Online Behaviour

Question 1

How does online communication affect us positively?

Answer 1

1. Online communication stimulates online self-disclosure
2. Online self-discloure enhances relationship quality
3. High quality relationships promote wellbeing

Question 2

Who benefits most from online communication?

Answer 2

• People who use technology to talk to existing friends

- In particular adolescent boys who do this

Question 3

What are the two key hypotheses related to levels of social anxiety and internet use?

Answer 3

1. Social compensation hypothesis:
   - Mainly it is socially anxious people that use online communication (due to reduced cues)
2. Rich-get-richer hypothesis:
   - The most socially competent people use online communication
   - Most studies support this

Question 4

How can online activity improve mental health?

Answer 4

• Online support groups and forums
• Bibliotherapy (reading about the condition)
• Therapy derived online

Question 5

How can online behaviour improve physical health?

Answer 5

• Online social support groups for people with physical illnesses
• Can help identify potential participants in clinical trials
• They can help diseeminate medical evidence

Question 6

What effect does online social media have on political influence?

Answer 6

• Social media empowers people by allowing them greater reach and connection
• People can operate without the risk of being personally identified (anonymity)
• Useful in both liberal democracies and in countries facing political repression

Question 7

Give an outline of findings related to online dating:

Answer 7

• Very common amongst single people
• Women are more likely to have less accurate photographs
• Using emotionally charged words was seen as more desirable

Question 8

What is cyberbullying?

Answer 8

• Any behaviour performed through electronic or digital media by individuals or groups that repeatedly communicates hostile or aggressive messages intended to inflict harm or discomfort on others
• Can lead to academic, psychological and social problems in victims

Question 9

What is malicious trolling?

Answer 9

• A widespread activity of online provocation intended to cause psychological harm
  e. g. RIP trolling
• Motivation assumed to be to cause suffering to others but difficult to determine because of anonymity
• More in common with pseduo-terrorism than bullying

Question 10

What effect does the internet have on acculturation?

Answer 10

• Plays a dual role
• Allows people to keep in contact with people in home countries, interact with others that have the same background and access ethnic entertainment
• Also allows people to learn about the host culture and may lead to more cultural homogeneity