The Hyperpersonal Model

• who suggested The Hyperpersonal Model?

  Walther
• What does The Hyperpersonal Model suggest?


  We are more likely to self disclose in virtual relationships
• What does Walther argue?


  That online relationships can be more personal and involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones.
• Why can online relationships can be more personal and involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones?

  Because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens very early, and once established they are more intense and intimate
• According to this model....

  A key reason is that the sender of the message has more time to manipulate their online image than they would in a FtF situation (they demonstrate SELECTIVE SELF-PRESERVATION to display themselves in a positive and idealised way)
• What is another aspect of CMC that promotes self-disclosure?


  The anonymity of such relationships

  Because you are aware that other people do not know your identity, you feel less accountable for your behaviour and thus you may well disclose more about yourself to a stranger than to even your most intimate partner
• HOWEVER, what does Walther argue?

  That just as self-disclosure occurs quickly, such relationships can end more quickly. Because the high excitement level of rapid self-disclosure isn't matched by the trust that occurs in FtF relationships, CMC relationships break down leading to COOPER calling this the 'boom and bust phenomenon' of online relationships
• According to this model...?

  A key reason is that the sender of the message has MORE TIME to manipulate their online image than they would in a FtF r'ship

  • They demonstrate selective self-presentation to display themselves in a positive and idealised way
• What is another aspect of CMC that promotes self-disclosure??


  The anonymity of such relationships

  • because you are aware that other people do not know your identity, you feel LESS ACCOUNTABLE for you behaviour and therefore you may well DISCLOSE MORE ABOUT YOURSELF TO A STRANGER than to even your most intimate PARTNER
• What does Walther argue?


  That online relationships can be more personal and involve greater self-disclosure than FtF ones

  • this is because CMC relationships can develop very quickly as self-disclosure happens very early, and once established they are more intense and intimate
• HOWEVER what does Walther argue?


  That just as self-disclosure occurs quickly, such relationships can end more quickly
• Why does Walther argue that CMC relationships can end more quickly?


  Because the high excitement level of rapid self-disclosure isn't matched by the trust that occurs in FtF relationships, CMC relationships break down leading to COOPER calling this the 'BOOM AND BUST PHENOMENON' of online relationships