Virtual Relationships

• Virtual Relationships(VRs) are those which do not exist on a face to face (FtF) basis
• Social media platforms allow VRs to exist alongside or as substitute for FtF relationships
• Self-Disclosure takes on a whole new dimension when it comes to VRs as the usual restrictions and social norms are removed
• Reduced Cues Theory explains the tendency for people to behave online in ways which they would not behave in FtF

  • a lack of behavioural signals (body language, facial expressions, gestures)
  • A sense of deindividuation as a person can hide behind a screen, name or avatar
  • Deindividuation can lead to online comments and posts which are hyper aggressive and extreme in their language
• The Hyperpersonal Model by Walter (1996):

  • Self-disclosure may happen earlier and with greater levels of intimacy
  • Easier to disclose sensitive info to someone who is far away and unlikely to ever meet
  • Easy to abruptly terminate by ghosting
  • Gives people opportunity to portray there best self (selective presentation)
• Effects of absence in gating in VR:

  • a gate consists of any obstacle/barrier to a relationship
  • typical gates that exist in FtF interactions (e.g. shyness, appearance, accent and anxiety) can be completely absent in VRs
  • provides opportunities for people who previously may have isolated themselves
• PEEL 1 - Strength:

  VRs may provide lifeline for people who would previously have been marginalised

  • absence of gating allows people with crippling shyness to open up and engage in fulfilling relationships
• PEEL 2 - Limitation

  Reduces cues is not entirely valid

  • the internet has its own set of cues
  • use of emojis, time taken to respond and capitalising
• PEEL 3 - Limitation:

  The theories surrounding VRs take a universal view as they assume people are all connected online

  • not true for everyone
  • lacks cultural relativism