Relationships: Virtual Relationships Flashcards
What are Virtual relationships?
Relationships which occur online. Unlike face to face (ftf) relationships they rely on computer-mediated communication (CMC).
What is the effect of virtual relationships on levels of self-disclosure?
- Higher levels of self disclosure contribute to higher levels of attraction in relationships.
- Research has shown that self disclosure happens less in virtual relationships compared to ftf relationships. This can be explained by cues theory, which argues that CMC lacks important yet subtle cues, such as facial expressions, body language and tone of voice. The loss of these cues mean that individuals become less aware of and less sensitive to the feelings of communication than would be likely to occur in ftf communications. Consequently, people don’t self disclose high risk information.
What is the effect of the absence of gating on the nature of virtual relationships?
- In a ftf context, individuals rely on easily discernible features to help them decide who would be a suitable partner. These features (e.g. physical features like age or weight or a social factor like shyness) are referred to as gates, as they can act as a barrier to some individuals forming relationships.
-CMC means people are able to modify their appearances, meaning gating is less of a problem in virtual relationships. Eg, people who lack confidence may use the extra time available in messaging to consider their response more carefully, and those who perceive themselves as unattractive may choose to edit photos. - The absence of gating in virtual relationships may support the development of stable and enduring relationships. This is because those seeking relationships can learn about a potential partners ‘true self’ instead of forming a relationship based on superficial characteristics (eg, physical attractiveness).
- But the lack of gating in virtual relationships could lead to people portraying themselves differently than they would ftf, meaning partners don’t truly know each other.
How has research supported the claim that levels of self-disclosure are increased in virtual relationships?
Whitty and Joinson’s (2009) found that in online discussion forums, the questions and answers people asked of each other tend to be more direct, probing and intimate than in everyday face-to-face interactions. This finding clearly supports the view that levels of self-disclosure in virtual relationships
are increased through computer-mediated communications, as people are seeking and disclosing more intimate (i.e., high risk) information than in ftf relationships. This research therefore challenges the claims made by reduced cues theory, that people protect themselves from the blunt style of CMC by reducing their levels of self-disclosure – if reduced cues theory was right, we would expect to see less sharing of personal information, not more. Moreover, this study’s claims on the increase in self-disclosure in virtual relationships is strengthened by its strong ecological validity. This is because the researchers studied real life virtual communications, rather than relying on the more artificial approach of asking participants to self-report on how they communicate. One possible explanation for the greater level of self disclosure shown in this study’s findings is that that the anonymity provided by CMS allows individuals to disclose (and seek) information without fear that the disclosed information will be passed on to other people they might know. Another possible explanation for the high levels of self discolsure shown in this study is that participants in CMC have more time to edit their responses to present themselves in a more positive light. This selective self-presentation allows people to project a positive image that will then make an online partner comfortable disclosing personal information.
What does research suggest about the absence of gating in virtual relationships for shy people?
Research suggests that the absence if gating will be especially useful for shy people. Using a questionnaire, Baker and Oswald found that participants who were rated as scoring high on shyness and internet use were more likely to rate the quality of their friendships as high; this correlation was absent for people with low shyness scores. These findings suggest that shy people who make greater use of CMC can overcome the effects of gating (their shyness), allowing them to establish the high-quality relationships that less shy people find easy. This finding demonstrates the value of conducting research on the role of gating in virtual relationships, as it can inform professionals working with people with social anxiety on how to develop romantic relationships. However, this study’s findings on the effects of the absence of gating need to be treated with caution due to a reliance on correlational research. Correlation does not equal causation. Just because greater internet use was positively correlated with higher-quality relationships doesn’t necessarily mean that the internet use caused the improved quality of relationships. It’s possible that the direction of causation could be the other way round, with higher quality friendships causing participants to use the internet more, so they can spend more time with their friends.
Why is research into virtual relationships socially sensitive?
According to Sieber and Stanley, socially sensitive research is research which has the potential for social consequences. One social consequence Sieber and Stanley have identified is
the potential to cause stress about the possibility of revelations relating to their private lives. Many of the ideas explored by research into virtual relationships have the potential for
exactly this type of stress. The nature of self-disclosures involves the revelation of potentially risky information, and so research into this area must appreciate the stress this might cause to participants, and those linked to them e.g., family or friends). Similarly, the research on the absence of gating involves individuals who may feel vulnerable (e.g., those viewed as conventionally less attractive and/or people with excessive shyness). Again, such participants might feel stress about research into their lives. Given the likelihood of harmful social consequences, researchers studying virtual relationships need to be especially mindful of protecting the rights of participants (e.g., protecting their confidentiality). This isn’t to suggest research into virtual relationships shouldn’t be conducted. Sierber and Stanley rightly point out that despite potential dangers, socially sensitive research may be socially beneficial. For example, understanding the ways in which virtual relationships reduce issues around gating can be useful in supporting people affected by gating (e.g., those with disabilities) to develop romantic relationships.
