Virtual Relationships in Social Media

VIRTUAL RELATIONSHIPS IN SOCIAL MEDIA

Self-Disclosure in Virtual Relationships

- People present 'edited' version of self over social media (broadcasting self-disclosure)

- Different levels of self-disclosure dependent on whether it is a public or private presentation.

- Confident to self-disclose on the internet because of anonymity and 'strangers on a train' effect.

Absence of Gating in Virtual Relationships

- Barriers that limit opportunities for less attractive individuals to form face-to-face relationships, absent in virtual relationships.

- Online social networks empower 'gated' individuals to present identities they are unable to in face-to-face situations, according to Zhao et al.

- Online environment enables people to project a more socially desirable self than 'offline' identity, according to Yurchisin et al.

Evaluation

Rosenfeld and Thomas - found individuals with internet access were far more likely to be partnered. However, they found no evidence to support the claim that virtual relationships were of lower quality.

Tamir and Mitchell - found evidence of a biological basis for motivation to self-disclose on social media.

Baker and Oswald - virtual relationships are helpful for shy people, allowing for higher quality friendships.

Zhao et al - positive consequences for offline relationships by enhancing individual's self-image.