Reduced cues theory

• What does reduced cues theory suggest?


  It suggests that CMC relationships are less effective than FtF ones because they lack many of the cues we normally depend on in FtF interactions.
• Cues that are missing include non-verbal cues like facial expressions and tone of voice
• Deindividuation


  A consequence of absence of cues where a person’s sense of individual identity is reduced
• Disinhibition

  • Unrestrained behaviour in relating to others that occurs as a person’s sense of identity is reduced
  • Virtual relationships thus are more likely to involve blunt, even aggressive communication, causing people to be reluctant to self disclose
• People are less likely to want to initiate a relationship with someone or reveal inner feelings to someone who is so impersonal (post-disinhibition)