Social Relationships

Question 1

Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Answer 1

When strangers meet their primary concern is reducing uncertainty

And increasing probability

Question 2

URT assumptions

Answer 2

1. Communicate to minimize uncertainties
2. People experience uncertainty on regular basis
3. Uncertainty is unpleasant
4. Communication is fundamental for reducing uncertainty

Question 3

Reduction Strategies

Answer 3

Passive: observing
Active: seeking info from third party
Interactive: straight to the source

Question 4

Two uncertainties

Answer 4

Cognitive are the actions that are appropriate in a given situation and behavioural is the attitude and believes that the other hold

Question 5

Expectation Violation Theory

Answer 5

Analyzes how individuals respond to unanticipated violations of social norms and expectations

Question 6

Example of violation expectation & factors

Answer 6

Unfriending on FB. Investigated valence, importance, expectedness

See mindmap

Question 7

Reasons for unfriending

Answer 7

Negative norm violations: too many/emotional updates, conflicts, inappropriate photos
Reasons: too frequent updates, being polarizing, inappropriate comments
Factors influencing evaluation of norm violations: closeness/length relation, intenseness of FB usage, motivation for using FB

Question 8

Social Exchange Theory (SET)

Answer 8

Why people continue and develop some relationships while ending others

Question 9

SET principles

Answer 9

Social behaviour: costs, rewards and exchanges. People want to minimize costs and maximize rewards. Exchanging a reward needed by another person creates interdependent relationships.

Question 10

Cost and benefits online dating (Shtatfeld & Barak)

Answer 10

Geographic proximity, resemblance, interpersonal attraction, demographic similarity, education, writing skills

Question 11

Social Penetration Theory (SPT)

Answer 11

How information exchange functions in the development and dissolution of interpersonal relationships

Question 12

Stages of SPT

Answer 12

1. Orientation stage
2. Exploratory Affective Stage
3. Affective Stage
4. Stable Stage
5. Depenetration

Question 13

Social Enhancement or Rich-get Richer Hypothesis (SEH)

Answer 13

Extroverts will benefit from the internet

Easier contacts, develop their already greater social skills

Question 14

Social Compensation Theory (SCT)

Answer 14

Introverts will benefit from the internet

Reduced socail cues and anonymity, eases self-disclosure

Question 15

URT online: findings (Antheunis et al)

Answer 15

1. High similarity and interactive strategies reduce uncertainty
   2.Low level of uncertainty increases social attraction
2. Positive or negative information mediates the relationship