In so many ways, cyberspace (电脑空间) mirrors the real world. People ask for information, play s, and share hobby tips. Others buy and sell products. Still others look for friend ship, or even love. Unlike the real world, however, your knowledge about a person is limited to words on a computer screen. Identity and appearance mean very little in cyberspace. Rather, a person’s thoughts -- or at least the thoughts they type -- are what really counts. So, even the shyest per son can become a chat-room star. But some Internet users want more than just someone to chat with. They’re looking for serious love relationships. Supporters of online relationships claim that the Internet allows couples to get to know each other intellectually first. Personal appearance doesn’t get in the way. But critics of online relationships argue that no one can truly know another person in cyber space. Why Because Internet users can carefully craft their words to fit whatever image they want to give. And they don’t have to worry about what their "nonverbal" communication is doing for their image. In a sense, they’re not really themselves. All of this may be fine if the relationship stays in cyberspace. But not knowing a person is a big problem in a love relationship. With so many unknowns, it’s easy to let one’s imagination "filling the blanks." This inevitably leads to disappointment when couples meet in person. So, before looking for love in cyberspace, remember the advice of Internet pioneer Clifford Stoll: "Life in the real world is far richer than anything you’ll find on a computer screen."

According to those critics, why people can’t truly know another person in cyberspace