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i'd agree with most of what has been said here.
1) yes and no. i think it is often easier for people to open up and discuss intimate (not just sexual but very private) topics that in real life would require a much longer time frame to reach the appropriate comfort level. so in that sense, it's easier. on the other hand, the lack of visual and audio cues (to determine emotion) also make it much more difficult. i've seen more than one harmless online flirtation turn into something more for one and not the other--in itself not the worst thing, happens all the time irl. but when one person is trying to explain they feel more and the other is laughing and going along with it as if it was a continuation of the game....well, that's when it gets bad.
2) pretty much. but it's also fun. i am shameless when it comes to flirting with a married friend of mine. i just love the boy to death and we've been friends for years--i also love his wife just as dearly. not only do i flirt with him in front of her, she's been known to encourage me lol
3) with a friend , it makes me feel close to them and loved. it's much the same as sharing an inside joke--just a fun interaction that gives us all a good giggle. with my partner, similar but much stronger and definitely more intimate. it's like pillow-talk in public and can be very sexy. with someone i don't know well, it's a way of testing the waters. i can flirt and be funny and based on their response, can get a good idea how they would fit into my life. if they are unresponsive, then they aren't likely to be someone i want to hang out with (we may talk, but they wouldn't be someone i'd sit and talk with just for the sake of spending time with them). if they respond in kind, then i tend to spend more time with them and often start introducing them to other friends--seeing if they fit in our circle.
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