Access Technology
About UsServicesTrainingDigital WellbeingCommunity EngagementTeamBlogContact
Access Technology Logo

Empowering individuals through innovative assistive technology solutions.

X (formerly Twitter)LinkedIn

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Our Services
  • Our Team

Resources

  • Professional Training
  • Digital Wellbeing
  • Blog & Updates
  • Contact Us

Connect

  • domore@accesstechnology.co.uk
  • 01765 824971
  • Based in Yorkshire & working throughout the UK.

#domorewithtechnology

What Does a Healthy Online Relationship Look Like?

Josie Banks

Josie Banks

10/22/2024 · 3 min read

What Does a Healthy Online Relationship Look Like?

In the digital age, relationships no longer exist solely in the physical world. Whether romantic, platonic, or professional, many of our connections thrive in the online space. But as we shift more of our interactions to texting, video calls, and social media, it’s essential to understand what a healthy online relationship looks like and how to maintain one.

Whether you’re meeting someone through a dating app, maintaining a long-distance friendship, or even collaborating remotely, healthy online relationships share key characteristics that make them respectful, fulfilling, and sustainable.

Let’s explore the signs of a healthy online relationship and how to cultivate one.

1. Open and Honest Communication

Healthy online relationships, just like offline ones, rely on clear and open communication. Whether you’re chatting over text, video, or social media, honesty and transparency are key. Here’s what this looks like:

  • Active Listening: Both parties should listen and respond to each other thoughtfully, rather than just waiting for their turn to speak or multi-tasking during conversations.
  • Expressing Feelings: In a healthy relationship, you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and emotions. You should be able to openly talk about how you feel, what you need, and what your expectations are without fear of judgment or backlash.
  • Clarifying Intentions: Online, it's easy for messages to be misinterpreted, so make sure you're clear about your intentions and ask for clarification if you’re unsure of the other person's meaning. Avoid assuming tone or motives based on text alone.

2. Mutual Respect and Boundaries

Respecting each other’s boundaries is a cornerstone of any relationship, and online relationships are no different. Healthy online relationships acknowledge the need for personal space and set clear boundaries for communication.

  • Respecting Time: Just because someone is online doesn’t mean they’re available 24/7. Healthy relationships respect each other's schedules and don’t demand constant attention.
  • Agreeing on Boundaries: Discuss and agree on what’s comfortable regarding communication frequency, privacy, and what’s shared publicly (like social media posts or tagging). Both parties should feel comfortable saying “no” or expressing discomfort.
  • Privacy and Consent: Respect each other's privacy by asking for consent before sharing photos, personal conversations, or tagging someone on social media. Never pressure someone to share more than they’re comfortable with.

3. Trust and Transparency

Trust is essential in any relationship, and it’s especially important in the online world, where people often interact without face-to-face contact. In a healthy online relationship, trust is built on honesty, transparency, and reliability.

  • No Secrets or Hidden Agendas: Both parties should be honest about who they are and their intentions. Deception, even in small matters, can undermine trust.
  • Transparency in Communication: If you’re in a romantic or intimate online relationship, be upfront about other relationships or your intentions. Likewise, in friendships or professional relationships, avoid hiding information that could impact trust.
  • Avoiding Jealousy and Over-Control: A healthy online relationship doesn’t involve constant monitoring or checking up on the other person’s activities. Trust means giving each other the freedom to interact with others without feelings of jealousy or possessiveness.

4. Supporting Each Other’s Well-Being

In a healthy online relationship, both people are supportive and considerate of each other’s mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

  • Emotional Support: Even in the digital space, healthy relationships involve offering encouragement, empathy, and understanding when the other person is going through a tough time. Whether through a quick message, a virtual check-in, or a longer call, showing support strengthens the relationship.
  • Respecting Offline Needs: It’s important to understand that people have lives outside of their online presence. Encouraging each other to unplug, take breaks from screens, or spend time offline for self-care is a sign of a healthy relationship.
  • Celebrating Successes: Just as you’d celebrate each other’s achievements in person
Josie Banks

Written by

Josie Banks

ShareShare on LinkedIn

Related Articles

Giving and receiving consent online vs offline: Is it any different?

Giving and receiving consent online vs offline: Is it any different?

Our lives are lived both offline, and, these days, more online than ever before. This includes our relationships, friendships, and sexual expressions. Whether you are swiping right on dating apps or hanging out with someone in person, consent is always essential. But how does consent work online? Is it different from "IRL" (in real life) situations? This post will explain how consent stays the same no matter where you are. No matter the setting, consent should always be: 1. Freely Given Co

Josie Banks
Josie Banks
5/27/2025·2 min read
Love on the spectrum: Neurodivergent friendly dating apps

Love on the spectrum: Neurodivergent friendly dating apps

Dating is already a confusing, vulnerable, and sometimes overwhelming experience for anyone. But for neurodivergent people, it can come with an extra layer of challenges that many others never have to think about. Whether you’re autistic, have ADHD, a brain injury, or live with other forms of neurodivergence, the world of dating can feel like it wasn’t built for you. From decoding body language and reading between the lines, to managing sensory overload in noisy bars or dealing with the unpredi

Josie Banks
Josie Banks
5/20/2025·3 min read
Understanding Doxxing: The Hidden Dangers and How to Protect Yourself

Understanding Doxxing: The Hidden Dangers and How to Protect Yourself

Doxxing involves the public release of someone's private information without their consent, often with malicious intent. In this blog post, we'll explore what doxxing is, why it happens, its impact on victims, and how you can protect yourself. What is Doxxing? Doxxing, derived from the word "documents" (docs), refers to the practice of uncovering and publicly sharing an individual's private or personally identifiable information, such as: * Full name * Home address * Phone numbers * Email

Josie Banks
Josie Banks
11/19/2024·3 min read