Virtual relationships in social media: self-disclosure in virtual relationships
Online relationships change how much people reveal about themselves. People often share more personal information online than they would face-to-face.
Real World
On apps like Bumble or Hinge, users often share deeply personal details — mental health struggles, family background, relationship fears — within hours of matching, disclosing far more than they would to a stranger sitting next to them in a coffee shop.
Exam Focus
Reference Walther's hyperpersonal model by name and link reduced cues to increased self-disclosure for full AO1 marks.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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