9.3.1

Virtual Relationships in Social Media

Test yourself

Reduced Cues Theory

There are two main theories of how self-disclosure operates within computer-mediated communication (CMC): reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model.

Illustrative background for Reduced cues theory Illustrative background for Reduced cues theory  ?? "content

Reduced cues theory

  • Reduced cues theory (Sproull and Kiesler, 1986) implies that CMC relationships are less effective than face-to-face (FtF) relationships because they lack many of the cues we normally depend on in face-to-face interactions.
Illustrative background for DeindividuationIllustrative background for Deindividuation ?? "content

Deindividuation

  • These factors include non-verbal cues, such as physical appearance and emotional state, and include facial expressions and tone of voice.
  • The lack of these cues results in deindividuation because of the reduction in our sense of identity.
Illustrative background for Self-disclosure Illustrative background for Self-disclosure  ?? "content

Self-disclosure

  • Virtual relationship often involves blunt or aggressive communication.
  • This also leads to a reluctance to self-disclose because you are less likely to want to initiate a relationship with someone who appears impersonal.

The Hyperpersonal Model

Walther's (1996, 2011) hyperpersonal model argues that online relationships can be more personable and involve greater self-disclosure than face-to-face ones.

Illustrative background for Theory explainedIllustrative background for Theory explained ?? "content

Theory explained

  • This is because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens earlier, and once established they are more intense and intimate.
Illustrative background for __Cooper and Sportolari (1997)__ Illustrative background for __Cooper and Sportolari (1997)__  ?? "content

Cooper and Sportolari (1997)

  • But CMC relationships can also end more quickly, because the high excitement level of the interaction isn’t matched by the level of trust between the relationship partners.
  • Cooper and Sportolari (1997) called this the boom and bust phenomenon of online relationships.
Illustrative background for Selective self presentation Illustrative background for Selective self presentation  ?? "content

Selective self presentation

  • According to the hyperpersonal model, a key feature of self-disclosure in virtual relationships is that the sender of the message has more time to manipulate their online image than they would in a face-to-face situation.
  • Walther calls this selective self presentation.
Illustrative background for __Walther__Illustrative background for __Walther__ ?? "content

Walther

  • People online have more control over what to disclose and the cues they send.
  • This makes it much easier to manipulate self disclosure to promote intimacy in CMC relationships, by self-presenting in a positive and idealised way.
Illustrative background for AnonymityIllustrative background for Anonymity ?? "content

Anonymity

  • Anonymity is another aspect of CMC that can make relationships more hyperpersonal.
  • Bargh et al. (2002) suggest that when you’re aware that other people do not know your identity, you feel less accountable for your behaviour.
  • This can lead to someone disclosing more about themselves to a stranger than even their most intimate partner.

The Hyperpersonal Model: Gating

Walther's (1996, 2011) hyperpersonal model argues that online relationships can be more personable and involve greater self-disclosure than face-to-face ones.

Illustrative background for Absence of gatingIllustrative background for Absence of gating ?? "content

Absence of gating

  • An element of online relationships is the absence of gating.
  • A gate is any obstacle that can interfere with the early development of a relationship.
  • In face-to-face (FtF) interactions there are many gates, such as physical unattractiveness, stammer, and social anxiety.
Illustrative background for __McKenna and Bargh (1999)__Illustrative background for __McKenna and Bargh (1999)__ ?? "content

McKenna and Bargh (1999)

  • McKenna and Bargh (1999) argue that a huge advantage of computer-mediated communication (CMC) is the absence of gating, meaning that a relationship can develop to the point where self-disclosure becomes more frequent and deeper.
Illustrative background for GatingIllustrative background for Gating ?? "content

Gating

  • This absence of gating allows an online relationship to form in a way that is less likely to happen in face-to-face situation.
  • Absence of gating works by re-focusing attention on self-disclosure and away from what may be considered superficial or distracting features.
Illustrative background for Creation of online identitiesIllustrative background for Creation of online identities ?? "content

Creation of online identities

  • In other words, when online, people are more interested in what other people tell them, and less interested in what they look like.
  • An absence of gating also means that people are free to create online identities that they could never manage face-to-face.
  • People can change their sex or gender or an introvert can portray themselves as an extrovert.

Jump to other topics

1Social Influence

2Memory

3Attachment

4Psychopathology

5Approaches in Psychology

6Biopsychology

7Research Methods

8Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

9Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

11Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

12Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

13Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

14Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

15Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

16Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

17Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson