The Internet, Bipolar Relationships, and You

The anonymity of cyberspace has created a niche market in relationships. As dating sites continue to appear, and chat rooms fill with the silent hopefuls of finding love in different ways, that anonymity has been an attraction for people with bipolar disorder.

People communicate on the internet in ways they would not ordinarily say or do in the real world. They feel more uninhibited, and express themselves more openly. This is called the Disinhibition Effect. They separate their actions from their real world identity; they feel less vulnerable. Often, they do not acknowledge their behavior as being in the context of who they really are. In effect, they do not take responsibility for their actions. In psychology, this is called dissociation. A process of where people do not associate themselves with their own actions.

With this seemingly magical quality of anonymity, bipolar individuals are often drawn to the internet. There are limitless amounts of people from which to obtain attention. In a world of internet relationships, there are several signs to watch for when considering bipolar disorder.

Hyper-sexuality

This is a real problem for bipolar individuals. Their thoughts, feelings, and actions can be driven by sexuality and the bipolar person finds it powerful and intoxicating. Often, this causes one to engage in flirtatious, seductive behavior, beyond the norm. Real relationships are abandoned by the immeasurable choices from which one can gain the attention they seek. Unfortunately, it can lead to dangerous online (and offline) situations. At worst, it often causes irreparable damage to integrity, dignity, and reputation.

Perceptual problems