Relationships Part 2

The evolutionary explanations for partner preferences, including the relationship between sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour. Factors affecting attraction in romantic relationships: self-disclosure; physical attractiveness, including the matching hypothesis; filter theory, including social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity. Theories of romantic relationships: social exchange theory, equity theory and Rusbult’s investment model of commitment, satisfaction, comparison with alternatives and investment. Duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown: intra-psychic, dyadic, social and grave dressing phases. Virtual relationships in social media: self-disclosure in virtual relationships; effects of absence of gating on the nature of virtual relationships. Parasocial relationships: levels of parasocial relationships, the absorption addiction model and the attachment theory explanation.

Virtual relationships in social media: self-disclosure in virtual relationships; effects of absence of gating on the nature of virtual relationships. Non-physical interactions between people communicating via social media

Pew research Internet Project (look at handout) 2013 11% of all Americans and 38% of those single. Online dating. Age most prevalent 20 – 45 66% meet physically 23% leading to long term relationship

Advancement To start the technology held this back but as pictures and video has become prevalent then such areas vocal inflection and body language means that virtual relationships has become more advanced. Online dating has been credited with: Increase in interracial dating. Acceptance of homosexuality. Allows minority groups access to greater range of partners. Exploration of sexuality. Finding those with common interests.

Areas of Social networking How can people meet up online? Ask the class they will have more ideas than you! Link

Help those with a lack of social skills meet people. Help those who lack social skills to learn social skills. However, Anonymous Misrepresentation Trolling Cyber bullying Cyber stalking Due to being divorced from the consequences.

Internet Affairs Are they as serious as real affairs? Evolutionary theory predicts: Females more critical as this will emotional infidelity ie: they would suffer this. Males less critical as they fear sexual infidelity (cuckolding) which does not happen with internet affairs.

Research Mesch and Talmud: Virtual friendships less close – less disclosure Stephure et al: Virtual relationships for fun and somebody to talk to – romantic aspect a by product of this. Smith and Duggan: 54% believe that they have been involved with somebody misrepresenting themselves. Parker and Wampler: see page 93.

Evaluation Lenhart and Duggan (2014) 21% have said they feel closer to their partners as a result of online or text exchanges. 9% report that they have solved arguments online. Stopping people having real relationships Evolving Superior interaction as they can think about the response.

Self Disclosure in Virtual relationships Less to fear of being socially embarrassed Similar to Strangers on a train. (Rubens) Closeness and intimacy develop a lot quicker due to greater self disclosure. They tend to be about ones true self rather than the public “False self” which leads to stronger, longer lasting than face to face relationships. Because physicality is less important and the bonds that have been created by intimate self-disclosure they can continue to be strong even when they physically meet. Sexting – People feel less inhibited Blackmail Coercion Exploitation – for financial gain or sexual exploitation.

Research Yum Disclosure leads to greater trust for Americans but Koreans led to less trust indicating a cultural factor. Peter et al. Introverts. Quieter shyer people more likely to self disclose online. Although extroverts will self disclose more.

Evaluation Real relationships often have a virtual aspect such as texting. There is research that shows that 21 percent feel closer because of the virtual relationship that they have. Stopping people committing to long term real relationships It is evolving as the technology evolves Online interaction takes longer but gives time to give quality responses.

Effects of the absence of gating What is gating. I won’t go out with them because; They stutter They are shy They are physically attractive Social inadequate Due to these we never get to the point of building deeper relationships People who may suffer from the above often have a stronger unrealised need for self-disclosure. Such individuals regard their virtual relationships as more important.

Evaluation Potential for a wider group of people to form relationships. May stop the fear of dating or social intercourse. Lots of this has been through self report and we should know the problem with self report.

Question Andrew finds it difficult to talk to people and has a rather introverted character. Andrew decides to go online and meets Sandra. He finds that after a while that he has built up a relationship with her. Explain why Andrew has found it easier to build a relationship with Sandra. (5) Do and discuss.