9. Virtual Relationships in Social Media

Question 1

what are the arguments involved in virtual relationships?

Answer 1

• self disclosure: reduced cues vs hyperpersonal model

- absence of gating

Question 2

explain the for and against (with relevant psychologists) for reduced cues theory.

Answer 2

for: Sproul and Kiesler - CMC lacks cues of FtF such as facial expressions or tone of voice. leads to deindividuation and disinhibition. (lack of emotion)
against: Walther and Tidwell - cues still present such as timing of messages and emojis

Question 3

who’s model is the hyperpersonal? what does it argue? what are the for and against?

Answer 3

for: Walther: CMC more personal as can manipulate self-disclosure to be intimate and + through selective self-presentation.
against: Cooper and Sportolari: boom and bust phenomenon
Bargh: strangers on a train - no responsibility for behaviour due to anonymity.

Question 4

what is the argument for absence of gating? whos argument is it? what research support is there?

Answer 4

Bargh: removes filters that may prevent FtF communication (i.e. physical attractiveness). Link to filter theory.
McKenna and Bargh: 70% of virtual relationships last 2+ years.

Question 5

what does self-disclosure depend on?

Answer 5

the type of CMC

Question 6

what is the conclusion to the virtual relationships argument?

Answer 6

Walther: most relationships are both CMC and FtF - model reductionist