In my own point of view, one factor to a successful relationship is COMMUNICATION. Two individuals can be more open and honest with each other when they communicate regularly and one tools in communication is through chatting. When we get into a date, we often talk about personal stuff etc and so with chatting.

Have I experienced this one? Yes especially when I was a freshman college student. Met a lot of peeps via friendster, ym, pex etc. and some of them were honest about their views and opinions about different topics. They were also open with their feelings, which is the most important.

There was a time when I almost fell in love with a guy I met via forum. We got the chance to see each other and up to now, we are good friends. My cousin and her husband met via mIRC and so is my high school ate and her boyfriend for 5 years.