Self-disclosure in virtual relationships

• Self-disclosure

  -People in virtual relationships tend to disclose depth information much sooner than we would face to face.

  -“Strangers on a train effect” - Rubin

  -This is because of the anonymity online.
• The hyper-personal model

  -Online relationships are more intimate and intense due to a sense of anonymity. Greater self-disclosure much sooner than face to face.

  -Individuals haven‘t gone from breath to depth which it’s important when establishing trust. Then relationships breakdown known as ‘boom and bust’ phenomena.
• Selective self-presentation

  -online relationships are more intimate than face to face.

  -Actively manipulated their SD to present a favourable impression of the self to partner.

  -Online communication is asynchronous so have time to edit their self disclosure if need to and have time to think about what you are saying which may increase reciprocity.
• Reduced cues theory

  -lack of cues online like body language, facial expression, tone of voice which all help regulation of communication and self disclosure.

  -Less intimate than face to face.

  -Online you are anonymous which leads to deindividualisation (loss of identity) which leads to be disinhibited (free from social norms and consequence).
• Absence of gating

  -‘Gates’ are barriers to forming a relationship. e.g. physically unattractive, socially awkward and people with anxiety.

  -This prevents relationships from forming face to face.

  -On line these gates are absent.

  -Virtual relationships allowed gated individuals to form successful long-term relationships. This is because there is less emphasis about physical attractiveness and more emphasis to self disclosure.
• Evaluation - lack of support to reduce cues theory

  -Walther and Tidwell argue that cues online are not absent just different online. The timing of response can convey meaning e.g. quick response means the person is interested.
• Evaluation - Lack of support for the hyper-personal model:

  -Meta analysis of 27 studies. Self- report data suggests self-disclosure was greater face to face. Experimental data found no significant difference.
• Evaluation - support for absence of gating

  —Mckenna and Bargh examined online communication and logs of shy and lonely - gated people.

  -Individuals were able to express their ‘true self’ online more than face to face.

  -71% of gated individuals relationships which were formed online lasted at least 2 years.

  -Supports gated individuals relationships benefit from SD in virtual media platforms.
• Evaluation - Multi-model nature of online relationships

  -Research is too simplistic. Views relationships as either/or all face to face or all CMC.

  -Walther argues real world relationships are multi-modelled involves SD face to faces and CMC.

  -Most studies underestimate the complex nature of relationship in communication takes place both online and offline.