(Image source: Lab42) BY BRICE SANDER If you’re in a relationship, chances are-- it could end online. That’s according to a new unofficial survey by research firm Lab42 which found that one third of break-ups now occur on the world wide web- mostly via social media. And 40% of those surveyed said they’d opt for a digital break-up in the future. (Lab 42) Lab42 only surveyed about 500 social media users-- but even with unscientific results-- the numbers don’t sit well with one CNet writer. “The idea that it's OK to use just a few keystrokes to dismiss the one whose thigh you might have stroked just the day before is surely a little deflating.” But an Ubergizomo blogger sees both the pros and cons of an online relationship demise. “Whatever happened to having the cojones and meeting up face to face? I guess this would mean the 33% who did that also escaped a potential slap by the other frustrated (or shocked) half...” With a fourth of those surveyed saying they’d start a relationship on Facebook, a TFTS blogger argues the social network is quickly becoming the main relationship network. “Meanwhile, online dating sites seem to be on the decline, with only 23% saying they have signed up for online dating … Majority of the surveyed adults say they can ‘find plenty of dating on major sites like Facebook,’ and think social network users don’t ‘lie about who they are online.’” And Mashable questions what the findings could mean for the future of relationships as we know them. “Social media turns out to be a great accelerator for exposing you to potential mates, but does that change the basic way people interact with each other?” To see a full list of the survey results, click the link in our transcript section. LAB42 Survey Less