There comes a time in everyone's life when either someone praises us for our imagination, shuns us for it in an effort to make us be more mature or wishes we had a better one because we are so dull and by-the-book. But, with the aid of the internet and online chat, the condition is worsenned by what some might call What If Delusion Obsession(What If Delusion Obsessive Deviation) or WIDO(WIDOD) for short which could be pronounced "we do" or "widow"(widowed). The name being relative to what happens to those involved. It's about what WE DO in our heads together and can often lead to divisions in our own real life relationships. Hence, one can become a sort of WIDO(WIDOW) or WIDOD(WIDOWED). This may result in one spouse leaving the other completely for another life. The extreme cases being what is coined "black WIDO syndrome" in which one spouse goes as far as "offing" their mate so as to be completely alone with their online obsession without any chance of interference.
It stems from online interaction which encourages those separated by brightly lit screens(like bugs with bug zappers) to fantasize about shared activities without any grip on reality. Most often these individuals never meet in person or delay the meeting til it's already too late. It only takes up to three months for this intoxicated, "doped-up" state to blossom in the online chatter's brain. And, unless these people keep a grip on reality--which in many cases becomes rather difficult--they are lost to the "system" til future intervention can be taken upon them.
Why do they do it? What is so wrong with real life that they let it happen?
If you yourself see no wrong in the "real world" and are tolerant of most aspects, then you are living above what these individuals are suffering. You should probably remain this way and be grateful. Avoid letting those who hover over computer screens draw you into their web.
In most cases, the "afflicted" have disorderly, boring or unsatisfactory lives.
Many are young teens simply grasping onto what's new. They are too young to be clued in to what the rest of the adult world is brewing already. They walk in with innocent eyes eager to join a party. In some cases, they come from broken homes--divorced parents with or without violent behavior--and are seeking an escape. They may be on the verge of a bad drug or suicidal habit which makes them turn to the brightly lit screen--if they are fortunate to have access to a computer or internet-ready cell phone--as a last "cry out" resort. These, though, are usually older teens nearing "legal age". The younger ones have yet to learn some of these details or undergo such trauma.
I suspect there are as many middle-aged and older adults as there are teens. The older folks are much more complicated. They have experienced more and/or lived twice as long as their younger "associates". They are the "evolved"(more often the opposite) forms of broken-home teenagers. They may have indulged in habits for so long that they turn to other habits to ease their minds. In this case, the internet and online chat. Many are unhappy with their lives, whether or not they will admit it. Some truly do believe their lives are problem-free til you probe them about the matter. Then, comes "Well, no life is perfect" and other similar statements as the walls of assurance start to crumble.
In both teens(again, mostly the older ones) and adults, there is usually a relationship factor which brings them to the screens. Either they are lonely from social deprivation or cornered and discouraged by a failing relationship. Either two "lovers" are: not feeling as compatible as once thought, divided by online distraction(sometimes one of the two and sometimes both) or experiencing extreme differences(usually involving violence and/or drinking/drugs).
The internet, and particularly online chat, provides an escape. Lately, there are tons of websites providing such interaction. [And, in some cases, this proves to be a valuable tool. The possibilities are somewhat endless and ever growing as technology evolves. If nothing else, it is a more cost-efficient means of communicating over long distances than an "old fashion" telephone.] But, it quickly gets out of hand and skewed by other influences. Online advertisements don't help.
And, once a person becomes "hip" to the online chat lingo, they are already sliding down the slope into this world of WIDO(WIDOD). What starts with "LOL" and "C U L8R" turns to "cyber-hugs and kisses" and then evolves into a form of "attention deficeit"(maybe even preventing you readers from reading this entire article without your minds wandering into fantasy) and hypothetical behavior. Typical signs are statements like "Wouldn't it be great if we", "I bet we would" and "What if we". These thoughts rarely ever come into being. They simply stimulate smiles and glossy eyes like a drug-induced euphoria before leading to other private, reclusive habits(cyber-sex and other activities considered perverted in most cases).
Another typical scenario is a sort of "orgy" of interaction in which several individuals become entangled in each other sharing mutual praises which may not be genuine. Typically, the motives of each are different from how they present themselves. And, other interactions later take place out of public view. If a woman is the center of attention for a number of men, a sort of contentious "queen bee" mentality occurs.
Once a person makes regular use of such phrases and spends extensive time discussing imaginary encounters with one or more individuals across the line, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to separate and face reality. This, of course, causes increased social difficulties and poor health. One negative side-effect of such activity is caused by the lack of reality better known as a "reality check". The recipient of "cyber-affections" may feel a degree of chill and uneasiness in themselves upon breaking communication with their "faceless" partner. This is merely reality "slapping" them in the face. [They should know better than to allow themselves to be warmed by something that isn't real.] In extreme cases, this may lead to depression, suicidal tendencies, alcoholism, etc.
While popular studies and discussions highlight the incidents between "online predators" and young teens, they fail to analyze the symptoms of the crowd waiting in the shadows of those in the spotlight. Wherever there is a star, there are most often spectators and deviant minds. That is often a negative side-effect of the internet of which I cannot fully understand. From where does this come? What makes a "good" person turn to bad habits online? I suppose it is simply easier for those who already partake in bad habits and perversion to lure the "innocent" without eye contact. But, why can't the good avoid the bad?
Prescription: As this verges on epidemic, I feel the urgency to insist these individuals strive for moderation of all activities and "habits" and strive to maintain healthier ones. Living in a world of "what if" wishful thinking, imaginary interaction and other fantasies will only lead to corruption and decay. It is recommended we all avoid such practices which might encourage or cultivate WIDO(WIDOD). Save cyber-hugs and kisses for those merely away from home for a short time. If one must turn to the internet for social interaction, then at least take it outside the box and have some face-to-face time with those whom they chat. Think of fresh air, sunshine and meeting in person between online chats as eating your fruits and vegetables. Sure, you can shrug it off, but you would be far wiser and healthier to work them into your diet. The next time you feel compelled to hug or kiss someone online,
--A message from Dr. Brainstormer, S.L.E.D.(still learning every day) 
[And, don't you dare take my words or those silly faces lightly. This is serious. I'm just being silly about being a real doctor.]
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