Why Can\u27t We Be Friends? Examining the Influence of Social Network Profiles on Initial Interactions

Despite the growing number of people using social network Web sites to establish and maintain relationships, we know little about how the information available on these sites affects communication patterns and perceptions of partners. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to extend Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) into the Information age by examining the effect that the type of information available on social network sites may have on initial interactions. Thirty strangers were matched with one another to create fifteen dyads. These dyads were assigned to one of two groups: one group received their partners social network profile and the second group was provided an index card containing basic information about their partner. Then, participants completed a pretest, engaged in a get-to-know-you conversation, and completed a posttest. Several weeks later, the Relational Uncertainty in Initial Interactions Questionnaire was administered to assess the lingering effects of uncertainty. These findings contradict five of URT\u27s seven axioms and show the limited applicability of URT to electronic communication while also providing support for Predicted Outcome Value Theory and Uncertainty Management Theory

Modality switching in online dating: identifying the communicative factors that make the transition from an online to an offline relationship more or less successful

Perhaps one of the most significant turning points in online dating occurs when partners decide to meet face-to-face (FtF) for the first time. Existing theory proposes that the affordances of the Internet can lead people to develop overly positive impressions of those they meet online, which could prove advantageous for relationships initiated on online dating sites. However, empirical evidence suggests that while such hyperpersonal impressions can intensify the development of mediated relationships, they can also result in disillusionment if the first date fails to meet both partners’ expectations. Accordingly, this dissertation set out to uncover the communicative factors responsible for more or less successful transitions offline. Drawing from the computer-mediated communication (CMC) and personal relationships literatures, the present study introduced a conceptual model of relationship success in online dating and tested it using a longitudinal survey design. Participants (N = 186) were surveyed before and after their first date with someone they met on an online dating site or mobile dating app. As part of the survey, they also supplied the emails they had sent to their partner so their communication could be observed. Findings indicated that participants’ perceptions of their partner and communication processes—including perceived similarity, uncertainty, amount of communication, deception, self-disclosure, algorithmic matching, and algorithmic beliefs—predicted first date success. Furthermore, the association between participants’ perceptual processes and first date success varied as a function of how much communication, disclosure, and deception took place in the relationship prior to the first FtF meeting. The results have theoretical implications for research on CMC and personal relationships, as well as practical implications for online dating sites and their users

Settling down without settling: Perceived changes in partner preferences in response to COVID-19 concern

The goal of this study was to explore the positive association between concern related to COVID-19 and single individuals’ perceived changes to their partner preferences. In addition, we investigated the mediating role of fear of being single. Results indicated that people with greater COVID-19 concern perceived an increase in the importance of stability, family commitment, and physical/social attractiveness, as well as fear of being single. Fear of being single only negatively predicted the importance of physical/social attractiveness, whereas it positively predicted the importance of stability and family commitment. Thus, in most cases, people with a greater concern for COVID-19 perceived themselves to become more selective, even when they exhibit higher levels of fear of being single

When Modes Collide: A Daily Diary Study of Mixed-Media Use and Conflict Behavior in Romantic Relationships

A 5-day diary study examined if and how conflict behavior moderates the association between mode integration and relational and conflict outcomes among individuals in romantic relationships. Participants recorded daily conflict, conflict behavior, mode integration, relational satisfaction, and conflict resolution. In line with the communication interdependence perspective, the more mode integration individuals reported in constructive conflict, the more relational satisfaction they experienced. The data also revealed that the less mode integration individuals reported in low destructive conflict, the more conflict resolution they experienced. The results highlight the importance of examining conflict behavior and media use in tandem when studying romantic conflict.</p

Needing Space During Lockdown: A Test of Relational Turbulence Theory in the Context of Conversations About Physical and Emotional Space During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic upended home life for couples across the globe. Many couples faced increased relational uncertainty and interference from a partner as a result of stay at home and lockdown orders. This study uses relational turbulence theory to examine how (a) relational uncertainty and (b) partner interdependence are associated with cognitions and emotions about needing space conversations with a partner. We examine links between perceptions of needing space conversations and relational turbulence. In the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 609 adults in a romantic relationship from 29 countries completed an online survey. Relationship uncertainty was negatively associated with relational cognitions (i.e., solidarity and intimacy), and interference from a partner was associated with more intense hopeful feelings about needing space conversations. Relational cognitions were associated with reduced relational turbulence, and hope was associated with higher relational turbulence. Theoretical implications for relational turbulence theory and practical implications for couples are discussed