A01 Virtual Relationships

• Self-dislclosure in virtual relationships

  Self-disclosure is a critical feature of FTF relationships in the offline world. In the recent years, research turned to the role of relationships rooted in social media. Two theories on how self-disclosure opperates in CMC relationships.
• CMC meaning

  Computer-mediated communication
• Reduced cues theory


  Kiesler states CMC relationships are less effective because they lack non-verbal cues such as physical appearance, facial expression and tone of voice leading to de-individuation (reduces sense of individual identity) in turn encouraging disinhibition. Virtual relationships more likely to involve blunt/aggressive communication ending in reluctance to self-disclose because they're impersonal.
• The hyperpersonal model


  Walther argues online relationships are more personal and involve greater self-disclosure than FtF because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self disclosure happens earlier and once established is more intense and intimate
• Manipulation of online imagingKey feature

  Sender has more time to manipulate online image than in FtF so selective self-presentation. People have control and can manipulate self-disclosure to promote intimacy, self-presenting in a positive idealised way.
• Cooper and Sportolari (Hyperpersonal model)

  Can also end more quickly because high excitement isn't matched by level of trust. Called this boom and bust phenomenon
• Anonymity


  Bargh points out that when you're aware that other people do not know your idenitity, you feel less accountable for your behaviour so you may self-disclose more to a stranger than on an intimate partner.
• Absence of grating in virtual relationships


  Grate is any obstacle to the formation of a relationship. FtF Rs are gated as it involves many features that can interfere with the early development of a relationship. For example, a stammer from social anxiety.
• Mckenna and Bargh


  Argue that a huge advantage of online dating and virtual relationships is the absence of gating as disclosure becomes more frequent and deep. Removes the superficial aspects of dating such as physical attraction to allow for a more meaningful connection. Allows people to create alternate idnentities that they could never manage in FtF ones. Build a second life.