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.docx

School

University of Phoenix *

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Course

460

Subject

Communications

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

7

Uploaded by JusticeCamelMaster1017

Wk. 3 - Signature Assignment: Research Paper Wk. 3 - Signature Assignment: Research Paper Khalilah Safaa University of Phoenix APMT 460: Cyber Communications Instructor Kathleen Hughes May 12, 2023
Wk. 3 - Signature Assignment: Research Paper Wk. 3 - Signature Assignment: Research Paper In today's digital age, communication through technology has become a vital aspect of our daily lives. The increased use of technology has led to interactions and relationships forming online. Social and interpersonal psychology have studied human interactions and relationships for decades. With the emergence of digital communication, these fields are now exploring the impact of technology on these relationships. Over the years, several theories have emerged from studying mediated communication. Social Psychology Studies Human Interactions: The field of social psychology seeks to understand how humans interact with each other in various social settings. According to the American Psychological Association (APA, 2014), this discipline examines how individuals' thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are influenced by the real or imagined presence of others. Social Information Processing Theory (SIP) The Social Information Processing (SIP) Theory, introduced by Joseph Walther, states that individuals can develop personal relationships online that are as intimate as their face-to-face relationships. This theory asserts that the development of personal relationships requires time and shared experiences, which can be achieved online. According to Walther, online communication provides the necessary cues for a person to form an impression of another individual. Over time, individuals can gather information from different interactions, leading to the development of personal relationships. An example of the SIP theory in practice can be observed in online dating. Online daters communicate through computer-mediated communication (CMC) channels, which involves exchanging messages before meeting face-to-face. During this time, individuals can create and develop personal relationships through online communication. Participants in the study by Hogan et al. [33] revealed that online daters formed a powerful sense of connection through the exchange of messages before physically meeting their partner. This example illustrates that online communication can help establish personal
Wk. 3 - Signature Assignment: Research Paper relationships despite the absence of physical communication. The SIP theory complements the study of social psychology by exploring nonverbal communication in relationship development. Social psychologists acknowledge the impact of nonverbal communication on human interaction, but the SIP theory suggests that individuals can develop connections without nonverbal cues. Thus, this theory expands the current understanding and exploration of the formation of interpersonal relationships. Hyper Personal Effect Theory The Hyper-Personal Effect Theory, introduced by Joseph Walther, suggests that people portray a more favorable version of themselves in online communication. According to this theory, online communicators gain control over their communication activities, allowing greater control over what they say, how they say it, and when they say it. This control leads to a selective self-presentation of the individual, highlighting only the positive aspects of their personality [Walther, 2015]. One example of hyper-personal communication can be seen in the usage of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Users meticulously curate their profiles to only display their most desirable attributes. In a study by McDaniel and Coyne [45], their findings suggest that social media profiles with misleading or exaggerated portrayals can significantly impact the quality of relationships. This illustrates the potential negative effects of hyper-presentation on online relationships. The Hyper Personal Effect Theory complements the study of social psychology by exploring the factors that influence the perception of an individual's identity. Social psychologists have examined the impact of impressions and expectations on human interaction. The Hyper Personal Effect Theory extends this understanding by acknowledging the manipulation of identity in online communication. Comparison of Theories: Despite having different focuses, the SIP theory and Hyper Personal Effect Theory share similarities. Both theories suggest that online communication can positively impact the formation of personal relationships. Also, both agree that personalized communication online can positively impact interpersonal relationships. However, the differences between the two theories lie in the processes involved in creating these relationships. The SIP theory stresses that personal relationships through online communication take time and shared experiences, and cues are the primary source of information. In contrast, the Hyper Personal Effect Theory suggests that the positive portrayal of an individual online can lead to the formation of relationships more quickly. Enhancing Digital Communication
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