Virtual Relationships

• What does computer mediated communication (CMC) include?

  Email, instant messaging, and social media
• What percentage of relationships are thought to start online?

  25%
• What are the two contrasting theories of self-disclosure in CMC?

  1. Reduced cues theory
  2. Absence of gating
• What does reduced cues theory suggest about self-disclosure?

  It leads to less self-disclosure online
• Why does reduced cues theory argue CMC relationships are less successful?

  They lack emotional cues like facial expressions
• What is deindividuation in the context of CMC?

  Seeing others as less individual, leading to blunt behaviour
• How does reduced cues theory affect intimate relationships?

  It makes forming intimate relationships less likely
• What does absence of gating suggest about self-disclosure?

  It leads to more self-disclosure online
• How does absence of gating benefit CMC relationships?

  It allows deeper and more frequent self-disclosure
• What advantage does CMC provide for individuals presenting themselves?

  They can present images they can't face-to-face
• What is a criticism of reduced cues theory regarding non-verbal cues?

  Non-verbal cues are different, not missing
• What did Tamir & Mitchell (2012) find about self-disclosure?

  Self-disclosure may be high on social media
• What brain regions are activated during self-disclosure according to Tamir & Mitchell?

  Nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area
• What did McKenna and Bargh (2000) find about shy individuals using CMC?

  They express their true selves more online
• What percentage of online romantic relationships survived more than two years?

  70%
• What are the positive implications of absence of gating for offline relationships?

  • Enhances overall self-image
  • Increases quality of face-to-face relationships
  • Creates appreciated online identities
• What is a problem with both theories regarding CMC?

  They treat CMC as a single construct
• How does self-disclosure differ on social network sites versus dating sites?

  More disclosure on social networks than dating sites
• What gender differences are overlooked in CMC research?

  Differences in self-presentation strategies
• What does evolutionary theory suggest about female self-presentation?

  Females aim to appear attractive and youthful
• What does evolutionary theory suggest about male self-presentation?

  Males want to appear resourceful and strong
• What bias may exist in CMC research according to the study material?

  Beta gender bias in self-disclosure research