virtual relationships in social media Flashcards
What are the 2 main theories of how self-disclosure operates within CMC
- reduced cues theory
- hyper personal model
Who came up with the reduced cues theory
Sproull and Kiesler (1986)
What does the reduced cues theory imply
CMC relationships are less effective than face to face relationships
Why are CMC relationships less effective then FtF relationships
lack many cues we normally depend on in FtF interactions
Deindividuation factors
Non verbal cues, physical appearance
emotional state
facial expressions
tone of voice
What can the lack of non verbal cues result in
deindividuation because of the reduction in our sense of identity
What do virtual relationships often involve
Blunt or aggressive communication
What does blunt or aggressive communication lead to
reluctance to self-disclosure because you’re less likely to want to initiate a relationship with someone who appears impersonal
Who came up with the Hyper personal model
Walther’s (1996, 2011)
What does the hyper personal model state
Online relationships can be more personal and involve greater self disclosure than FtF ones
What is the explanation of the hyper personal model
CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens earlier, once established they[‘re more intensive and intimate
What is a key feature self disclosure in virtual relationships
the sender of the message has more time to manipulate their online image than they would FtF \
What is self presentation
manipulating your online image
Why can CMC relationships end faster
High excitement level of the interaction isn’t matched by the level of trust between the relationship partners
What is the boom and bust phenomenon of online relationships cooper and Sportolari (1997)
Relationships end faster due to high excitement not being matched by the level of trust between partners
What do people online have more control over
What to disclose and the cues they send
How does manipulating self disclosure affect a relationship
Promote intimacy in CMC relationships by self presenting in a positive and idealised way
What effect does anonymity have on a relationship
More hyperpersonal
What did Bargh et al (2002) suggest
when you’re aware that other people don’t know your identity you fell less accountable for your behaviour
What does Bargh et al (2002)’s theory lead to
someone disclosing more about themselves to a stranger than even their most intimate partner
What is an element on online relationships
Absence of gating
What is a “gate” in relationships
obstacle that can interfere with the early development of a relationship
What are some gates in FtF interactions
Physical unattractiveness
stammer
social anxiety
What did McKenna and Bargh argue in 1999
a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of gating
What happens when there’s an absence of gating
self disclosure becomes more frequent and deeper unrealistic to FtF situations
How does absence of gating work
re-focusing attention on self disclosure and away from superficial or distracting features
What are people more interested in, in online relationships
What other people tell them rather than what they look like
What does the absence of gating allow
people are free to create online identities that they would never manage FtF IE:
- Change sex gender
- introvert can portray as an extrovert
