l12 : impact of digital communication on relationships

Question 1

how did granovetter define relationships?

Answer 1

relationships consist of social ties, which are the connections between individuals that link them together, which vary in strength

Question 2

what are the four ways to measure the strength of ties between two individuals according to granovetter?

Answer 2

1. amount of time spent together
2. emotional intensity of the relationship
3. level of intimacy
4. degree of reciprocity

Question 3

what are the two types of relationships?

Answer 3

• acquaintances (weak ties)
• close friends (strong ties)

Question 4

why does granovetter believe weak ties are important?

Answer 4

allows people to connect an individual to people whom he or she has little in common and would likely not be able to connect with through strong ties eg. celebrities

Question 5

which activities does zhao say have a positive correlation to social ties?

Answer 5

activities which connect individuals directly like emails, since they strengthen relationships

Question 6

which activities does zhao say have a negative correlation to social ties?

Answer 6

activities solitary in nature such as surfing the internet since there is no interaction with others

Question 7

what did kraut argue about social ties online and offline?

Answer 7

online social ties tend to be weaker than relationships formed and maintained offline

Question 8

what did gardner and davis find about digital media and relationships?

Answer 8

• dc facilitates relationships & creates a participatory culture
• new media users are cyborgs where we are always connected to each other wherever and whenever
• dc enabled relationships to transcend geographical and temporal barriers