Healthy relationships, online or in-person, are built on trust and respect.
Relationships can look different, from casual connections to committed partnerships, but the same expectations of safety, respect, and consent apply to all of them. Consent should always be:
Clear – you know what’s happening and each other’s boundaries are acknowledged
Enthusiastic – you genuinely and willingly want to participate, without pressure or hesitation
Informed – you understand what you are agreeing to
Ongoing – you can change your mind at any time
Women, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities often face higher rates of sexual harassment and disregard for boundaries online, not because of personal behaviours, but because of harmful stereotypes and unequal power dynamics.
Identifying Healthy vs. Unhealthy Online Relationship Behaviours
The table below highlights healthy and unhealthy behaviours in online relationships. It’s essential to feel safe saying ‘no’ and to communicate openly about boundaries. Remember: once something is sent online, you may not be able to control where it ends up.
HEALTHY BEHAVIOURS
| UNHEALTHY BEHAVIOURS
|
|---|
Setting expectations for when you'll be in touch
and allowing time to disconnect. | Pressuring someone to always be available
online, repeatedly messaging or calling. |
Sharing messages or images only with permission. | Posting online or sharing without consent. |
Openly discussing when something online makes you uncomfortable. | Belittling or refusing to hear your concerns. |
Acknowledging power dynamics and respecting boundaries. | Using military rank or status to pressure someone into doing something they’re uncomfortable with. |
Encouraging each other’s independence
and self-care. | Constantly asking for explanations about
your whereabouts. |
Discussing expectations around intimate
messages or images. | Pressuring someone into intimate conversations
or sending images without consent. |
Taking steps to protect your privacy, such as avoiding photos with identifiable features (face, tattoos, name, location, military unit). | Sharing or threatening to share intimate
images or messages. |
Recognizing when it’s appropriate to discuss and share financial information as trust develops. | Asking for your banking details or personal
financial information when it doesn’t make sense. |
