"Is There Love in the Telematic Embrace?" by Roy Ascott

This question while interesting, in my opinion relies very much on those involved and the circumstances surrounding the correspondence over various platforms but is not necessarily a result of the technology itself. Furthermore, people are able to find meaningful connections in all kinds of situations and over any means of communication, granted the need for the connection is strong enough.

A more vital question would be how much of this connection is real and how much is only perceived. As discussed in early essays, the Internet provides great opportunities for anonymity. How does this affect the validity of the feelings we have for people we meet on the Internet, and are they really what they represent themselves to be?

Ultimately, I believe that the Internet and the various new communications technologies are simply the next tool allowing people to prolong and reinforce relationships that they already have, and perhaps to meet others who share their interests and opinions.