Relatioships : Virtual Relationship Flashcards
Virtual relationship is
Electronic communication whereby relationships can be formed and maintained
Eg through email, chat rooms , texts, social media
What is CMC
Computer mediated communication (online relationship)
2 main contrasting theories in self disclosure
Reduced cues theory
The hyper personal model
Hyperpersonal model argues
The Hyper personal Model-Joseph Walther (1996, 2011)
- online relationships can be more intimate and involve greater self-disclosure than ftf
- develop quickly and become more intense once established
2 reasons why hyperpersonal model suggests cmc more intimate
- Excitement without trust
- boom and bust phenomenon
3 things that promote self disclosure
- anonymity
- absense of gating
- selective self preservation
Anonymity
(Bargh et al. (2002)- likens the outcome to strangers on a train effect.
You are aware that other people don’t know your identity so you feel less accountable for your behaviour in cmc
So you may well disclose more to a stranger than an intimate partner.
Selective self preservation
- time to manipulate their online image
- more control over cues and disclosure online
- present themselves in an idealised way eg hyperhonesty or dishonesty
- feedback from the receiver acts as reinforcement for self preservation
What is a gate in absence of gating
A gate= any obstacle in the way of forming a relationship.
Absencse of gating
- Ftf relationships are gated as many features can interfere with early development of a relationship. (e g. stammer, physical attractiveness, social anxiety)
Who argues absense of gating to be a huge advantage and why
McKenna and Bargh (1999) argue a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of this gate, allowing online relationships to get off the ground.
* This works by refocusing on self-disclosure away from superficial distraction.
- self disclosure becomes more frequent and intimate
- ppl are free to either be their true selves or create an untrue identity
Reduced cues theory by….
Sproul and Kelser 1986
What is reduced cues theory
- cmc less effective than ftf bc they lack cues we often depend on
- non verbal cues
physical appearance - cue hinting to emotional state eg body language facial expressions are lacking in CMC
This can lead to a person loosing their identify (deindividuation) and acting in a way they wouldn’t normally
So often CMC involves aggressive and blunt communication with leads to a reluctance in self disclosure
Reduced cues leads to what
deindividuation
What is deindividuation
Reduction in a persons sense of identity, encourages disinhibition in relation to others, blunt and aggressive communication more likely in virtual relationships
Deindividuation leads to a reluctance too….
Reluctance to self disclose
Unlikely to initiate relationship w sm1 who is impersonal or want to reveal innermost feeling towards them
