Managing Impressions Online: Self-Presentation Processes in the Online Dating Environment

Citation Detail

Title:

Managing Impressions Online: Self-Presentation Processes in the Online Dating Environment.

Authors:

Ellison, Nicole, Department of Telecommunications, Information Studies, and Media, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, US
Heino, Rebecca, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, US
Gibbs, Jennifer, Communication Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, US

Address:

Ellison, Nicole, Dept. of Telecommunications, Information Studies, and Media, Michigan State University 403 Communication Arts and Sciences, East Lansing, MI, US, 48824

Source:

Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, Vol 11(2), Jan, 2006. pp. 415-441.

Publisher:

United Kingdom: Blackwell Publishing.

Other Publishers:

United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

ISSN:

1083-6101 (Electronic)

Language:

English

Keywords:

online dating participants; self-presentation strategies; impression management

Abstract:

This study investigates self-presentation strategies among online dating participants, exploring how participants manage their online presentation of self in order to accomplish the goal of finding a romantic partner. Thirty-four individuals active on a large online dating site participated in telephone interviews about their online dating experiences and perceptions. Qualitative data analysis suggests that participants attended to small cues online, mediated the tension between impression management pressures and the desire to present an authentic sense of self through tactics such as creating a profile that reflected their "ideal self," and attempted to establish the veracity of their identity claims. This study provides empirical support for Social Information Processing theory in a naturalistic context while offering insight into the complicated way in which "honesty" is enacted online. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved)

Subjects:

*Impression Management; *Internet; *Self Concept; *Social Dating

Classification:

Group & Interpersonal Processes (3020)

Population:

Human (10)

Age Group:

Adulthood (18 yrs & older) (300)

Methodology:

Empirical Study; Qualitative Study

Format Availablability:

Electronic

Format Covered:

Electronic

Publication Type:

Journal; Peer Reviewed Journal

Document Type:

Journal Article

Release Date:

20061010

Digital Object Identifier:

10.1111/j.1083-6101.2006.00020.x

Accession Number:

2006-10395-002

Number of Citations in Source:

80

Persistent link to this record (Permalink):

Database:

PsycINFO

View Links:

  Check if available at WU Libraries