The internet has changed the way people communicate. Regardless of their occupations, their use of internet has greatly altered day-to-day functions. Thus, it is not surprising for the internet to affect personal relationships too. It has equally affected human relations in terms of making them, cultivating them, and even breaking them.

In discussing this, it pays to set limits on the personal relationships in question. Personal relationships are diverse. Examples of this are family relationships, friendships, romantic relationships, and professional relationships to name some. It is interesting to note that all of these and the likes are highly changed with the influence of the internet.

Family relationships

Families are always beset with communication dilemmas—youngsters failing to communicate with their parents and vice versa. The internet plays a big role in creating these dilemmas, but in the same way helps solve these too. Rehm, Allison, and Johnson (2003) agrees. In a study conducted in 2003, the proponents proved that families feel that the internet is more helpful than not for them. The families cite several positive examples on how the internet helps them. Among these are access to knowledge, empowerment, ability to understand others and form relationships, ability to better economic standing, and development of creativity.

On the other hand, responding families cited issues that negatively affect them through the internet. Justice and fairness tops the list, as well as problems already in the society. Emotional development of adults and children as well as moral upbringing is likewise affected. Lastly, family unity and values education is also cited. (Rehm, Allison, and Johnson 2003)

Indeed, values and family ties are largely influenced by the internet. The exposure to the technology, especially by young children, can inject new culture and values to them that are otherwise not learned in a simple social setting. Because the internet encompasses a global array of knowledge, anyone who uses it becomes globally aware. Add to this, parents cannot be beside their children every time. This makes it difficult for parents to monitor and guide their children in their use of the internet and the information that comes with it.

Yet the internet is also a useful tool for families. Families who are apart can stay closer by communicating through the internet. It is not only cheaper than regular landline calls; it is also more convenient since there are possibilities of video conferencing. Through the internet, families who have been apart for a long time can also be reunited. In the same way, families can create useful networking groups to keep each other abreast on each others’ developments. This shows that the internet affects families both negatively and positively as well.

Friendships

Making friends has also been revolutionized by the internet. Before people meet friends through social gatherings, institutions like school and office, and daily social functions. Now, people can make friends in a click of a mouse. However, there are contentions on these so-called friendships that are created online. To begin with, many people regard friendships traditionally where the persons meet and try to know each other better. This embodiment of traditional friendship does not always exist in internet relationships. Online, one can be someone else and make friends with everybody.

Philosopher Immanuel Kant said that if one is a friend to everybody then that one does not have a particular friend. (Traditional friendships vs. internet friendships nd) This puts the definition of friendship in a whole new perspective. This means that the friendships cultivated online may not be friendships at all but plain relationships that may not always mean anything.

These hollow relationships, however, can lead to real friendships and even romantic relationships. It is not surprising to hear intercultural friendships develop online. Add to this, social networks have become very popular today. While this is a positive leap on communing, there is the question of security. The anonymity of the internet compromises security, and it has made many innocents fall prey to online predators. Thus, education, care and vigilance are important.

Romantic relationships

            Cultivating online romantic relationships is nothing new. It can also be said that whoise who do it are also typical daters. In a study, McDowell (2001) proved that 72% of those who maintained romantic relationships online have had prior real offline romantic relationships. In the same study, several turning points were identified by the daters to mark their cultivation of online relationship. This includes first face-to-face meeting at the top of the list, followed by getting to know period and passion, among others. This further leads to the other issues, including undergoing serious commitment, physical separation issues, quality time for each other, and problems within the relationship.

            Like online friendships, the main consideration with online romantic relationships is the compromise on security. People can pretend to be someone else to make friends and develop relationships through the internet. In some cases, unscrupulous individuals use this to commit crimes such as date rapes and kidnappings. Again, the anonymity of the internet contributes largely to this.

            On a positive note, the internet allows one to meet people from different places without having to visit so many places and without having to spend a fortune. Those who are interested to marry foreigners find the internet a great place to begin. Advancements on dating sites as well as technological innovations that allow voice and video conferences has also made big steps for online romantic relationships. Thus, despite the negative effects, the positive effects keep online daters hooked.

Professional relationships

 Personal relationships at work are also influenced by the internet. Constant blogging among employees, especially about their working conditions and employers, have resulted to untoward consequences for many. Internet activities also affect work time, when users engage in other personal stuff such as checking mail and chatting rather than focusing on work. Work ethics is also sacrificed. The impersonality of the internet has led employees to write and speak as if they are always online.

This loophole in work values is the most affected of all. Employees need to remember that they should remain professional despite the impersonality of the internet. They should also secure their privacy. Twarog (2005) explains that companies monitor internet activities at work, including electronic mails. Thus, employees should keep their activities work-related when in the office. Despite these negativities, the internet improved work conditions as well. Telecommuting is now popular, and conferencing has never been easier. Thanks to the internet, one can work efficiently with little regard of time or money.

As with other technological innovations, the internet can be one’s friend or foe, depending on how it is being used. The internet has greatly affected personal relationships at home, at play, and at work. Expectedly, there are negative impacts. However, proper management of these can make the internet one’s useful tool. When used properly and with limitations followed religiously, the internet can do more good rather than harm.

References

McDowell, S. 2001. The development of online and offline romantic
relationships: A turning point study. Retrieved August 13, 2008, from http://www.internetromance.org/thesis.htm

Rehm,M., Allison,B., and Johnson, L. 2003. The internet and critical issues for families. Retrieved August 13, 2008, from http://www.natefacs.org/JFCSE/v21no1/v21no1Rehm.pdf

Traditional friendships vs. internet friendships. nd. Retrieved August 13, 2008, from http://robles.callutheran.edu/~tierney/tradfri.html

Twarog, J. 2005. Internet monitoring at work and employee privacy. Retrieved August 13, 2008, from http://www.massnurses.org/labor/education/2005/nov_dec/internet.htm