Editing Interpersonal relationship (section)

== In popular culture ==

=== Popular perceptions ===
Popular perceptions of intimate relationships are strongly influenced by movies and television. Common messages are that love is predestined, love at first sight is possible, and that love with the right person always succeeds. Those who consume the most romance-related media tend to believe in predestined romance and that those who are destined to be together implicitly understand each other. These beliefs, however, can lead to less communication and problem-solving as well as giving up on relationships more easily when conflict is encountered.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Holmes |first1=Bjarne |title=In search of my 'one and only'; Romance-related media and beliefs in romantic relationship destiny |journal=Electronic Journal of Communication |date=October 2007 |volume=17 |issue=3/4 }}</ref>

=== Social media ===
Social media has changed the face of interpersonal relationships.  Romantic interpersonal relationships are no less impacted. For example, in the United States, [[Facebook]] has become an integral part of the dating process for emerging adults.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fox |first1=Jesse |last2=Warber |first2=Katie M. |title=Romantic Relationship Development in the Age of Facebook: An Exploratory Study of Emerging Adults' Perceptions, Motives, and Behaviors |journal=Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking |date=January 2013 |volume=16 |issue=1 |pages=3–7 |doi=10.1089/cyber.2012.0288 |pmid=23098273 }}</ref> Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on romantic relationships. For example, supportive social networks have been linked to more stable relationships.<ref name=":22">{{Cite journal|last1=Merkle|first1=Erich R.|last2=Richardson|first2=Rhonda A.| name-list-style = vanc | title = Digital Dating and Virtual Relating: Conceptualizing Computer Mediated Romantic Relationships|journal=Family Relations|volume=49|issue=2|pages=187–192|doi=10.1111/j.1741-3729.2000.00187.x |year=2000}}</ref> However, social media usage can also facilitate conflict, jealousy, and passive-aggressive behaviors such as spying on a partner.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Wilkerson |first1=Kenadie T. |title=Social Networking Sites and Romantic Relationships: Effects on Development, Maintenance, and Dissolution of Relationships |journal=Inquiries Journal |date=2017 |volume=9 |issue=3 |url=http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1576/social-networking-sites-and-romantic-relationships-effects-on-development-maintenance-and-dissolution-of-relationships }}</ref> Aside from direct effects on the development, maintenance, and perception of romantic relationships, excessive social network usage is linked to jealousy and dissatisfaction in relationships.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Elphinston RA, Noller P | title = Time to face it! Facebook intrusion and the implications for romantic jealousy and relationship satisfaction | journal = Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking | volume = 14 | issue = 11 | pages = 631–5 | date = November 2011 | pmid = 21548798 | doi = 10.1089/cyber.2010.0318 }}</ref>

Another common behavior in online communities, including dating, is lurking. Lurking means watching communities without posting or replying. Some say it means never posting, while others say even small posts count (Neelen & Fetter, 2010; Golder & Donath, 2004). Lurking is often seen negatively, tied to "freeloading" (Preece, Nonnecke, & Andrews, 2004), but others see it as valid participation. Lurking depends on personal goals, personality, and group dynamics. For example, introverts tend to lurk more, and people with higher tech confidence participate more (Ross et al., 2009; Sun, Rau, & Ma, 2014). Studies show up to 90% of users may lurk at some point (Muller, 2012). Lurking can help gather info or support without interacting, but it can make a community seem less active, Lurking can make online relationships feel one-sided because it reduces interaction. When someone just watches without joining in, it can create distance and make it harder to build trust. This can slow down the growth of a real connection.. Understanding lurking can help encourage more participation (Yeow, Johnson, & Faraj, 2006). <ref>Popovac, M., & Fullwood, C. (2018). The psychology of online lurking. In A. Attrill-Smith, C. Fullwood, M. Keep, & D. J. Kuss (Eds.), *The Oxford handbook of cyberpsychology* (pp. 320-336). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198812746.013.18</ref>

A growing segment of the population is engaging in purely online dating, sometimes but not always moving towards traditional face-to-face interactions. These online relationships differ from face-to-face relationships; for example, self-disclosure may be of primary importance in developing an online relationship. Conflict management differs, since avoidance is easier and conflict resolution skills may not develop in the same way. Additionally, the definition of infidelity is both broadened and narrowed, since physical infidelity becomes easier to conceal but emotional infidelity (e.g. chatting with more than one online partner) becomes a more serious offense.<ref name=":22" />