Unintentional Online Meeting of Partners: Specific Features, Attitudes, Experiences - Case Study in Serbia

Abstract

This study presents results of exploration study on the specific features involved in the process of unintentional meeting partners via Internet in Serbia. The research was conducted using the method of focus groups, consisting of 28 people, who have had personal experience of meeting and communicating with their partners online, and successful continuing of the relationship in the offline world. They perceive more advantages than disadvantages in using the Internet as a means of communication with other people, assessing online space as a suitable environment for communication in which emotional intimacy can be achieved, despite the absence of social cues.