In this final structured part of the course, we will take a look at some of the ideas about how relationships form through social media (and other online platforms). And we will come back full circle to where began the week. Join the conversation at www.wvucommmooc.org!

1. Part 4
Relationships
LOVE AT FIRST LIKE

2. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
• How do relationships develop online?
• Can they go “beyond” those face-to-face?

3. FIRST….
• Another couple questions:
– How would you describe me?

4. FIRST….
• Another couple questions:
– How would you describe me?
– How do you know?

5. ONLINE RELATIONSHIPS
• http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/23/us/teo-
hoax-abc/index.html?iref=allsearch
• “My emotions were real”

6. SOCIAL INFORMATION
PROCESSING THEORY
• Walther (1992)
– Assumption-we have same goals no matter
channel used
– We can accomplish those goals, no matter
channel

7. SOCIAL INFORMATION
PROCESSING THEORY
• Walther (1992)
– We use what is available to accomplish goals
– Circumvent the limitations
– CMC takes longer

8. SOCIAL INFORMATION
PROCESSING THEORY
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiJiK_3
BNL8

9. SOCIAL INFORMATION
PROCESSING THEORY
• Can some pieces of information “speed
up” the process”?
• Communication/Time make us feel “closer”
to others?
• Skills matter (Walther & Bazarova, 2008)

10. CHANNEL SWITCHING

11. CHANNEL SWITCHING
• When should you meet FtF?
– Early

12. CHANNEL SWITCHING
• When should you meet FtF?
– Early
– Or never
– Ramirez & Zhang (2007)

13. HYPERPERSONAL
• Walther (1996)
• Increased intensity/speed of an online
relationship

14. HYPERPERSONAL
• A combination of
– Sender effects
– Receiver effects
– Channel effects
– Feedback effects

15. TYING IT ALL TOGETHER

16. MORE ON THIS
• http://www.afirstlook.com/edition_8/theory
_resources/Social_Information_Processin
g_Theory