Chapter 5: Relationship Initiation Flashcards
Flirting
The communication of romantic and/or sexual interest.
- Moving closer to the potential partner and taxing into their eyes = common
- also: smiling, laughing, and various “grooming activities” like self-touching, hair smoothing, abdomen fighting, back arching, and stretching
- Women = “eyebrow flash,” a quick arching of the eyebrows; women tend to engage in a particular sequence of nonverbal behaviours (eye contact, smile, and eyebrow flash)
- smiling and eye contact appears to be universal methods of flirting
- men who provide signals of their positive intentions through glancing behaviours ad their status (e.g., through space maximation and a non-reciprocated touch of male peers, like playfully shoving) receive preferential attention from women
Computer-mediated communication (CMC)
Defined as communication that occurs online rather than in a face-to-face interaction setting.
- may lack auditory and visual cues that allow individuals to regulate their interactions and effective communication of their intention and feelings through smiling, nodding, eye contact, physical distance, touch, tone etc.
- relies heavily on language = the content and speed of responding to the other person’s communications
Computer-mediated communication (CMC) refers to exchanging information and ideas through computer-based technologies such as email, instant messaging, social media platforms, and online forums. It has become an increasingly prevalent form of communication in today’s digital age and has many advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of CMC include:
- Convenience: CMC allows people to communicate with one another regardless of location, time zone, or physical ability, making it a convenient way to stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues.
- Speed: CMC is often much faster than other forms of communication, such as sending letters or making phone calls.
- Anonymity: CMC allows people to communicate anonymously or pseudonymously, which can encourage people to share their thoughts and feelings more freely.
- Record-keeping: CMC provides a conversation record, which can be helpful for reference and documentation purposes.
Disadvantages of CMC include:
- Misinterpretation: CMC lacks the nuances of face-to-face communication, such as body language and tone of voice, which can lead to misinterpretation and misunderstandings.
- Reduced social cues: CMC’s lack of nonverbal cues can make establishing trust and building relationships difficult.
- Distraction: CMC can be a source of distraction, particularly in work settings, where notifications and alerts can interrupt productivity.
- Impersonal: CMC can feel impersonal, which may limit the development of emotional connections between individuals.
Cyberflirting
Cyberflirting means using computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies to flirt with someone. It is a type of online communication intended to be playful, suggestive, or romantic and can occur in various contexts, such as online dating, social media, or online gaming. Some examples:
- providing descriptions of their socioeconomic status
- describing their physical attractiveness
- describing touching behaviour
- initiating online conversations with the other person
- using emoticons to convert nonverbal cues
- using acronyms (e.g., LOL)
Ppl still rely on nonverbal gestures to communicate romantic interest; the most common is emoticons and acronyms
Five ways in which online interactions facilitate relationship formation:
- Relative absence of “gating” features
- Increased feelings of anonymity
- Increased control over interactions
- Increased ability to discover similar others
- Increased ability to know the partner prior to interaction
Relative absence of “gating” features: In offline contexts, people may be hesitant to approach someone they find attractive because of “gating” factors such as physical appearance, social status, or location. Online interactions can reduce these gating features and make it easier for people to connect based on shared interests. For example, someone who is shy or introverted may find it easier to connect with others online through shared hobbies or interests on social media platforms or online forums.
Increased feelings of anonymity: Online interactions can create a sense of anonymity and reduce the fear of rejection. This can allow people to be more open and honest about their thoughts and feelings, which can facilitate relationship formation. For example, someone who is hesitant to express their true feelings in person may feel more comfortable doing so in an online context, such as through instant messaging or email.
Increased control over interactions: Online interactions give people more control over the pace and direction of their interactions. For example, people can choose when and how they respond to messages or can “block” someone who is behaving inappropriately. This control can reduce anxiety and allow people to feel more comfortable engaging in conversations and forming relationships.
Increased ability to discover similar others: Online interactions allow people to easily find others with similar interests or values. This can facilitate relationship formation based on shared experiences or perspectives. For example, someone who is passionate about environmental activism can connect with others who share their values through online groups or forums.
Increased ability to know the partner prior to interaction: Online interactions can allow people to get to know one another before meeting in person. This can reduce anxiety and facilitate relationship formation. For example, people can exchange messages or participate in video calls before meeting in person through online dating platforms, which can help them feel more comfortable and confident during the initial face-to-face interaction.
Signal Amplification Bias
Occurs when people believe that their overtures communication more romantic interest to potential partners than is actually the case;l they fail to realize that the partner may not be aware of their attraction
First Date Scripts
Men and women generally agree on the sequencing of events during the first date, although they differ in their expectations about the type of events that should occur.
- heterosexual men often expect greater sexual involvement than do heterosexual women on the first date
- women report others mistaking their friendliness as flirting, men are more likely than women to perceive a number of interpersonal cues as signaling as interest in sex
