LS9 - Self Disclosure In Virtual Relationships

Question 1

Self Disclosure In Virtual Relationships

Answer 1

Self disclosure occurs faster, due to the anonymity in virtual relationships as in real life they fear ridicule/rejection.

Question 2

Hyperpersonal Model

Answer 2

Walter suggested as self-disclosure is faster, relationships become more intense and intimate quicker.

Question 3

Why Is Self Disclosure Faster Online

Answer 3

It’s easier to tinplate online than face to face e.g. editing responses, this is called selective self-presentation.

Question 4

Hyperpersonal Model (+)

Answer 4

Online Discussions

Question 5

Hyperpersonal Model (-)

Answer 5

Durability
Online Context

Question 6

Online Discussions (+)

Answer 6

Whitty and Johnson - Discovered in online discussion forums, questions and answers appeared more direct and intimate than everyday F2F interactions.

Question 7

Durability (-)

Answer 7

The hyperpersonal model suggests online relationships breakdown quicker whereas research has found they’re more durable.

Question 8

Online Context (-)

Answer 8

People disclose more on gaming sites than dating sites as the latter is likely to lead to future F2F encounters.

Question 9

Reduced Cue Theory

Answer 9

Spoul and Kelsey suggested online self-disclosure is likely to be less open and honest, as subtle cues we rely on e.g. facial expressions are absent. Reduced cue theory suggests a reduction in non-verbal communication leads to deindividuation as it diminishes any form of natural identity.

Question 10

Reduced Cue Theory (-)

Answer 10

Temporal Validity
Non-Verbal Communication Isn’t Absent

Question 11

Temporal Validity (-)

Answer 11

Developed when online relationships lacked F2F interaction, leading to much less verbal communication

Question 12

Non-Verbal Communication Isn’t Absent (-)

Answer 12

The cues are just different e.g. emojis and the timings of responses.