well the locals find it harmless but really it's a virtual way of cheating in many ways.. They flirt, sex chat etc...

I think it is varied for different cultures. I can see in both of my country of origin (other Asian country) and China, people think like what Njord said above, 'harmless'. I also see the main motive of QQ-ing or IM-ing is more for keeping in touch with 'friends' (asian mostly called acquaintances as friends too), or even making new friends..whether for reasons or even no reasons at all!..

My north-american husband could hardly understand that, as much as I could hardly understand why he could hardly understand it! lol.. but i came to better understanding by time..and I even think the same way as my husband now..that IM-ing and QQ-ing with strangers is questionable and unnecessary!

To be honest, i found many friends and acquaintances back home trapped in an affair and some funny relationship with people by chat room, IM-ing, whether or not they aware. To me, NO for chating with strangers, especially when you are in relationship already.

Although can do both, QQ makes more relationships than breaks them. You can have 1 husband or wife that leaves you, but at the same time could meet up with a countless amounts of new QQ friends.

Sure... I've yet to meet a local who didn't flirt with an ex or colleague... It's not as innocent as keeping in touch as you would like to make it seem... If it is for you (and assuming it's true) you would be the only one I know of.

Anyone who's in a happy, healthy relationship won't be wasting their time on some trivial chat site like QQ. Couple's who cyber flirt with others should examine their real life relationship and ask themselves if they're happy. That's the nerdiest phenomenon I've heard in a long time. Makes me feel better about single right now!

denny, what if those who spend their time on QQ don't look for a healthy relationship but only to answer to their carnal instincts? Then it would be very good indeed for a relationship. QQ more!