Friending, Dating and 'Facebooking:' New Online Outlets Spark New Conversation

The click of a mouse can now connect you to a relationship. From online dating to 'facebooking,' social networking websites have enticed the public and replaced face to face interaction. Analysts are just beginning to research the effects of what happens in front of the computer screen.

Advancements in technology have made online communication instantaneous and appearances increasingly important.

"The internet used to be this place that individuals could go to and not worry about their physical characteristics, but it's not hidden anymore" Bridget Long of Bowling of Green State University said.

Long explored the trend of online dating as she spoke of how she registered herself on one of the dating sites to test her theories.

"The whole process very much mimics shopping because if one person doesn't meet your checklist, you just move on to the next item for sale," Long said.

Studies say an estimate of about 20 million people visit online dating sites per month. Even more are visiting the popular social networking site known as Facebook.

"I call it the blackberry effect. Think of all of your social groups in one place at one time, that's what Facebook does for people," Ben Wiedmaier of Michigan State University said.

However, with the benefits come the problems as the site begins to put pressure on both relationships and communication. An area that allows one to post their marital status on Facebook brings on a sense online legitimacy.

"A Facebook status is becoming more important than a natural world status. Facebook is what makes it official now," Wiedmaier said.

From relationship status changes to wall posts to accepting and rejecting friend requests, the site gives us control while having a continual impact on our social networks. The power and the problems that come with it is all one click away.