Presence and relationships

Does IM bring a whole new dimension to our relationship formation?

I have had some fascinating experiences with IM. It, as a medium of communication, carries a sharing and caring opportunity that most other communication means do not have. IM caters for listening, even if at times you cross talk. IM caters for venting. IM provides the means to be respectful of others and at the same time input ones own views, which can easily be picked up later. However, one has to invest a lot of time to get to that point, like with any communication. It is very powerful in that regard and I wonder about those who have formed lasting relationships by starting there as to whether that kind of start provides for a stronger longer term bond.