When Online Meets Offline: An Expectancy Violations Theory Perspective on Modality Switching
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-2008
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.2007.00372.x
Abstract
The present study examines the occurrence and timing of modality switching (MS) from the perspective of expectancy violations theory. The results indicate that, relative to continuing to interact through computer-mediated communication, participants rated the social information (partner behavior and physical appearance/attractiveness) acquired by MS as an expectancy violation, although their evaluations varied as a function of the timing of the switch. Participants evaluated the social information more positively and uncertainty-reducing following short-term online associations but more negatively and uncertainty-provoking following long-term ones compared to remaining online. Moreover, social information acquired through MS, irrespective of the timing, was rated as more relationally important. Implications and limitations of the results as well as directions for future research are discussed.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
No
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Journal of Communication, v. 58, issue 1, p. 20-39
Scholar Commons Citation
Ramirez, Artemio Jr. and Wang, Zuoming, "When Online Meets Offline: An Expectancy Violations Theory Perspective on Modality Switching" (2008). Communication Faculty Publications. 679.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/spe_facpub/679
