CMC Self Disclosure

• What is a virtual relationship?

  Non-physical interactions between people communicating through social media
• Why would you self-disclose more online?


  • Anonymity
  • They don't know your friends
  • TIME to think about what to say
  • Less embarrasment
• Why would you self-disclose less online?

  • Worry of blackmail/trolling/catfishing
  • Can't judge emotions as easily
• What does CMC stand for?

  Computer mediated communication
• What does FtF stand for?

  Face to face
• What is a gate?


  A barrier that could interfere with the development of a relationship (FtF)
• Define absence of gating?


  Refers to the way that virtual relationships are relatively anonymous. People unable to use physical features which can act as 'gates' are removed when considering whether they wish to form a relationship
• What are virtual relationships?

  Relationships where people are not physically present, but communicate exclusively using online methods such as emails, texting etc. Such relationships may form while partner's actual identity can be anonymous
• What have psychologists long known ?

  • That self-disclosure is crucial feature of FtF relationships in offline world
  • More recently research has been carried into its role in the online world
• What are the 2 contrasting theories about how self-disclosure operates in CMC?

  • Reduced cues theory
  • The Hyperpersonal model
• What model suggests we are less likely to self-disclose in virtual relationships?

  Reduced Cues Theory
• What model suggests we are more likely to self-disclose in virtual relationships?


  The Hyperpersonal Model
• Who formed the reduced cues theory?

  Sproull and Kiesler
• Who formed The Hyperpersonal Model?

  Walther