Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/88

Title

'I've never clicked this much with anyone in my life': trust and hyperpersonal communication in online friendships

Author(s)

Henderson, Samantha;  Gilding, Michael

Abstract

Earlier research on online communication has observed how its distinctive characteristics (such as limited cues and potential asynchronicity) facilitate online communication notably 'hyperpersonal communication'. Yet these distinctive characteristics do not explain the development of trust in online communication. This article uses qualitative interviews with 17 internet users to explore the foundations of trust in online friendships, drawing on Piotr Sztompka's theoretical framework. It concludes that there are four main sources of online trust. First, reputation, whether grounded in a pseudonym or offline identity. Second, performance, due to the scope for enhanced performance in online communication. More than this, performance plays an especially important role in the building of online friendships, following Giddens' model of the pure relationship (1991). Third, pre-commitment, through self-disclosure, which in turn encourages a 'leap of faith' and reciprocal self-disclosure. Finally, situational factors, especially the premium placed upon intimacy and the pure relationship in contemporary societies.

Publication type

Journal article

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Life and Social Sciences

Source

New Media & Society, Vol. 6, no. 4 (2004), pp. 487-506

Publication year

2004

Keyword(s)

Computer-mediated communication;  Friendship;  Hypersonal communication;  Risk;  The pure relationship;  Trust

Publisher

Sage

ISSN

1461-4448

Publisher URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/146144804044331

Copyright

Copyright © 2004 SAGE Publications.

Peer reviewed