ABSTRACT
Internet connections and communication have drawn a lot of criticism from scholars, researchers, and parents, ranging from fears of losing one’s identity, creating false selves, and becoming addicted. At the beginning of Internet commentary, there was often an expressed devaluing of any relationships developed on Cyberspace, seeing them as shallow and unreal, and fearing the loss of privacy. Encounter and sensitivity training groups in the United States in the 1970s, based on a humanistic psychological theory and emphasising present experience, connection and human fulfilment, flourished as a response to an alienated society and lack of authentic human connections. In a society prioritising individuality and materialistic achievements or financial achievements at the expense of human relationship, these groups attracted many people hungry for connection. Connection over the Internet is the new answer to human isolation and alienation in modern society, and indeed a good answer for the need to be in relationship.
