AO1

• The reduced cues theory suggests that virtual relationships are less effective due to the lack of non-verbal cues like physical appearance or emotional responses. In face-to-face relationships, we rely on these cues. This results in less self-disclosure. Lack of cues about emotional state leads to de-individuation. People then feel freer from the constraints of social norms, disinhibition, and this leads to blunt and even aggressive communication and a reluctance to self-disclose.
• The hyper-personal model suggests there is more self-disclosure in relationships. Self-disclosure happens more quickly in virtual relationships. So relationships also develop more quickly. The sender has controlled selective self-presentation and may be hyper-honest and or hyper-dishonest. The receiver's feedback may reinforce the sender's selective self-presentation. But relationships can end just as quickly through what is called the boom and bust phenomenon.
• Anonymity is an important factor in virtual relationships. Bargh et al. found that people may disclose a lot in anonymous situations in the ‘strangers on a train’ study.
• McKenna and Bargh argue that gates, e.g. facial disfigurements or a stammer, may be obstacles to face-to-face relationships. Gates are absent in virtual relationships, so such relationships are more likely to get off the ground than face-to-face relationships and self-disclosures become deeper.
• Without gates, people are free to be more like their true selves in virtual relationships. However, they can also create untrue identities to deceive people. They can change gender, age, or a shy person can become an extrovert.