Social Information Processing Theory

I had a relationship that started out strictly on the internet.
It was a very personal relationship that eventually developed into a face-to-face relationship.
I do remember that it took me a much longer time to trust this person.
What made it so easy to disclose information to them though, was the fact that we were just exchanging information. This was the interpersonal information stage, if you will, of this relationship. We gathered information about one another. I'd ask a question, he'd ask a question, etc. It also made for good company. When no one else is around, you have your computer "friend" to talk to. Someone is listening to you, taking the time to think about what you are saying, and responding back.

Once we began talking daily, it started to become a commitment. It would be around the same time everyday, I knew he'd be online waiting to talk. The impression formation stage takes place around this time because we were very comfortable with each other. We knew a lot about each other, how we respond to certain situations, and understood little quirks. The quirks could be typos he'd always make on certain words, or little internet faces to help interpret the emotion behind the words. It becomes very real. There were many expressions of affinity between us, we loved each other's company. It's not like either of us were bored or had no life either. I was in two extracurricular activites and keeping a 3.8GPA, and he worked part-time while going to school. This was definatley the relationship development stage.

We obviously held positive impressions of each other, so consequently we wanted to meet. It was scary at first to realize we had gotten to that point. At one time I did stop and think, wow, am I ready to meet him? It sounds silly because we meet people all the time unexpectedly. This was different because it was like meeting your cyber journal. The unseen, unheard place where all of your thoughts and feelings are poured into everyday. There is the vulnerability factor that makes meeting such a huge step. There is the risk of being evaluated and judged by more than just your words.

Overall, this theory makes good points. I do agree there are differences between relationships online and in person. However, I don't think online relationships can be so cut and dry. There are a lot of people in the world who are on the internet. If you take into account all of the cultures, ages, and motives within each individual, the possibilites are endless. Each single interaction can be completley different. Just because my experience happened to follow most of the theory's statements, doesn't mean every online relationship will.