Virtual relationships in social media

Question 1

Virtual relationships

Answer 1

Partners who have communicated and connected only online

Question 2

Online Anonymity

Answer 2

Meeting online allows individuals to disclose info more easily
More honest about their true selves as they are less worried about how they appear
Build intimacy more easily than face to face
Particularly true in those with low self esteem, or those concerned with physical appearance

Question 3

Reduced cues theory

Answer 3

(SPROULL + KIESLER)
Virtual relationships are less effective than f2f due to the lack of nonverbal cues that aid understanding and communication

Reduces an individual identity and leads to disinhibition: Allows people to communicate in blunt and aggressive ways= reduces communication

Question 4

Downsides of online anonymity

Answer 4

Allows people to lie more easily
Allows people to prey on the vulnerable (Those with low self esteem or poor social skills) for financial or sexual gain

Question 5

Strangers on a Train (1970)

Answer 5

RUBIN
Confederates on a train and revealed high risk info to strangers
Stranger reciprocated self-disclosure

Question 6

Hyperpersonal Model

Answer 6

Low-risk info is seen on a person’s profile so more high-risk info is disclosed
This is due to being limited to verbal info they can exchange due to it being online

Question 7

Selective self-presentation

Answer 7

Individuals can create an overwhelmingly favourable impression online
Easier to manipulate your image and self-disclosure

Question 8

Whitty + Joinson (2009)

Answer 8

Individuals are more motivated to self disclose in ways that are ‘hyper honest’ ad questions asked are more direct and probing
Avoids small talk
We disclose so that we can be seen in more of a positive light

Question 9

Absence of ‘gating’

Answer 9

Something that stops a relationship from developing
Physical barrier; Weight, disability
Personality traits; Shyness, low self-esteem

Virtual relationships hide gates
Can still be compatible and attracted to each other but gates prevent a relationship from developing

Question 10

Why are gates hidden online?

Answer 10

Individuals can portray themselves however they want
Gates can limit and have a negative effect on a relationship so individuals hide these factors until the relationship has developed

Question 11

Dangers of preventing gating

Answer 11

Allows individuals to hide their true identity which allows others to get close to people online who may not want to start a relationship with them

Question 12

McKenna + Bargh (2009)

Answer 12

Looked at computer-mediated communication (CMC) use by lonely and socially anxious people
more able to express themselves online
70% of relationships formed online lasted more than 2 years
(Higher than F2F)