The Illusion of Intimacy: Problems in the World of Online Dating

(Hardback)

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Description

This book examines online dating from the "inside," using in-depth interviews with dating website members to revealand keenly analyzewhat relationships and romance in the 21st century are really like. The members of the current generation of "digital guinea pigs" are true social pioneers as they embrace digital technology to create a new realm of mating, dating, and intimacy in America. Ironically, "digital dating" frequently results in an outcome that is exactly opposite to its participants' intended purposes. The Illusion of Intimacy: Problems in the World of Online Dating is more than a thorough investigation of the realities of modern relationships, many of which begin onlineone in five, according to Match.com; the book introduces the reader to some of the natives and industry "users" who make up its clientele. Author John C. Bridges shows how they have adapted to technology to find new interactions, meet new partners, and share new experiences. The research focuses on the dating sites ranked in the top five by actual members of these sites who interviewed with the author to share their personal stories and experiences, all documented by saved emails and text messages.

Reviews

Bridges stresses the importance of self-knowledge and emotional resilience in the search for a soul mate. The Illusion of Intimacy can be viewed as an important antidote for the idealistic expectations that millions of people bring to the online search for love with a perfect stranger. * PsycCRITIQUES *

Author Bio

John C. Bridges, PhD, is a professor, writer, teacher, and speaker.