Social Information Processing Theory

This theory is my favorite theory that we've looked at so far. Social Information Processing Theory, otherwise known as SIP, looks at creating good relationships with others over the internet, and how they have the potential to be as strong as relationships formed face to face, it just takes a little longer. The whole "online relationship" phenomenon that is sweeping through our country makes this theory even more interesting to study. I do believe that this theory is very accurate in that it is possible to create a solid, healthy relationship on the internet. It is also accurate in saying that it takes longer than a face to face relationship to fully develop. A great example of this theory in action, for me, happened this summer. I met a guy online, through facebook, and we began to talk a lot through messages. Soon enough, we were talking over instant messenger, then the phone, and we eventually went to a movie together. The whole process, had it happened face to face, probably would've only taken a few days to get underway. However, because we initiated the relationship online, it took us 4 months before we actually met, mostly because it was weird for both of us that we were meeting online. My relationship with him was a lot like relationships I had with other guys, it just started on the internet. I definitely think the SIP theory is accurate and is probably proved more than most professionals realize. One thing that also stuck out to me was when we were discussing the critique of this theory in class, and one of the weaknesses mentioned was that CMC relationships CAN in fact form quickly. I also agree with this. Although it took 4 months for me to physically meet with this guy, our relationship in terms of the depth of things we talked about happened a lot faster than with my current boyfriend who I met face to face initially. In fact, I would say I was closer to the guy I met online than I was with a lot of my friends simply because of our deep conversations. Overall, I think this is a great theory, and is definitely going to come into the spotlight more now that there is a such a fetish with facebook and myspace and other online forums.