Knapp's Relational Model

Looking at a very dear relationship I am currently engaged in and the impact online communication had on it, one is clear: It would very likely not exist anymore!

 

Online communication like FaceTime, Whatsapp and social media played a huge role in the experimentation and intensifying stage of this relationship. After the initiating phase, and a short experimentation phase, we were physically apart for months. Communicating online enabled our relationship to evolve and deepen. 

That being said, now that we share a life together, our online communication has declined and I value face-to-face communication much more. 

In general, I believe that communication online is great to build relationships of any kind, but there is a point where the communication should shift to direct face-to-face. Especially when people start to differentiate, prioritizing quality time together could potentially save the relationship by solving disagreements or at least gaining understanding and empathy towards each other. Online communication can quickly turn into merely exchanging facts and details while the relationship grows apart and disconnects more and more in real life.