Virtual relationships

• virtual relationships

  relationships that do no exist on a face-to-face basis. Self-disclosure may be less involved in virtual relationships compared to face to face relationships.
• virtual relationships

  Reduced Cues Theory Sproull and Keisler 1986

  Virtual relationships are less effective due to reduces non-verbal and emotional cues that reduces a sense of individual identity [de-individualisation] because people feel freer from constrains of social norms leading to disinhibited communication [blunt and aggressive] making people less likely to self-disclosure with others.
• virtual relationships

  Hyper-Personal model Walther 1996

  Self-disclosure is involved more in virtual relationships than face-to-face relationships because it happens quicker. However, it can end up quicker because of low levels of trust.
• virtual relationships

  Elements of virtual relationships [hyper-personal model]

  • sender of messages - greater control of self-disclosure and cues they share. Has selective presentation as can manipulate their image in an idealised manner. Virtual relationships can be deceitful
  • receiver - gains positive view of sender and may give positive feedback which reinforces sender's selective self-presentation.