Computer-mediated communication and interpersonal attraction: an experimental test of two explanatory hypotheses.
The aims of this study were (a) to investigate the influence of computer-mediated communication (CMC) on interpersonal attraction and (b) to examine two underlying processes in the CMC-interpersonal attraction relationship. We identified two variables that may mediate the influence of CMC on interpersonal attraction: self-disclosure and direct questioning. Focusing on these potential mediating variables, we tested two explanatory hypotheses: the CMC-induced direct questioning hypothesis and the CMC-induced self-disclosure hypothesis. Eighty-one cross-sex dyads were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: text-only CMC, visual CMC, and face-to-face communication. We did not find a direct effect of CMC on interpersonal attraction. However, we did find two positive indirect effects of text-only CMC on interpersonal attraction: text-only CMC stimulated both self-disclosure and direct questioning, both of which in turn enhanced interpersonal attraction. Results are discussed in light of uncertainty reduction theory and CMC theories.
Antheunis
Marjolijn L
ML
Amsterdam School of Communications Research (ASCoR), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. M.L.Antheunis@uva.nl
Valkenburg
Patti M
PM
Peter
Jochen
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D012929:Psychological Distance; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012649:Self Concept; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012725:Sexual Behavior