ABSTRACT
In the Couple and Family Technology framework, the ecological elements drive a relational system’s structure and processes, specifically with regard to rules, roles, boundaries, intimacy, commitment, and other areas. The interaction of ecological elements, structure, and process is certainly a complicated one. It will also vary for each relational system depending on the unique elements and dynamics within the relationship. Acceptability refers to both the practice of using the Internet and web-based services for a variety of functions but also the extent to which the new relationships formed from an online interaction are becoming more acceptable themselves. The acceptability of online relating has also increased the acceptability of being in a long-distance relationship and living away from extended family. The characteristics of the Internet described earlier—acceptability, accessibility, affordability, anonymity, approximation, accommodation, ambiguity, and accountability—are one piece of a three-piece framework that, together, makes up the Couple and Family Technology framework.
