Computer-mediated communication and interpersonal attraction: an experimental test of two explanatory hypotheses

Cyberpsychol Behav. 2007 Dec;10(6):831-5. doi: 10.1089/cpb.2007.9945.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Communication*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Psychological Distance
  • Psychological Theory
  • Self Concept
  • Self Disclosure*
  • Sexual Behavior