relationships lessons 9-12 Flashcards
difference between self disclosure in virtual and face to face relationships
self disclosure occurs faster in virtual relationships as there is more anonymity. There is less risk of rejection
what is the hyper personal model
walther suggested that as self disclosure in virtual relationships happens faster than face to face, it feels more intimate and meaningful. They can also end quicker and is difficult to sustain same level of intense self disclosure. He explains that this occurs because it is easier to manipulate and edit yourself to portray in a positive light which is called selective self presentation.
evaluation of hyper personal model
ADV - research support to show that in online discussion forums, questions and answers tend to be more direct and intimate than face to face.
DIS - research has found online relationships which begin online are more durable rather than ending quickly as self disclosure occurs early on. self disclosure depends on context as people disclose more on gaming sites than dating.
what is reduced cue theory
The idea that self disclosure in virtual relationships might be less open and honest than face to face as there are no expressions and tone of voice. the reduction in non verbal communication leads to deindividuation as people can’t display behaviours such as aggression.
evaluation of reduced cue theory
DIS - the theory was developed when social media lacked face to face interaction but nowadays technology allows for live interaction.
non verbal communication is more absent in virtual relationships but the cues are different such as the use of emoticons
what is absence of gating in virtual relationships
the lack of usual barriers in forming a relationship face to face such as distance, lack of physical attractiveness and social awkwardness. This allows people to establish identities they couldn’t face to face.
evaluation of absence of gating in virtual relationships
ADV - social benefits as it reduces loneliness. psychologists showed importance of online communication for developing relationships. out of 4000 pps, 72% of those w access to internet had a romantic partner which shows a virtual environment helps.
DIS - people are involved in online and offline relationships every day so there are fewer differences than research suggests. most research on this was done 20 years ago so has a low temporal validity due to the rapid change in technology
What are parasocial relationships
A one sided relationship with a celebrity where a fan feels close and has adoration but there is no chance of reciprocity
what are the levels of parasocial relationships
entertainment social - most people in this level where celebrities are a topic for light gossip
intense personal - deeper level where there is a private obsession where they see themselves as a soulmate and has interest in their personal life
borderline pathological - most intense level where a person takes celebrity worship and has obsessive fantasies and spends lots of money for memorabilia. can lead to stalking
what is the absorption addiction model
argues that parasocial relationships focused on a celebrity make up for dissatisfaction in a persons real life or relationship and provides them with an identity. people with addictive nature will go through levels quickly until pre occupied
absorption and addiction definition
absorption: people with weaker personal identity may become totally consumed with celebrity’s life
addiction: person seeks even greater involvement so parasocial relationship becomes all consuming
evaluation of absorption addiction model
ADV - research supports link between loneliness and having a parasocial relationship as found by psychologists. Stalkers often have a failed sexual relationship at the time of stalking.
DIS - most research is correlational so cause and effect can’t be established for example with girl poor body image and intensity of parasocial relationship.
what is attachment theory
parasocial relationships are linked to attachment problems in childhood. e.g. protest at loss of parasocial figure is similar to separation protest in infants. bowlby found insecure attachment in childhood led to problems such as poor internal working model in later life. people form parasocial relationships to make up for lack of attachment in childhood.
evaluation of attachment theory
ADV - a study found that adults with insecure attachment types had positive attitudes or obsessive behaviours and stalking. research found 63% of stalkers experienced loss of a primary caregiver in childhood and 50% reported childhood abuse from caregiver.
DIS - parasocial relationships can be positive and not just about fulfilling attachment needs. research studies into the link between attachment type and parasocial relationships rely in memory which can be flawed and inaccurate.
