After describing in the last chapter the nature of online relationships, this chapter describes the nature of emotions. It examines whether characteristics typical of emotions prevail in online relationships, and hence whether such relationships are likely to involve intense emotions. Although online relationships involve some virtual aspects, the emotions they generate are quite real.

Emotions are highly complex and subtle phenomena whose explanation requires careful and systematic analysis of their multiple characteristics and components. The major reason for the complexity of emotions is their great sensitivity to personal and contextual circumstances. Cyberspace also involves a complex psychological reality: it includes many forms of relating that are highly available because of the imaginary nature of cyberspace. In light of this complexity, it is hard to generalize about the emotional realm in cyberspace.

The typical cause of emotion: A perceived significant change

Emotions typically occur when we perceive positive or negative significant changes in our personal situation, or in the situation of those related to us. A major positive or negative change significantly improves or interrupts a stable situation relevant to our concerns.