3.5: Virtual relationships in social media

Question 1

As internet use has increased, psychologists have become more and more interested in online or virtual relationships and computer-mediated communication (CMC).
This term encompasses a wide variety of electronic communication methods by which relationships can be formed and maintained, for example email, instant messaging, chat rooms, texts and particularly social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram.

Psychologists have long known that self-disclosure is a crucial feature of face-to-face (FtF) relationships in the offline world.
In recent years, researchers have turned their attention to its role in relationships rooted in social media.
How does self-disclosure operate in which relationships?

Answer 1

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?

Question 2

As internet use has increased, psychologists have become more and more interested in online or virtual relationships and computer-mediated communication (CMC).
This term encompasses a wide variety of electronic communication methods by which relationships can be formed and maintained, for example email, instant messaging, chat rooms, texts and particularly social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram.

Psychologists have long known that self-disclosure is a crucial feature of face-to-face (FtF) relationships in the offline world.
In recent years, researchers have turned their attention to its role in relationships rooted in social media.
How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two what?

Answer 2

There are two major and contrasting theories:

1. Reduced cues theory
2. The hyperpersonal model

Question 3

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
1. Reduced cues theory:
According to who, CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones?

Answer 3

According to Lee Sproull and Sara Kiesler (1986), CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones

Question 4

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
1. Reduced cues theory:
According to Lee Sproull and Sara Kiesler (1986), CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones, why?

Answer 4

According to Lee Sproull and Sara Kiesler (1986), CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones, because they lack many of the cues we normally depend on in FtF interactions

Question 5

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
1. Reduced cues theory:
According to Lee Sproull and Sara Kiesler (1986), CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones, because they lack many of the cues we normally depend on in FtF interactions.
What do these include?

Answer 5

These include nonverbal cues such as our physical appearance

Question 6

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
1. Reduced cues theory:
According to Lee Sproull and Sara Kiesler (1986), CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones, because they lack many of the cues we normally depend on in FtF interactions.
These include nonverbal cues such as our physical appearance.
What does CMC particularly lack?

Answer 6

CMC particularly lacks cues to our emotional state

Question 7

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
1. Reduced cues theory:
According to Lee Sproull and Sara Kiesler (1986), CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones, because they lack many of the cues we normally depend on in FtF interactions.
These include nonverbal cues such as our physical appearance.
CMC particularly lacks cues to our emotional state, such as what?

Answer 7

CMC particularly lacks cues to our emotional state, such as our facial expressions and tone of voice

Question 8

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
1. Reduced cues theory:
According to Lee Sproull and Sara Kiesler (1986), CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones, because they lack many of the cues we normally depend on in FtF interactions.
These include nonverbal cues such as our physical appearance.
CMC particularly lacks cues to our emotional state, such as our facial expressions and tone of voice.
What does this lead to?

Answer 8

This leads to de-individuation

Question 9

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
1. Reduced cues theory:
According to Lee Sproull and Sara Kiesler (1986), CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones, because they lack many of the cues we normally depend on in FtF interactions.
These include nonverbal cues such as our physical appearance.
CMC particularly lacks cues to our emotional state, such as our facial expressions and tone of voice.
This leads to de-individuation, why?

Answer 9

This leads to de-individuation, because it reduces people’s sense of individual identity

Question 10

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
1. Reduced cues theory:
According to Lee Sproull and Sara Kiesler (1986), CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones, because they lack many of the cues we normally depend on in FtF interactions.
These include nonverbal cues such as our physical appearance.
CMC particularly lacks cues to our emotional state, such as our facial expressions and tone of voice.
This leads to de-individuation, because it reduces people’s sense of individual identity, which in turn does what?

Answer 10

This leads to de-individuation, because it reduces people’s sense of individual identity, which in turn encourages disinhibition in relation to others

Question 11

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
1. Reduced cues theory:
According to Lee Sproull and Sara Kiesler (1986), CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones, because they lack many of the cues we normally depend on in FtF interactions.
These include nonverbal cues such as our physical appearance.
CMC particularly lacks cues to our emotional state, such as our facial expressions and tone of voice.
This leads to de-individuation, because it reduces people’s sense of individual identity, which in turn encourages disinhibition in relation to others.
Virtual relationships are therefore what?

Answer 11

Virtual relationships are therefore more likely to involve blunt and even aggressive communication

Question 12

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
1. Reduced cues theory:
According to Lee Sproull and Sara Kiesler (1986), CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones, because they lack many of the cues we normally depend on in FtF interactions.
These include nonverbal cues such as our physical appearance.
CMC particularly lacks cues to our emotional state, such as our facial expressions and tone of voice.
This leads to de-individuation, because it reduces people’s sense of individual identity, which in turn encourages disinhibition in relation to others.
Virtual relationships are therefore more likely to involve blunt and even aggressive communication.
What is the upshot of this process?

Answer 12

The upshot of this process is a reluctance to self-disclose

Question 13

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
1. Reduced cues theory:
According to Lee Sproull and Sara Kiesler (1986), CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones, because they lack many of the cues we normally depend on in FtF interactions.
These include nonverbal cues such as our physical appearance.
CMC particularly lacks cues to our emotional state, such as our facial expressions and tone of voice.
This leads to de-individuation, because it reduces people’s sense of individual identity, which in turn encourages disinhibition in relation to others.
Virtual relationships are therefore more likely to involve blunt and even aggressive communication.
The upshot of this process is a reluctance to self-disclose.
You are unlikely

Answer 13

You are unlikely to want to initiate a relationship with someone who is so impersonal or reveal your innermost feelings to them

Question 14

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
2. The hyperpersonal model:
Who argues that online relationships can be more personal and can involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones?

Answer 14

Joseph Walther (1996, 2011) argues that online relationships can be more personal and can involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones

Question 15

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
2. The hyperpersonal model:
Joseph Walther (1996, 2011) argues that online relationships can be more personal and can involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones.
Why is this?

Answer 15

This is because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens earlier and, once established, they are more intense and intimate

Question 16

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
2. The hyperpersonal model:
Joseph Walther (1996, 2011) argues that online relationships can be more personal and can involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones.
This is because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens earlier and, once established, they are more intense and intimate.
Why can they also end more quickly?

Answer 16

They can also end more quickly, because the high excitement level of the interaction isn’t matched by the level of trust between the relationship partners

Question 17

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
2. The hyperpersonal model:
Joseph Walther (1996, 2011) argues that online relationships can be more personal and can involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones.
This is because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens earlier and, once established, they are more intense and intimate.
They can also end more quickly, because the high excitement level of the interaction isn't matched by the level of trust between the relationship partners.
Alvin Cooper and Leda Sportolari (1997)

Answer 17

Alvin Cooper and Leda Sportolari (1997) called this the boom and bust phenomenon of online relationships

Question 18

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
2. The hyperpersonal model:
Joseph Walther (1996, 2011) argues that online relationships can be more personal and can involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones.
This is because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens earlier and, once established, they are more intense and intimate.
They can also end more quickly, because the high excitement level of the interaction isn't matched by the level of trust between the relationship partners.
Alvin Cooper and Leda Sportolari (1997) called this the boom and bust phenomenon of online relationships.
According to the hyperpersonal model, what is a key feature of self-disclosure in virtual relationships?

Answer 18

According to the hyperpersonal model, a key feature of self-disclosure in virtual relationships is that the sender of a message has more time to manipulate their online image than they would in an FtF situation

Question 19

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
2. The hyperpersonal model:
Joseph Walther (1996, 2011) argues that online relationships can be more personal and can involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones.
This is because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens earlier and, once established, they are more intense and intimate.
They can also end more quickly, because the high excitement level of the interaction isn't matched by the level of trust between the relationship partners.
Alvin Cooper and Leda Sportolari (1997) called this the boom and bust phenomenon of online relationships.
According to the hyperpersonal model, a key feature of self-disclosure in virtual relationships is that the sender of a message has more time to manipulate their online image than they would in an FtF situation.
Walther

Answer 19

Walther calls this selective self-presentation

Question 20

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
2. The hyperpersonal model:
Joseph Walther (1996, 2011) argues that online relationships can be more personal and can involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones.
This is because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens earlier and, once established, they are more intense and intimate.
They can also end more quickly, because the high excitement level of the interaction isn't matched by the level of trust between the relationship partners.
Alvin Cooper and Leda Sportolari (1997) called this the boom and bust phenomenon of online relationships.
According to the hyperpersonal model, a key feature of self-disclosure in virtual relationships is that the sender of a message has more time to manipulate their online image than they would in an FtF situation.
Walther calls this selective self-presentation.
People online

Answer 20

People online have more control over what to disclose and the cues they send

Question 21

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
2. The hyperpersonal model:
Joseph Walther (1996, 2011) argues that online relationships can be more personal and can involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones.
This is because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens earlier and, once established, they are more intense and intimate.
They can also end more quickly, because the high excitement level of the interaction isn't matched by the level of trust between the relationship partners.
Alvin Cooper and Leda Sportolari (1997) called this the boom and bust phenomenon of online relationships.
According to the hyperpersonal model, a key feature of self-disclosure in virtual relationships is that the sender of a message has more time to manipulate their online image than they would in an FtF situation.
Walther calls this selective self-presentation.
People online have more control over what to disclose and the cues they send.
What does this mean?

Answer 21

This means that it is much easier to manipulate self-disclosure to promote intimacy in CMC relationships, by self-presenting in a positive and idealised way

Question 22

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
2. The hyperpersonal model:
Joseph Walther (1996, 2011) argues that online relationships can be more personal and can involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones.
This is because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens earlier and, once established, they are more intense and intimate.
They can also end more quickly, because the high excitement level of the interaction isn't matched by the level of trust between the relationship partners.
Alvin Cooper and Leda Sportolari (1997) called this the boom and bust phenomenon of online relationships.
According to the hyperpersonal model, a key feature of self-disclosure in virtual relationships is that the sender of a message has more time to manipulate their online image than they would in an FtF situation.
Walther calls this selective self-presentation.
People online have more control over what to disclose and the cues they send.
This means that it is much easier to manipulate self-disclosure to promote intimacy in CMC relationships, by self-presenting in a positive and idealised way.
What is another aspect that promotes self-disclosure and makes relationships hyperpersonal?

Answer 22

Another aspect that promotes self-disclosure and makes relationships hyperpersonal is anonymity

Question 23

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
2. The hyperpersonal model:
Joseph Walther (1996, 2011) argues that online relationships can be more personal and can involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones.
This is because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens earlier and, once established, they are more intense and intimate.
They can also end more quickly, because the high excitement level of the interaction isn’t matched by the level of trust between the relationship partners.
Alvin Cooper and Leda Sportolari (1997) called this the boom and bust phenomenon of online relationships.
According to the hyperpersonal model, a key feature of self-disclosure in virtual relationships is that the sender of a message has more time to manipulate their online image than they would in an FtF situation.
Walther calls this selective self-presentation.
People online have more control over what to disclose and the cues they send.
This means that it is much easier to manipulate self-disclosure to promote intimacy in CMC relationships, by self-presenting in a positive and idealised way.
Another aspect that promotes self-disclosure and makes relationships hyperpersonal is anonymity.
John Bargh et al. (2002)

Answer 23

John Bargh et al. (2002) point out that the outcome of this is rather like the strangers on a train effect in FtF relationships

Question 24

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
2. The hyperpersonal model:
Joseph Walther (1996, 2011) argues that online relationships can be more personal and can involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones.
This is because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens earlier and, once established, they are more intense and intimate.
They can also end more quickly, because the high excitement level of the interaction isn't matched by the level of trust between the relationship partners.
Alvin Cooper and Leda Sportolari (1997) called this the boom and bust phenomenon of online relationships.
According to the hyperpersonal model, a key feature of self-disclosure in virtual relationships is that the sender of a message has more time to manipulate their online image than they would in an FtF situation.
Walther calls this selective self-presentation.
People online have more control over what to disclose and the cues they send.
This means that it is much easier to manipulate self-disclosure to promote intimacy in CMC relationships, by self-presenting in a positive and idealised way.
Another aspect that promotes self-disclosure and makes relationships hyperpersonal is anonymity.
John Bargh et al. (2002) point out that the outcome of this is rather like the strangers on a train effect in FtF relationships.
When you're aware that other people do not know your identity, what?

Answer 24

When you’re aware that other people do not know your identity, you feel less accountable for your behaviour

Question 25

How does self-disclosure operate in CMC relationships?
There are two major and contrasting theories: Reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.
2. The hyperpersonal model:
Joseph Walther (1996, 2011) argues that online relationships can be more personal and can involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones.
This is because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens earlier and, once established, they are more intense and intimate.
They can also end more quickly, because the high excitement level of the interaction isn't matched by the level of trust between the relationship partners.
Alvin Cooper and Leda Sportolari (1997) called this the boom and bust phenomenon of online relationships.
According to the hyperpersonal model, a key feature of self-disclosure in virtual relationships is that the sender of a message has more time to manipulate their online image than they would in an FtF situation.
Walther calls this selective self-presentation.
People online have more control over what to disclose and the cues they send.
This means that it is much easier to manipulate self-disclosure to promote intimacy in CMC relationships, by self-presenting in a positive and idealised way.
Another aspect that promotes self-disclosure and makes relationships hyperpersonal is anonymity.
John Bargh et al. (2002) point out that the outcome of this is rather like the strangers on a train effect in FtF relationships.
When you're aware that other people do not know your identity, you feel less accountable for your behaviour, so what?

Answer 25

When you’re aware that other people do not know your identity, you feel less accountable for your behaviour, so you may well disclose more about yourself to a stranger than even to your most intimate partner

Question 26

Absence of gating

Answer 26

Absence of gating is how face-to-face (FtF) relationships often fail to form, because of obstacles such as facial disfigurements that some people might find off-putting

Question 27

Absence of gating is how face-to-face (FtF) relationships often fail to form, because of obstacles such as facial disfigurements that some people might find off-putting.
These barriers or ‘gates’

Answer 27

These barriers or ‘gates’ are absent in computer-mediated communication (CMC), allowing virtual relationships to begin in a way they couldn’t in the offline world

Question 28

What is a gate, in this context?

Answer 28

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship

Question 29

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship.
What is FtF interaction said to be?

Answer 29

FtF interaction is said to be gated

Question 30

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship.
FtF interaction is said to be gated, in that it what?

Answer 30

FtF interaction is said to be gated, in that it involves many features that can interfere with the early development of a relationship

Question 31

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship.
FtF interaction is said to be gated, in that it involves many features that can interfere with the early development of a relationship.
What do examples of such gates include?

Answer 31

Examples of such gates include physical unattractiveness, a stammer and social anxiety (shyness, blushing, ect)

Question 32

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship.
FtF interaction is said to be gated, in that it involves many features that can interfere with the early development of a relationship.
Examples of such gates include physical unattractiveness, a stammer and social anxiety (shyness, blushing, ect).
Katelyn McKenna and John Bargh (1999)

Answer 32

Katelyn McKenna and John Bargh (1999) argue that a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of gating

Question 33

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship.
FtF interaction is said to be gated, in that it involves many features that can interfere with the early development of a relationship.
Examples of such gates include physical unattractiveness, a stammer and social anxiety (shyness, blushing, ect).
Katelyn McKenna and John Bargh (1999) argue that a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of gating.
What does this mean?

Answer 33

This means that a relationship can develop to the point where self-disclosure becomes more frequent and deeper

Question 34

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship.
FtF interaction is said to be gated, in that it involves many features that can interfere with the early development of a relationship.
Examples of such gates include physical unattractiveness, a stammer and social anxiety (shyness, blushing, ect).
Katelyn McKenna and John Bargh (1999) argue that a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of gating.
This means that a relationship can develop to the point where self-disclosure becomes more frequent and deeper.
This absence of gating allows an online relationship to do what?

Answer 34

This absence of gating allows an online relationship to ‘get off the ground’ in a way that is less likely to happen in an FtF situation

Question 35

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship.
FtF interaction is said to be gated, in that it involves many features that can interfere with the early development of a relationship.
Examples of such gates include physical unattractiveness, a stammer and social anxiety (shyness, blushing, ect).
Katelyn McKenna and John Bargh (1999) argue that a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of gating.
This means that a relationship can develop to the point where self-disclosure becomes more frequent and deeper.
This absence of gating allows an online relationship to ‘get off the ground’ in a way that is less likely to happen in an FtF situation.
How does absence of gating work?

Answer 35

Absence of gating works by refocusing attention on self-disclosure and away from what may be considered superficial and distracting features

Question 36

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship.
FtF interaction is said to be gated, in that it involves many features that can interfere with the early development of a relationship.
Examples of such gates include physical unattractiveness, a stammer and social anxiety (shyness, blushing, ect).
Katelyn McKenna and John Bargh (1999) argue that a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of gating.
This means that a relationship can develop to the point where self-disclosure becomes more frequent and deeper.
This absence of gating allows an online relationship to ‘get off the ground’ in a way that is less likely to happen in an FtF situation.
Absence of gating works by refocusing attention on self-disclosure and away from what may be considered superficial and distracting features.
In other words, what?

Answer 36

In other words, online I am more interested in what you tell me, rather than what you look and sound like

Question 37

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship.
FtF interaction is said to be gated, in that it involves many features that can interfere with the early development of a relationship.
Examples of such gates include physical unattractiveness, a stammer and social anxiety (shyness, blushing, ect).
Katelyn McKenna and John Bargh (1999) argue that a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of gating.
This means that a relationship can develop to the point where self-disclosure becomes more frequent and deeper.
This absence of gating allows an online relationship to ‘get off the ground’ in a way that is less likely to happen in an FtF situation.
Absence of gating works by refocusing attention on self-disclosure and away from what may be considered superficial and distracting features.
In other words, online I am more interested in what you tell me, rather than what you look and sound like.
This parallels the rationale behind The Voice.
By performing to the judges’ backs, what?

Answer 37

By performing to the judges’ backs, the focus on appearance is removed, so that this gate no longer threatens the contestant’s chances of making it past the early audition

Question 38

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship.
FtF interaction is said to be gated, in that it involves many features that can interfere with the early development of a relationship.
Examples of such gates include physical unattractiveness, a stammer and social anxiety (shyness, blushing, ect).
Katelyn McKenna and John Bargh (1999) argue that a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of gating.
This means that a relationship can develop to the point where self-disclosure becomes more frequent and deeper.
This absence of gating allows an online relationship to ‘get off the ground’ in a way that is less likely to happen in an FtF situation.
Absence of gating works by refocusing attention on self-disclosure and away from what may be considered superficial and distracting features.
In other words, online I am more interested in what you tell me, rather than what you look and sound like.
This parallels the rationale behind The Voice.
By performing to the judges’ backs, the focus on appearance is removed, so that this gate no longer threatens the contestant’s chances of making it past the early audition.
What does absence of gating also mean?

Answer 38

Absence of gating also means that people are free to create online identities that they could never manage FtF

Question 39

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship.
FtF interaction is said to be gated, in that it involves many features that can interfere with the early development of a relationship.
Examples of such gates include physical unattractiveness, a stammer and social anxiety (shyness, blushing, ect).
Katelyn McKenna and John Bargh (1999) argue that a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of gating.
This means that a relationship can develop to the point where self-disclosure becomes more frequent and deeper.
This absence of gating allows an online relationship to ‘get off the ground’ in a way that is less likely to happen in an FtF situation.
Absence of gating works by refocusing attention on self-disclosure and away from what may be considered superficial and distracting features.
In other words, online I am more interested in what you tell me, rather than what you look and sound like.
This parallels the rationale behind The Voice.
By performing to the judges’ backs, the focus on appearance is removed, so that this gate no longer threatens the contestant’s chances of making it past the early audition.
Absence of gating also means that people are free to create online identities that they could never manage FtF.
A man

Answer 39

A man can become a women, an introvert can become an extrovert, a plain person can become the world’s most desirable sex symbol

Question 40

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship.
FtF interaction is said to be gated, in that it involves many features that can interfere with the early development of a relationship.
Examples of such gates include physical unattractiveness, a stammer and social anxiety (shyness, blushing, ect).
Katelyn McKenna and John Bargh (1999) argue that a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of gating.
This means that a relationship can develop to the point where self-disclosure becomes more frequent and deeper.
This absence of gating allows an online relationship to ‘get off the ground’ in a way that is less likely to happen in an FtF situation.
Absence of gating works by refocusing attention on self-disclosure and away from what may be considered superficial and distracting features.
In other words, online I am more interested in what you tell me, rather than what you look and sound like.
This parallels the rationale behind The Voice.
By performing to the judges’ backs, the focus on appearance is removed, so that this gate no longer threatens the contestant’s chances of making it past the early audition.
Absence of gating also means that people are free to create online identities that they could never manage FtF.
A man can become a women, an introvert can become an extrovert, a plain person can become the world’s most desirable sex symbol.
Perhaps the ultimate expression of this ungated existence is what?

Answer 40

Perhaps the ultimate expression of this ungated existence is Second Life

Question 41

A gate, in this context, is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship.
FtF interaction is said to be gated, in that it involves many features that can interfere with the early development of a relationship.
Examples of such gates include physical unattractiveness, a stammer and social anxiety (shyness, blushing, ect).
Katelyn McKenna and John Bargh (1999) argue that a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of gating.
This means that a relationship can develop to the point where self-disclosure becomes more frequent and deeper.
This absence of gating allows an online relationship to ‘get off the ground’ in a way that is less likely to happen in an FtF situation.
Absence of gating works by refocusing attention on self-disclosure and away from what may be considered superficial and distracting features.
In other words, online I am more interested in what you tell me, rather than what you look and sound like.
This parallels the rationale behind The Voice.
By performing to the judges’ backs, the focus on appearance is removed, so that this gate no longer threatens the contestant’s chances of making it past the early audition.
Absence of gating also means that people are free to create online identities that they could never manage FtF.
A man can become a women, an introvert can become an extrovert, a plain person can become the world’s most desirable sex symbol.
Perhaps the ultimate expression of this ungated existence is Second Life, where what?

Answer 41

Perhaps the ultimate expression of this ungated existence is Second Life, where anyone can create any kind of avatar to represent themselves in a virtual reality

Question 42

The hyperpersonal model is that CMC relationships are more personal and have greater self-disclosure than FtF relationships.
Why can CMC relationships develop very quickly?

Answer 42

CMC relationships can develop very quickly, because self-disclosure happens earlier, so they become more intense and intimate

Question 43

The hyperpersonal model is that CMC relationships are more personal and have greater self-disclosure than FtF relationships.
CMC relationships can develop very quickly, because self-disclosure happens earlier, so they become more intense and intimate.
Why can they also end quicker?

Answer 43

They can also end quicker, because the underlying trust and knowledge of the other person is lacking

Question 44

The reduced cues theory is that what are lacking in CMC relationships?

Answer 44

The reduced cues theory is that cues such as physical appearance or cues to our emotional state are lacking in CMC relationships

Question 45

The reduced cues theory is that cues such as physical appearance or cues to our emotional state are lacking in CMC relationships.
What can this lead to a person doing?

Answer 45

This can lead to a person loosing their identity and acting in a way they wouldn’t normally

Question 46

The reduced cues theory is that cues such as physical appearance or cues to our emotional state are lacking in CMC relationships.
This can lead to a person loosing their identity and acting in a way they wouldn’t normally.
Therefore, often CMC involves aggressive and blunt communication, which leads to

Answer 46

Therefore, often CMC involves aggressive and blunt communication, which leads to a reluctance to self-disclose

Question 47

The hyperpersonal model:

You self-disclose quicker and it is more what?

Answer 47

You self-disclose quicker and it is more personal

Question 48

The hyperpersonal model:
You self-disclose quicker and it is more personal, so
what do you do?

Answer 48

You self-disclose quicker and it is more personal, so you disclose more

Question 49

The hyperpersonal model:
You self-disclose quicker and it is more personal, so you disclose more.
Thus, relationships are more what?

Answer 49

Thus, relationships are more instant

Question 50

The hyperpersonal model:
You self-disclose quicker and it is more personal, so you disclose more.
Thus, relationships are more instant.
However, you disclose more, but what less?

Answer 50

However, you disclose more, but trust less

Question 51

The hyperpersonal model:
You self-disclose quicker and it is more personal, so you disclose more.
Thus, relationships are more instant.
However, you disclose more, but trust less, so you are more likely to end up

Answer 51

However, you disclose more, but trust less, so you are more likely to end up breaking up

Question 52

The hyperpersonal model:
You self-disclose quicker and it is more personal, so you disclose more.
Thus, relationships are more instant.
However, you disclose more, but trust less, so you are more likely to end up breaking up.
What does this describe?

Answer 52

This describes the ‘boom and bust’

Question 53

The hyperpersonal model:
You self-disclose quicker and it is more personal, so you disclose more.
Thus, relationships are more instant.
However, you disclose more, but trust less, so you are more likely to end up breaking up.
This describes the ‘boom and bust.’

The strangers on a train phenomena - why are you more likely to tell and share your deepest, darkest secrets?

Answer 53

The strangers on a train phenomena - you are more likely to tell and share your deepest, darkest secrets, because you’re anonymous and not accountable, so are more likely to self-disclose

Question 54

The hyperpersonal model:
You self-disclose quicker and it is more personal, so you disclose more.
Thus, relationships are more instant.
However, you disclose more, but trust less, so you are more likely to end up breaking up.
This describes the ‘boom and bust.’

The strangers on a train phenomena - you are more likely to tell and share your deepest, darkest secrets, because you’re anonymous and not accountable, so are more likely to self-disclose.
However, it is hard to ascertain what?

Answer 54

However, it is hard to ascertain honesty

Question 55

The reduced cues theory:
CMC relationships are less effective than face to face relationships, because important cues such as attractiveness, tone of voice, facial expressions are missing.
This leads to blunt and aggressive communication and no/less self-disclosure, why?

Answer 55

This leads to blunt and aggressive communication and no/less self-disclosure, because it leads to misunderstandings

Question 56

Absence of gating:

Everything that prevents an individual doing what are removed?

Answer 56

Everything that prevents an individual forming relationships in real life are removed

Question 57

Absence of gating:

Everything that prevents an individual forming relationships in real life are removed, so what?

Answer 57

Everything that prevents an individual forming relationships in real life are removed, so they are more likely to develop a relationship

Question 58

Absence of gating:
Everything that prevents an individual forming relationships in real life are removed, so they are more likely to develop a relationship.
What does this allow?

Answer 58

This allows the focus to shift from physical attractiveness to personality

Question 59

Absence of gating:
Everything that prevents an individual forming relationships in real life are removed, so they are more likely to develop a relationship.
This allows the focus to shift from physical attractiveness to personality and so does what?

Answer 59

This allows the focus to shift from physical attractiveness to personality and so encourages self-disclosure

Question 60

Absence of gating:
Everything that prevents an individual forming relationships in real life are removed, so they are more likely to develop a relationship.
This allows the focus to shift from physical attractiveness to personality and so encourages self-disclosure.
CMC relationships allow for selective what?

Answer 60

CMC relationships allow for selective self-presentation