Virtual+ parasocial RELATIONSHIPS Flashcards
two main theories of Self disclosure in virtual relationships + who were they developed by
-Reduced cues theory: Sproull + Kiesler
-The hyperpersonal model: Walther
Reduced cues theory
Virtual relationships- Self disclosure
VR (virtual relationships) are less effective than ftf relationships
-lack normally developed cues.
-e.g: non verbal cues such as physical appearance and especially cues to our emotional state
-reduces sense of individual identity (de-individuation)
-Leads to disinhibition
-feel freer to communicate in blunt + aggressive ways.
-people unlikely to express their real thoughts + feelings to someone who is so impersonal
The hyperpersonal model
5 points
Virtual relationships - self disclosure
(1)-Virtual relationships can involve more self disclosure than ftf.
-Because VR develop very quickly so SD happens earlier. = more intense + Intimate.
(2)Can also end more quickly as high excitement level of interaction isn’t matched by the level of trust between partners (boom + Bust)
2 key features of hyperpersonal SD in VR
(3) 1) Sender of message has greater control over what to disclose and the cues they send
compared to FtF.
= Selective Self-presentation.
Can either be hyperhonest or hyperdishonest
(4) 2)Receiver gains positive impression of sender
-give positive feedback = reinforces senders selective self-presentation
(5) Anonymity is also a factor. Aware other people don’t know your identity, so are less accountable for your actions. So may disclose more
Absence of gating
what is gating
Virtual relationships- self disclosure
(benefits and drawbacks on other side)
FtF relationships often fail to form because of obstacles such as face disfigurements that some people may finds off putting. These = ‘gates’ are absent in virtual world, allowing relationships to begin when they might not online
How does the absence of gating benefit virtual relationships with self-disclosure
Allows relationships to ‘get off the ground’ quicker and allows for SD to become more frequent and deeper.
Refocus on SD and away from superficial and distracting features.
In VR, more interested in what you tell me than what you look + sound like.
Benefit = more freed to become true selves
How is the absence of gating a drawback to virtual relationships with self-disclosure
Allows for deceiving others. Can lie about gender and age, introvert to extrovert etc
Ultimate expression of this is the ‘second life’ where you can create an avatar
what is a parasocial relationship
relationships that resemble normal relationships but are one sided. These are unreciprocal, usually with a celebrity, in which a ‘fan’ expends a lot of emotional energy, commitment and time
who developed the Celebrity Attitude Scale
what was it
McCutcheon et al
-17 item scale
-lower score = individualistic behaviour (enjoying celeb)
-Higher score Over identification + Obsession (with celeb)
name the 3 levels of parasocial relationships + who developed this and how
Celebrity Attitude scale which was used in a large scale survey by Maltby to identify 3 levels of parasocial relationships.
1) Entertainment-Social
2)Intense-personal
3) Borderline Pathological
Entertainment-social level of parasocial relationships
what did research find
Least intense form of celebrity worship
- Celebrities viewed as source of entertainment and fuel for socail interaction.
E.g: group of friends who enjoy soap opera talk about actors on EastEnders
Giles (2002) found that parasocial relationships were a fruitful source of gossip in offices
Intense-personal level of parasocial relationships
intermediate level , reflects greater personal involvement in parasocial relationship with celeb.
E.g: Fan of ___ may have frequent obsessive thoughts and intense feelings about them. Perhaps consider celeb as soul mate but wouldn’t consider doing questionable things to fulfil desire
Borderline Pathological stage of parasocial relationships
-Strongest level of celeb worship
- feature uncontrollable fantasies and extreme behaviours.
-May include spending large sum of money on a celeb related object or being willing to perform some illegal act on celeb
What is the Absorption Addiction model of parasocial relationships and who developed it.
(minus the detail of absorption and addiction )
1)Explains parasocial relationships as total pre-occupation in a celebrity’s life, plus an addictive striving for a stronger involvement.
2)McCutcheon = people have tendency to form parascocial relationships because of deficiencies in their life.
e.g: weak sense of self-identity and lack of fulfilment in every day relationships.
-PR aloes them to “escape from reality”, or a way of finding fulfilment they can’t irl
*(ie: poorly adjusted psychologically )
3)-is linked to the three stages. indiv in entertainment-social stage may be triggered into more intense involvement by a personal crisis or stressful event
4)Two components =
Absorption + addiction
What is the absorption component of parasocial relationships
seeking fulfilment in celeb worship
-focus attention as far as possible on celeb (absorb celeb)
-become preoccupied in their existence and identify with them
What is the addiction component of parasocial relationships
-similar to addiction to psychoactive substance
-indiv needs to maintain their commitment to relationship by feeling a stronger and closer involvement with celeb
-may lead to extreme behaviors and delusional thinking
-e.g: stalking a celeb because you believe they want you but manger is stopping them
