The present study aims to provide a conceptual framework to interpret some emergent behaviors in couple relationships that occur through the mediation of the Internet, such as digital dating, electronic interactions, cybersex, online infidelity. These phenomena are read in the light of classical themes and basic concepts of sociology such as: the study of marriage markets, the dynamics of mate selection, identity and social roles, relationship development and dissolution. Some methodological issues are also introduced on how the online personal relationships can be empirically investigated.
Keywords: Online personal relationships; digital dating; cybersex; online infidelity; Internet as a marriage market; Internet and social research