A146.
Bernhold,
Q. S. & Rice, R. E.
(2020). Toward an integrated model of
online communication attitudes, communication frequency, and relational
closeness. Communication
Studies, 71(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/10510974.2019.1683594
This
paper proposes an integrative model of how
attitudes about online communication are associated with relational
closeness, extending
the work of Ledbetter and colleagues. The model stipulates that
attitudes that online
communication encourages misunderstandings between relational partners
and causes
apprehension in users both negatively predict attitudes about the ease
of online
communication. In turn, attitudes about online communication’s ease positively
predict
attitudes toward online social connection and attitudes toward online
self-disclosure.
Attitudes toward online social connection and self-disclosure then
predict frequency
of online and offline communication, with type of communicative goal,
type of
relationship, and culture moderating these associations. Online and
offline communication
in turn influences relational
closeness, and that relationship is moderated by in-group identity. The
model presents
a unified framework with eight propositions, and generates
opportunities for
future research.
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