Virtual relationships Flashcards
1
Q
Two theories for virtual relationships
A
- reduced cues theory
- hyperpersonal model
2
Q
Sproull and Kielser (1986)- reduced cues theory
A
- computer mediated communication relationships are less effective than face to face ones because they lack the cues we normally depend on in face to face interactions
- cues include non verbal cues e.g. physical appearance
- this can lead to deindividuation because it reduces people’s sense of individual identity, which encourages disinhibition
3
Q
What is an important feature to face to face relationships
A
self disclosure
4
Q
Explain the reduced cues theory
A
- virtual relationships ore likely to involve blunt and even aggressive communication
- the uphold of this process is reluctant to self disclose
- unlikely to want to initiate a relationship with someone who is so impersonal, or reveal your inner most feeling to them
5
Q
Walther (1996, 2011)- hyperpersonal model
A
- argues that online relationships can be more personal and involve greater self disclosure than face to face ones
- computer mediated communication relationships can develop very quickly as self disclosure happens earlier, and once established are more intense and intimate
- online relationships can also end quickly because of high excitement of the intercation isn’t matched by level of trust between partners
6
Q
The hyperpersonal model- more time to manipulate online image
A
- a key feature of self discolsure in virtual relationships is that the sender has more time to manipulate their online image than they would in face to face relationships
- Walther calls this ‘selective self preservation’- people online have more control over what to disclose and so it is much easier to manipulate self discolsure to protomote intimiacy online e.g. dating apps people choose best photos
7
Q
The hyperpersonal model- anonymity
A
- anonymity is a key feature
- when others don’t know your identity, you feel less accountable for your behaviour- so you may disclose more about yourself to them then you would to an intimate partner
8
Q
What is a ‘gate’ in virtual relationships
A
- this is an obstacle to the formation of virtual relationships e.g. long distance
- face to face relationships are said to be gated as they involve many features that can interfere with early development
9
Q
The absence of gating in virtual relationships- McKenna and Bargh (1999)
A
- argues that a huge advanage of computer medicated communication relationships is the absence of gating
- this is an advantage because relationships can develop to the point where self disclosure become more frequent and deeper, allowing the relationship to get off the ground
- absence of gating works by re focusing attention on self disclosure rather than what may be considered distacting
10
Q
The absence of gating in virtual relationships- online identities
A
- people are free to create online identities that they could never imagine face to face
- however issue of catfishing, as people may not be who they say they are- scheme formed online may be different face to face
11
Q
Research to challenge reduced cues theory- Walther and Tidewell (1995)
A
- point out that people in online interactions use other cues, such as style, and timing of messages
- taking time to reply to messages can be interpreted as a more intimate act than an immediate response
- acoustics e.g. LOL and emojis are used as effective substitutes for facial expressions
- challenges RCT as suggests that cues aren’t reduced they are just different
- however lacks temporal validity
12
Q
McKenna and Bargh (2002)
A
- looked at socially anxious people
- found that such people were able to express their true selves more than in face to face
- of the romantic relationships that intially forced online, 70% survived more than two years
- computer mediated communication provides opportunity for people with gates to find love- positive
13
Q
AO3- issues/debates- culturally biased
A
- Research into virtual relationships is based on the experiences of mainly Western, technologically developed cultures
- Internet technology is not readily available in some countries, so the conclusions about the development and effects of virtual communication on romantic relationships cannot be applied to them
14
Q
AO3- being both online/offline
A
- people are involved in both online and offline relationships every day; it’s not an either/or situation
- our offline relationships tend to influence what and how we choose to disclose online, and vice versa
- means that there are fewer differences between online and face to face relationships than explanations seem to suggest, and research examining online relationships often fails to take into account the effect of these relationships on a person’s offline interactions, and vice versa
