Online Relationships 🌐❤️

The internet can be a great way to meet new people. Some find it easier to talk online, and it can help you to say how you feel more openly.

It has been recognised that digital technologies are an important part of how young people ‘do’ their romantic relationships, from flirting, through to splitting up.

Technology can help lots of things in young people’s lives, such as intimacy, connection, friendship and the ability to feel ‘more me’.

Communicating online can be a way of avoiding face-to-face awkwardness and embarrassment.

Technology can provide the opportunity for intimacy with a partner away from onlookers and the possible ‘drama’ and gossip that other people might bring.

Young people seem to understand online risks and how to avoid them, but data also suggests that there were three important factors that might prevent them from applying their knowledge of ‘online safety’ in everyday life:

• Powerful social norms about what is ‘normal’

• Desire for friendship, popularity, status, sex and/or relationship experiences

• Lack of non-judgemental support available to young people

Technology can enable some young people to have intimate and supportive relationships that might not otherwise have happened (especially for those in minority groups and those who had felt isolated or less confident in face-to-face interactions). It can support many young people in flirting, having fun, becoming closer, communicating and expressing desires, and building confidence. Some young people also describe technology as equipping them with positive control, some freedom from negative judgements and pressures, and space to be authentic (themselves).

Social media can also help us to be kind when used in positive ways in challenging situations – to offer public support, to publicly condemn unkindness and discrimination, and to coordinate group efforts against those posing a risk or acting harmfully.

Technology provides many opportunities and is essential to the lives of young people. However, it research suggests it hasn’t replaced in-person experiences and communication. It doesn’t define young love lives, it just provides another space in which to have them.

There are some extra things to think about if you’re doing relationships online. It’s important to be aware of online safety, how to recognise when things are not going well and what to do if you’re worried. Check out the websites below for some useful information about how to stay safe online.

CLICK HERE to read more about online safety.

Also CLICK HERE for more info about keeping safe and online bullying.