AO1 - Hyper-Personal Model of Self-Disclosure

• This theory argues that self-disclosure is more likely to occur in virtual relationships than face-to-face relationships
• Due to high levels of excitement at the start of these relationships, this leads to self-disclosure occurring a lot quicker than in face-to-face relationships, and therefore virtual relationships can become a lot more intimate, a lot sooner
• 1. Selective self-presentation

  • In virtual relationships, people have a lot more control over their online image compared to their image in the real world (which would be exposed in face-to-face relationships)
  • This can heavily manipulate their self image to present themselves in an ideal way (hyper-honest or hyper-dishonest)
  • The receiver gains a positive impression and may give feedback, e.g. respond to or like a post, that positively reinforced the sender's selective self-presentation and leads to greater self-disclosure
• 2. Anonymity

  • When others are unaware of your identity, the hyper-personal model argues that individuals are more likely to disclose personal information as they feel less accountable, which leads to feelings of closeness and intimacy