Love in the Age of the Internet

Bowlby was influenced both by Darwin and Freud, but the human beings they sought to understand are undergoing dramatic - perhaps evolutionary - changes. Our species is distinguished by its creative development of tools, and new technology has led to evolution of our bodies and brains as well as changes in our customs and cultures. The recent advent of cyberspace and the host of technologies that enable communication across geographical and temporal space are altering not only our lifestyles but also the very nature of our self-experience. It has influenced how and what we communicate with each other. Technology is now a third element in two-person relationships, mediating the exchange of information and the expression of our needs, desires, love and hate. It brings us together, yet it has the potential to alienate. This book is written by psychotherapists whose work, with individuals and couples, is underpinned by attachment theory and research. It explores the impact of digital technologies on various kinds of relationship; the bond between children and care-givers that lays the foundations of the child's sense of self, attachment between adults couples and friendship groups, and the special kind of 'love' that exists between psychotherapist and patient.