Virtual Relationships in Social Media Flashcards
What is meant by virtual relationships?
Is a relationship that is conducted, formed and/or maintained through the Internet rather than face to face. e.g. through social media.
Define the term self-disclosure.
Refers to revealing personal information about yourself. Romantic partners reveal more about their true selves as their relationship develops. These self-disclosures about one’s deepest thoughts and feelings can strengthen a romantic bond when used appropriately.
Why may there be more self-disclosure in virtual (computer-mediated communication) than face-to-face (FtF) relationships?
Anonymity They don't know your friends. Time to think about what to say. Less embarrassment Sexting
Why may there be less self-disclosure in CMC than FtF relationships?
More editing
Worry of blackmailing/ trolling/ catfishing/ pretend to be anyone.
What is the reduced cues theory?
According to Sproull and Kiesler (1986) CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones because verbal and nonverbal cues are lacking, so participants lose their sense of identity (de-individuation) and their behaviour becomes disinhibited (aggressive) which leads to a reluctance in self disclosure.
What does de-individuation cause?
Feel less responsible for the consequences of your actions.
Aggressive and blunt communication (disinhibition).
What is the hyperpersonal model?
According to Walther CMC relationship are more personal and have greater self disclosure than FtF. The boom and bust phenomenon means people online control their self-presentation and select what to disclose, which promotes intimacy early on so virtual relationships starts and end quickly.
Explain the strangers on a train experiment.
In the 1970s Rubin carried out a series of studies where confederates disclosed personal information about themselves to a stranger on trains, airport lounges or bus stops. He discovered that when confederates disclosed intimate details of their lives to the stranger in the next seat this was often met with a reciprocal self-disclosure from the stranger. This suggests that we are more likely to share personal information with a stranger because we are likely never to see them again.
What is meant by gate in virtual relationships?
Is anything that may prevent the formation of a relationship.
Why is face-to-face interaction said to be gated?
As it involves many features which can interfere with the early development of a relationship.
Give examples of gates.
(un)Attractiveness Physical Disability Stammer Shyness Age Ethnicity
What is absence of gating in virtual relationships?
There are fewer obstacles (‘gates’) to forming virtual relationship because physical and social factors are less influential online. Therefore, attention is focused on self-disclosure.
What is selective self-presentation in CMC?
When you disclose only positive information online to promote intimacy.
What are the strengths of virtual relationships explanation?
Research support for the hyperpersonal model - Whitty and Joison (2009).
Support for absence of gating - McKenna and Bargh (2000).
Explain Whitty and Joison’s research.
Looked at online communication and found that discussions are often direct, involving probing and intimate questions. This supports the hyperpersonal model explanation of why self-disclosure can take place more quickly in CMC.
