Some people may prefer to live in the fantasy of the Internet. For them, virtual romance and relationships are enough. While this group of people has not been studied by researchers in any specific detail, early reports are that exclusively Internet-based relationships can be whatever people make of them. The Internet is a tool, and people make either good or bad choices with it. Society may have reason to fear the "underside" of the Internet, but it also has reason to celebrate the increased safety afforded for personal exploration.

Making mistakes is part of any exploration. Whatever degree of contact with other people you seek on the Internet, keep a journal for yourself-keep track of what you are doing and why. Like any good explorer, you may need to retrace your steps if you get lost. The next section deals with some common mistakes that can be avoided on a personal level.

*Much gratitude is extended to those who helped clarify, amplify, and edit the material used in this article, Rona Subotnik, MA; Les Posen, Ph.D.; Manny Tau, Ph.D.; Martha Bank, Ph.D.; Rosalie Ackerman, Ph.D.; Thomas Williams, Ph.D.; and Cleo Kiernan.

12/01/01

Dr. Maheu is an author, speaker, and researcher. She is the lead author of E-Health, Telehealth & Telemedicine: A Guide to Program Startup and Success co-written with Pamela Whitten and Ace Allen, published by Jossey-Bass: San Francisco. Infidelity on the Internet is Dr. Maheu's second book and she's currently working her third, tentatively titled "The Mental Health Professional Online: New Questions and Answers." For more information about her speaking schedule, see this page: http://telehealth.net/speak.html