Psychology of Digital Media Use

The first form of Web 2.0, where users create and share content, often focusing on a single person or point of view. It's where the concept of influencers originated.

Short-form communication platforms like Twitter and WhatsApp, characterized by rapid message diffusion, brevity, and no follower-request requirement.

A type of virtual reality experience that immerses the user in a simulated environment through head-mounted displays (HMDs), cave-like setups, or large-screen projections like IMAX.

Virtual reality that uses a computer screen as the primary interface, offering a less immersive experience than other types. Examples include VR games on PCs and mobile devices.

A type of virtual reality that allows users to interact with a remote environment in real-time, creating a feeling of presence in that distant location.

In VR, the ability to seamlessly transition between different virtual environments or actions, creating a feeling of continuity and immersion.

The feeling of being present in a virtual environment, influenced by the level of sensory engagement and believability of the simulation.

A user's subjective perception of being physically present within a virtual environment, often linked to the level of sensory stimulation and social interaction.

A layer of digital information overlaid onto the real world, typically displayed through a device like a smartphone or tablet.

A social network is based on the connection of people's profiles, creating a network based on each individual. It allows people to share information and content with their network.

The difference between who we are in real life and how we present ourselves online can lead to emotional strain and discontent as the ideal image clashes with the reality of our lives.

Social media platforms utilize multiple ways of communication (text, images, video) which intensifies the mental effort needed to process and understand complex information.

Text-based communication offers more control over message composition and interpretation, while multimedia interactions tend to be less clear, prone to misunderstanding, and require more effort.

The ease of switching between different online platforms and communication methods can disrupt our focus and make it harder to establish meaningful connections with others.

The hyperpersonal model explains how online communication can enhance personal relationships by creating idealized images of others, but it also sheds light on the potential for manipulation and deception, like in online scams.

The hyperpersonal model initially focused on how online relationships could be enhanced through idealization, but further research has extended it to explain deception in digital contexts like romance scams, where trust and vulnerability are exploited.

The research lacks in-depth analysis of the long-term effects of constant hyperpersonal communication on mental well-being in the context of today's deeply immersive platforms.

Social media platforms that provide very immersive experiences require significant mental investment, and the paper doesn't fully explore how this continuous hyperpersonal connection can impact mental health.

The period in the early internet where users explored and experimented with online identities, often adopting different personas and engaging in code-switching to create unique expressions of themselves.

The concept that online communication can be more intimate and personal than face-to-face interactions due to the potential for greater control and selective self-presentation.

The use of multiple communication modes (text, images, video, etc.) in online interactions.

The use of multiple media platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram, calling, etc.) to interact with the same group of people.

The shift from studying online communication in controlled laboratory settings to observing real-life interactions in naturally occurring online environments.

The idea that people in the early internet adopted different identities for specific online contexts, similar to how actors switch between different roles.

The practice of switching between different languages, communication styles, or cultural norms depending on the online setting.

The idea that online environments allow individuals to experiment with different aspects of their identity before incorporating them into their “real” self.

A mental shortcut that relies on emotions instead of logic, often influenced by how something is presented rather than its actual content.

A form of persuasion that uses emotional cues, such as attractiveness or how something is presented, to influence attitudes. This approach is often less enduring than persuasion based on factual information.

A state of mind where we project our own feelings onto an object or situation, potentially influencing our judgments and decisions.

A mental state of discomfort or unease, which can increase the likelihood of engaging with persuasive messages.

A defense mechanism where individuals avoid or downplay information that creates fear or anxiety, preventing them from being persuaded even in the face of persuasive messages.

The degree to which people in a relationship influence each other's thoughts, feelings, and actions.

A feeling of strong unity and closeness with another person, particularly in romantic relationships.

The tendency for people to be attracted to those they encounter frequently.

The idea that humans are drawn to others who are perceived as beneficial for their survival.

The process of exposing people to persuasive messages, but also equipping them with the tools to critically analyze those messages.

Being aware of the persuasive tactics being used on you.

The importance of understanding how information relates to your specific needs and questions.

The credibility and trustworthiness of a source of information.

The belief that liking someone increases their attraction to us, often leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy. This can happen even online through interactions like likes and comments.

The way we perceive physical appearance influences our relationships, often based on shared societal standards of beauty. These ideas can be affected by media and culture.

Across cultures and genders, people generally agree on certain features that indicate a healthy and attractive individual, like big eyes and a smile.

We often find people more appealing if they resemble the average facial features of the species, which may be due to familiarity and a sense of safety.

The tendency to like things we are familiar with, as it relates to finding someone attractive.

Clearly communicating your expectations and desires early on in online dating can greatly improve chances of a second date. Being upfront helps potential partners understand your relationship goals and increases compatibility.

Highlighting alternative dating options can make you appear hesitant or uncommitted, decreasing your chances of a second date. Focus on the person you're interacting with, not on the other options you have.

Sharing information gradually in online dating builds trust and creates deeper connections. Just like peeling an onion, slowly revealing personal details fosters intimacy over time.

The Hyperpersonal Model helps explain how online communication can lead to idealized perceptions of potential partners. It emphasizes that online communication can shape relationship outcomes, both in positive and negative ways.

Research highlights that men and women often use different strategies in online dating. Men might favor specific types of opening messages, while women focus more on highlighting differences. Understanding these gendered communication patterns can make your approach more effective.

The paper by Sharabi and Dykstra-DeVette explores how online dating dynamics can influence real-life relationship outcomes. Understanding the complexities of communication and gender norms is crucial for achieving meaningful connections online.

Individuals are unaware of the need for change or think their actions are harmless. They may resist change and downplay the benefits of new habits.

Individuals acknowledge problematic behavior but feel ambivalent about change. They see the need but are held back by fears or misconceptions.

Individuals are ready to make a change and have a plan to begin within the next month.

Individuals have made a significant change and are actively working to maintain it.

Individuals have maintained the change for at least six months and are confident in sustaining it.

Individuals are no longer tempted by the old behavior and have integrated the change into their life.

The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) is a framework for understanding and promoting behavioral change. It highlights that change is not linear but occurs in stages based on an individual's readiness.

The TTM's stages are Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Termination. Each stage represents a different level of readiness for change.

Digital media influences how people construct their identities online, often presenting curated versions of themselves, leading to fragmented identities across different platforms.

Digital platforms allow people to form new connections and maintain relationships differently. Introverts may find it easier to express themselves online.

Groups in online spaces often influence user behavior through shared norms and social identity. This can lead to the echo chamber effect, where people are only exposed to similar viewpoints.

Digital media impacts mental health in both positive and negative ways. While it can offer social support, it can also contribute to cyberbullying, anxiety, and other issues.

This theory explains why people use media based on their personal needs and motivations. It highlights the gratifications people seek from social connections, entertainment, and information.

This model suggests that online interactions can lead to more idealized perceptions of individuals due to selective self-presentation.

In online settings, anonymity can amplify social identity cues over personal identity, influencing behavior in groups.

This model explains how computer-mediated communication (CMC) can surpass face-to-face interaction in intimacy through idealized perceptions and selective self-presentation.

The study of how emotions expressed online spread among users, influencing their own feelings.

The intensity and type of emotions shared heavily impact how contagious they are. Both positive and negative emotions can spread widely, depending on the context.

Users with stronger social connections may react differently to emotional content shared. Anger might spread more easily through weaker ties, while joy resonates more strongly among close friends.

Personality traits and online behavior patterns influence how susceptible individuals are to emotional contagion. Extroverts, for example, may be more easily influenced.

Research needs to move beyond just proving emotion contagion exists, to understanding when it's strongest or weakest. Factors like user characteristics and platform dynamics are key.

The spread of emotions online can significantly impact social movements. Online expressions of anger or sadness can fuel real-world action, but translating online engagement into real-world activism can be inconsistent.

Measuring emotional changes online is complex. Researchers need to track emotions before and after exposure to others' emotions, while also considering other factors influencing those changes.

The idea that people are more likely to be persuaded by messages that align with their existing beliefs and values, especially when they are presented in a way that avoids challenging their deeply held opinions.

Online groups that form around shared interests, often lacking offline interaction.

Social media platforms can create echo chambers by connecting users with similar viewpoints, reinforcing those viewpoints and leading to polarization where opposing opinions are marginalized.

The ease of switching between different online platforms and communication methods can disrupt our focus, making it harder to establish meaningful connections with others.

Online anonymity can encourage greater self-disclosure, potentially leading to increased intimacy and closeness due to reduced fear of judgement.

Disinformation, or false information deliberately spread to deceive, can leverage mental shortcuts (heuristics) like appealing to authority, social proof, or consistency to gain credibility and spread rapidly.

Online dating platforms utilize algorithms to match users based on various factors, like personality traits or interests, but challenges like deception and catfishing can arise.

Individuals who have made progress toward a goal but have returned to earlier behaviors. Not a setback, but a learning opportunity to adjust strategies.

The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) emphasizes acknowledging and addressing relapse as a natural part of behavior change. It encourages self-compassion and analyzing triggers to adjust strategies.

The TTM highlights the importance of using insights from earlier stages to re-engage in the change process. This involves understanding the factors that led to relapse and developing more effective strategies.

The TTM can be used to tailor interventions for various scenarios, like personal health changes or professional settings. Understanding the stage someone is in helps design appropriate support strategies.

The TTM provides a structured framework for understanding how people change behaviors. It outlines stages, from pre-contemplation to relapse, helping individuals navigate change.

Each stage in the TTM is important. Earlier stages provide foundations for later ones, and the maintenance phase reinforces new behaviors. It emphasizes the continuous nature of change.

The TTM promotes resilience by acknowledging that relapses are inevitable and that there are recovery strategies to get back on track. It emphasizes continuous learning and growth.

Understanding the TTM helps people take control of their change journey. They can become empowered to change themselves and support others, creating a ripple effect of positive change.