Interpersonal Relationships

Internet interpersonal relationships require a different strategy. People can manage the impression they communicate because there is usually no face-to-face scenario. (Barnes p136) Internet interpersonal relationships are built on regular interaction and reciprocity. People share family and emotional concerns with people they have just met because the opportunity is readily available. For some people this is a "comfortable environment" (Barnes p128) to share feelings.
Communicating by the internet can actually be a better way to get to know someone because of the lack of concentration on physical features, actions, and reactions. The communicator is free to concentrate on personality and intellect. Relationships developed over the internet can also prove more fruitful because they are based on shared interests.
Another helpful advantage to internet conversation is that a person can save a message and reread it at a later time. (Barnes p143) You may understand a person one way in a verbal conversation and later wonder what they meant, but with written conversation it can be reread for more understanding.
Email benefit over verbal conversation is being able to answer line by line, which simulates regular conversation without interrupting the speakers train of thought. (Barnes p150).
CMC can be very helpful to people who want to develop better interpersonal skills.

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