Two new studies conducted by Prof. Gurit Birnbaum of Reichman University's Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology reveal that online interactions, such as flirting over chats, can be destructive to a relationship. The studies' findings show that the potential damage caused by online interactions often occur on the unconscious level and may result in the perception of your current partner in a less appealing light. These feelings facilitate the release of passionate feelings towards people other than your partner—feelings that you may have been better able to suppress in the past.