Virtual relationships in social media Flashcards
self disclosure in Virtual relationships are explained in two theories what are they?
Reduced cues theory
Hyperpersonal model
Reduced Cues Theory
Sproull and Kiesler argue that CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones because they lack many cues we normally depend on in FtF interactions. CMC particularly lacks cues to our emotional state, such as facial expression and tone of voice. This leads to de-individuation because it reduces people’s sense of individual identity, which in turn encourages disinhibition in relating to others. Therefore Virtual relationships are therefore more likely to involve aggressive communication and reluctance to self disclosure
Hyperpersonal model
Walther argues online relationships can be more personal and involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones.
Because CMC relationships develop quickly as self disclosure happens early. Once established they are more intense and intimate.
Boom and Bust phenomenon (part of Hyperpersonal model)
( Cooper and Sportolari) - online relationships can also end more quickly because the high excitement level of interaction isn’t matched by the level of trust between the relationship partners
2nd key feature of Hyperpersonal model
Selective self presentation- People online have more control over what to disclose and cues they send. Makes it easier to manipulate self-disclosure to promote intimacy in CMC, by self presenting in a positive and idealised way.
3rd key feature of Hyperpersonal Model
Anonymity- Bargh et al argues that the outcome of this is a stranger on a train effect in FtF relationships. You become less accountable for your behaviour as other people do not know your identity so u may disclose more about yourself to a stranger than even your most intimate partner
McKeena and Bargh
FtF tends to be gated ( physical attractiveness , stammer). But a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of gating. This means that a relationship can develop to the point where self disclosure becomes more frequent and deeper.
How does Absence of gating work
Works by refocusing attention on self disclosure and away from what may be considered superficial and distracting features. this also means that people are free to create online identities that they could never manage in FtF. e.g. man becoming women
Define absence of gating
FtF relationships fail to form because of gates that some people might find off-putting. These barriers are absent in CMC allowing Virtual relationships to begin in a way thy couldn’t in the offline world
