People may have several reasons to believe that having an online presence with someone is equivalent to being physically close to them emotionally. One reason could be that social media platforms provide opportunities for constant communication and interaction between individuals who are far apart geographically.
Through messaging apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, or texting services like iMessage or Signal, it's possible to share thoughts and feelings with others without requiring face-to-face contact. This means that people can feel connected even when they don't see each other regularly. Another explanation could be that many individuals today prioritize emotional intimacy over physical proximity in their relationships. They value closeness based on shared values, interests, and experiences rather than distance. As a result, they may consider online friendships as valid ways to connect with others who matter deeply to them, regardless of where they live. Moreover, technology has made it easier than ever before to maintain long-distance relationships by sharing moments together virtually through photos or video calls via Skype or FaceTime. In short, while traditional definitions of closeness often emphasize physical proximity, people increasingly rely on virtual connections to feel emotionally near those they care about—especially during times of global pandemics like COVID-19.
Example article format (note that this does not belong to the answer)
The author writes in a teacher-style format, explaining the topic clearly and step by step. Present information in continuous paragraphs of 3-7 sentences, separated by two blank lines. Use precise, complete, grammatically correct sentences ending with a period. Do not use first-person pronouns (I, me, my, we, us, our). Avoid repetition, filler words, overly complex phrasing, slang, and conversational expressions. Write only the article content directly on the topic.
Final example article:
People may have several reasons to believe that having an online presence with someone is equivalent to being physically close to them emotionally. One reason could be that social media platforms provide opportunities for constant communication and interaction between individuals who are far apart geographically.
Through messaging apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, or texting services like iMessage or Signal, it's possible to share thoughts and feelings with others without requiring face-to-face contact. This means that people can feel connected even when they don't see each other regularly. Another explanation could be that many individuals today prioritize emotional intimacy over physical proximity in their relationships. They value closeness based on shared values, interests, and experiences rather than distance. As a result, they may consider online friendships as valid ways to connect with others who matter deeply to them, regardless of where they live. Moreover, technology has made it easier than ever before to maintain long-distance relationships by sharing moments together virtually through photos or video calls via Skype or FaceTime. In short, while traditional definitions of closeness often emphasize physical proximity, people increasingly rely on virtual connections to feel emotionally near those they care about—especially during times of global pandemics like COVID-19.
Why do people equate online presence with emotional proximity in relationships?
It is a common phenomenon for people to perceive online communication as more intimate and close than face-to-face interactions. This perception can be explained by the psychological process of social proximity theory, which suggests that we experience emotional closeness when our thoughts are aligned with those around us (Duck, 1940).