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Double Click: Romance And Commitment Among Online Couples (Hampton Press Communication Series: New Media)

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Happiness does not sell soap. This is why the news so frequently shows the monstrous decay of society, regardless of how real it might be. So too has been the coverage of online relationships. Andrea Baker finds that people who participate in online relationships are not desperate, lonely, ugly, sex addicts and child molesters; despite common depictions. Baker interviewed and tracked 89 couples that met online and started a relationship. Some of these failed, others did not. The participants filled out her extensive two part survey and gave her a tremendous store of first-hand information. Imagine what a great day it is for a sociologist to find a love affair with a fully time-stamped paper trail! The study finds that online partners find each other in social settings, talk and grow their relationship in private, encounter obstacles, overcome some of them, and make decisions about their futures. The major finding here is that there are considerable and demonstrable benefits to a relationship which starts online. Perhaps some counselors should take note.

An unexpected phenomenon in the Internet was the rise of virtual communities, whose members rarely, if ever, met each other in person. Of all such groups, surely the dating theme is the most unexpected. Yet Baker shows us that the online dating scene is alive and thriving. It speaks to a basic human urge for companionship.

She investigates how several couples met and developed a meaningful relationship online. At least for some people, this is a valid and possibly even a safe way to meet strangers. Certainly, it is not for every personality. Baker suggests which personalities might be well suited for the online activity.

As an aside, the dating websites are one of the few types of websites that can consistently charge a membership fee. Indeed, this is sometimes seen as desirable, for increasing the chances of having serious participants.

This book shows real stories behind online dating and what it means to be an online couple. As Baker shows, couples who met online can be as happy as any other couples who met in a bar, or a club. As a matter of fact, I started a website with my girlfriend (whom I met online) based on the fact that there are long-time relationships that were born on the internet. At the end of the day it is just another gateway to know people. Check out these happy online couples at [...]. I highly recommend this book for people that are interested in this new sociological phenomenon.

What if you knew your soul mate before you saw them? That's one of the premises Dr. Andrea Baker explores in her new book about meeting and possibly mating via the Internet. Seventy-nine successful and unsuccessful liaisons, some halfway around the world, were reviewed. Does being friends first make for a longer relationship? Does cybersex lead to a commitment? Is hyperhonesty the best policy? It's all in her book - why should I spoil the fun.