The illusion of intimacy

the long version

This book examines online dating from the "inside," using in-depth interviews with dating website members to reveal -- and keenly analyze -- what relationships and romance in the 21st century are really like. For a huge number of Americans, online dating has almost become the "only game in town." For a variety of niche populations with extremely varied motivations, and even more varied capacities for honesty and self-interest, the Internet has become the vehicle for a search leading to intimacy and the fulfillment of their desires & at least for a while. 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. -- From publisher's website.