in a different way than face to face interaction. There's an anxiety factor that isn't present.

"It's meeting someone based on personality rather than looks," said Bianca Young, a junior social work major. "Sometimes it's easier for people to meet through Facebook than it is in real life."

Young added that rejection was easier for some people to handle online.

While initial judgments about behavior and appearance are removed when entering an online relationship, other factors replace them, such as information gathered about the person.

According to Dr. Jennifer Burke, assistant professor of communications, the absence of these nonverbal cues leaves room for miscommunication.

"It leaves a lot of room for deception," said Burke. "There's a vast movement toward the Internet and Internet dating, but I caution students because those nonverbal cues aren't there. It's easy to misread what you're being told."

Burke added that a large percentage of what people interpret when meeting face to face is nonverbal.

Gary Hill, a senior communications major, said, "The Internet makes it easier for people who don't feel comfortable approaching people in person. It creates a comfort zone."

Hill, who said he had never pursued an online relationship, said that he had been approached by others hoping to develop one. Hill explained that the Internet had helped him network many times.

"I got offered a job over Facebook," said Hill.

Sinanja Netters, a junior education major, said that despite the accessibility and ease of online relationships she preferred face to face communication.

"There are crazy people out there and you see so many things on TV," said Netters. "If you're going to meet someone, be careful. Let someone know or bring someone with you."