The hyperpersonal effect in online dating: effects of text-based CMC vs. videoconferencing before meeting face-to-face
Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: This study investigated the impact of (the lack of) audiovisual cues during conversations preceding a first face-to-face meeting among prospective daters on daters’ perceptions of partners’ social and romantic attraction. Additionally, the study examined the effect of modality switching, from online to offline interaction. Thirty-nine individuals participated in a round-robin speed dating event, resulting in 95 unique conversation pairings. For their first conversations they were randomly assigned to meet via text-based CMC or videoconferencing. The dyads then had a second encounter, which was face-to-face. Results showed more social attraction between interactants who used text-based CMC than videoconferencing, supporting the hyperpersonal model of CMC. Furthermore, after a modality switch to a face-to-face encounter the hyperpersonal effect persisted for social attraction, while romantic attraction declined.
Source: Media Psychology
Institutions: Tilburg University, University of California, Santa Barbara
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W2967352633