It can be good but challenging. I don't want to go into details here (have in other threads) but five years ago I met someone who I felt was possibly a great match for me. Only online situation I've ever been involved with - rest have all been IRL relationships.

You have to think that Internet relationships are "fantasy in action". You can meet someone and not entirely be in a full relationship. Why bother with internet-only relationships. Just move into a long distance telephone relationship once you both agree you're "involved" in all the chat stuff. Chat and email is very limiting emotionally. They can convey information - but they cannot act as a full relationship. They are basically "living dreams". Get on the phone and see if you have the ability to communicate there. Phones are "unlimited" more or less if you have an internet phone (Vonage, Cable-service) or Skype. Cost of long distance used to be an issue but not anymore.

I have a hard time watching my son who is 14 using chat and phone texting all the time. He is not learning what a real relationship is all about. My wife says "all the kids are doing it". However, I see signs of ADD and inability to have time for yourself. He's pretty much "plugged in" all day long. We just got him a cell phone for his birthday on the 17th. He's already logged nearly 3000 text messages (we got unlimited plan). I will keep watching it closely but I get upset about it sometimes. I was upset with him when he texted his mom (my wife) to call her to dinner last night rather than walk to the other room and ask her to come join us.