Social+Network+Communities


 * Social Network Communities **
 *  Jeremy Hutchins, Julie Maher, Nicki Vance, Margaret Day and Alexa Hamilton **

 Link to shared folder on RefWorks: http://www.refworks.com/ refshare?site= 031191120190400000/ RWWEB104623714/InternetDating

 List of references regarding online dating/romance: http://construct.haifa.ac.il/~ azy/refdating.htm

Link to Spreadsheet of General Article Topics: []

Link to Spreadsheet of Study Methods: []

Link to Lit Review draft: []

This study investigates patterns of how users reveal personal information on social media sites such as Facebook and the types of information users expose. (probably this is inapplicable to our study). (Jeremy)
 * Acquisti, A., Gross, R. Information Revelation and Privacy in Online Social Networks. (2005) Proceedings of the 2005 ACM workshop on Privacy in the electronic society. 71-80. **

This article discusses user behavior in setting up face-to-face interaction after selecting a potential partneron dating site. An assessment of 30 websites in terms of functionality. Interviewed 20 current and past online daters. A survey of "phases" of online dating: matching, meeting and resolution. Description of activities that culminate in first date. Includes "winks" and "messages," "chat," "text messages" and "phone conversations." After first date, the decision process as to whether or not to meet again. There are different facets of how people determine how and whether or not to make the "plunge" into the first date: Planning styles, geographic limits, communication and comfort zones, and location choices. Participants are placed in one of two categories of level of effort: low intensity and high intensity. (in bibliography points to an article which may be of interest: What Makes You Click? An empirical analysis of online dating (Hitsch, G., Hortacsu, A and Ariely, D. ) (Jeremy)
 * Churchill, E.F., Goodman, E.S. After the Match: Mobility and First Dates Designing the User eXperience (2007) (DUX), ACM Press, Chicago, IL **

This paper investigates the filtering behavior that people engage in when looking for partners on dating sites, as well as self presentation. The study seeks to observe ways in which people use online dating, how filtering and identity work, and the management of processes in going about finding a sexual partner. The article shows how users interpret the information they find, and how they assess the characteristics (or “true identity”) of potential partners.(Jeremy)
 * Couch, D and Liamputtong, P. (2008). Online Dating and Mating: The Use of the Internet to Meet Sexual Partners **

**Döring, N. (2002). Studying online love and cyber romance. In B. Batinic, U. D. Reips & M. Bosnjak (Eds.), Online social sciences (pp. 333-356). Seattle, WA: Hogrefe & Huber. ** **Notes:** **The only thing that this paper offers for our purposes is a discussion of the different data collection methods to be used in the study of online dating: personal narratives; logs of chats/messages; interviews (standardized, semi-open, open); surveys (closed and open questions). There are also a whole list of research questions on pg. 6. (Margaret) ** <span style="background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding-right: 10px;">[]

** Ellison, N., Heino, R., & Gibbs, J. (2006). Managing impressions online: Self-presentation processes in the online dating environment. //Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication//, 11(2), 415-441. **  **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. **Notes:** One aspect that I find most interesting about this article is its discussion of the small cues that users look for online in order to develop impressions of others. Some of these mentioned are as follows: poster's email address [screen name], links on the person's profile, timing of email messages, misspellings, sexual references, length of messages, last time a user was active. SIP theory states that when nonverbal cues have been decreased, the remaining cues become more important. This is particularly true in the online dating world, where people are concerned about deceptive practices. The authors indicate that future research should explore the following: 1) The ways in which online dating sites could implement design features aimed at addressing the issue of deceptive practices (e.g. incorporating shared social context, testimonials, user rating systems, social network visualizations). 2) The potential for developing self-presentation tools that allow individuals more nuanced ways of expressing themselves (e.g. video presentations) 3) The ways in which online dating site profiles are structured and characteristics they include (i.e. whether people are satisfied with available information on potential partners, whether they could be structured in different/better ways) (Margaret) <span style="color: #404117; font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,'sans serif'; font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-spacing: 2px;">__ [] __

**Farrar, J. (2009). Online dating in Japan: A test for social information processing theory.** **//CyberPsychology & Behavior, 12//**//**(4), 407-412. DOI:10.1089/cpb.2009.0069.**// Abstract: This study examines the experience of past and present members of a popular Japanese online dating site in order to explore the extent to which Western-based theories of computer-mediated communications (CMC) and the development of online relationships are relevant to the Japanese online dating experience. Specifically, it examines whether social information processing theory (SIPT) is applicable to Japanese online dating interactions, and how and to what extent Japanese daters overcome the limitations of CMC through the use of contextual and other cues. Thirty-six current members and 27 former members of Match.com Japan completed an online survey. Using issue-based procedures for grounded theory analysis, we found strong support for SIPT. Japanese online daters adapt their efforts to present and acquire social information using the cues that the online dating platform provides, although many of these cues are specific to Japanese social context. **NOTE:** The Japanese culture is moving away from the arranged marriage and group dating to online dating, which has become more acceptable. The author discusses the relevancy of Western online dating standards and how they apply to the Japanese experience. This articles references Walther’s SIPT (social information process theory) and references a total of six Walther articles. (Julie Maher)

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">**Fiore, A. T., Taylor, L.S., Mendelsohn, G.A., and Hearst, M. Assessing Attractiveness in Online Dating Profiles (2008) Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems: Proceeding of the twenty-sixth annual SIGCHI conference on Human factors in computing systems, Florence, Italy (797-806)** <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">** Examines how users perceive attractiveness. Participants rate profiles and profile components based on the following qualities: attractiveness, extravertedness, genuineness and trustworthiness. using multiple choice questionnaire. Likert scale: attractiveness, genuiness, masculine/feminine, warm/kind, self esteem, extraverted, self centeredness. Results: Most important was having an attractive photo, but photos weren’t judged on attractiveness alone, but rather whether or not the photo showed character in terms of the previously mentioned characteristics. Showed that users look for a richer characterization of attractiveness than just beauty. (Jeremy) **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">This study explores the efficiencies (or lack thereof) of online dating or search for potential mates on the Internet. The paper is based on a survey. Bases this on time efficiency (ie, amt. of time spent searching for a partner.) Level of satisfaction in terms of the search process. participants asked which qualities they look for in a person and if this information is “searchable” (listable on a computer interface) or “experiential” (requiring face-to-face interaction)(Jeremy -- to be continued)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Frost, J.H., Chance, Z., Norton, M.I., and Ariely, D. People Are Experiencing Goods: Improving Online Dating With Virtual Dates. (2008) Journal of Interactive Marketing. 22(1). Retrieved from Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/dir.20106 **

This study investigates self-disclosure in the novel context of online dating relationships. Using a national random sample of Match.com members (N = 349), the authors tested a model of relational goals, self-disclosure, and perceived success in online dating. The authors’findings provide support for social penetration theory and the social information processing and hyperpersonal perspectives as well as highlight the positive effect of anticipated future face-to-face interaction on online self-disclosure. The authors find that perceived online dating success is predicted by four dimensions of self-disclosure (honesty, amount, intent, and valence), although honesty has a negative effect. Furthermore, online dating experience is a strong predictor of perceived success in online dating. Additionally, the authors identify predictors of strategic success versus self-presentation success. This research extends existing theory on computer-mediated communication, selfdisclosure, and relational success to the increasingly important arena of mixed-mode relationships, in which participants move from mediated to face-to-face communication. (Julie Maher)
 * Gibbs, J.L., Ellison, N.B. and Heino, R.E. (2006). Self-Presentation in online personals: The role of anticipated future interaction, self-disclosure, and perceived success in Internet dating. //Communication Research, 33//(2), 152-177.**

**Glausiusz, J. (2007). Adventures in the Petri dish of love: On the hunt for a scientific soul mate? Make sure you bring a magnifying glass and a good pair of hiking boots.** //**Discover, 28**//**(2), 40-43.** Abstract: N/A **NOTE:** Though not an academic piece, this article pinpoints two specific community-based user groups - scientists (Science Connection, a Nova Scotia-based dating service for scientists) and environmentalists (GreenSingles) - utilizing online dating services to find like-minded matches. (Julie Maher)

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">This article also investigates misrepresentation of personal characteristics and traits in the online dating environment, using seven catagories: personal assets, relationship goals, personal interests, personal attributes, past relationships, weight, and age. The article explores “impression management” and computer-mediated communication (CMC). The study begins with a number of hypotheses: 1) when compared to women, men are more likely to misrepresent their personal assets and relationship goals and 2) that women are more likely to misrepresent their weight. 3) In comparison to men, women are more likely to misrepresent their age. 4) Neuroticism (H3a) and extraversion (H3b) will positively predict strategic misrepresentation, whereas conscientiousness (H3c), agreeableness (H3d), <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">and openness (H3e) will negatively predict strategic misrepresentation. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">The study took a sample via an online survey of self-reporting using a likert scale. (Jeremy)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;"> Hall, J. A., Park, N., Song, H., and Cody, M.J. (2010) Strategic misrepresentation in online dating: The effects of gender, self-monitoring, and personality traits. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships 27(1) 117-135. **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">This article is concerned with how people present themselves in the realm of online dating and computer-mediated communication (CMC).. The paper begins with three hypotheses: 1) That the less attractive a person is, the more deceptive they are in terms of how they portray their physical characteristics. 2) That this tendency is stronger for women than men, and 3) That the more attractive a person is, the more photos they will post. They used a panel of judges who looked at photographs of the participants in order to rate them on a likert scale in terms of physical attractiveness. Also assessed were how participants presented themselves in terms of social status.(Jeremy)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;"> Hancock, J. H. and Toma, C. L. (2010). Self Presentation and Deception: Looks and Lies: The Role of Physical Attractiveness in Online Dating **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">This article focuses on how market metaphors are used and perceived by people using online dating sites, in terms of user behavior vis a vis self presentation and assessment of others. Some interesting aspects of the article use terminology such as “margin of exaggeration” in terms of how they present themselves. Discusses users behavior in terms of seeing how many “hits” they get -- likens it to online stock trading in terms of assessment of “self-worth” Discusses how people revise their profiles, update photos, etc, to attract more “hits” Talks about online dating as a self-commodification process. Mostly it is a study of how people assess their own behavior in metaphorical terms.(Jeremy)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Heino, R.D., Ellison, N.B., Gibbs, J. L., (2010) Relationshopping: Investigating the market Metaphor in Online Dating. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. 27 (4) 427-447 **

Abstract: This paper uses a novel data set obtained from a major online dating service to draw inferences on mate preferences and the match outcomes of the site users. The data set contains detailed information on user attributes such as income, education, physique, and attractiveness, as well as information on the users' religion, political inclination, etc. The data set also contains a detailed record of all online activities of the users. In particular, we know whether a site member approaches a potential mate and receives a reply, and we have some limited information on the content of the exchanged e-mails. A drawback of the data set is that we do not observe any \o²ine" activities. We ¯rst compare the reported demographic characteristics of the site users to the characteristics of the population-at-large. We then discuss the conditions under which the user's observed behavior reveals their mate preferences. We estimate these preferences and relate them to own and partner attributes. Finally, we predict the equilibrium structure of matches based on the preference estimates and a simple matching protocol, and compare the resulting sorting along attributes such as income and education to observed online matches and actual marriages in the U.S. (Jeremy - you mentioned this as something to find - here it is. Julie)
 * Hitsch, G.J., Hortacsu, A., and Ariely, D. (2005). What makes you click: An empirical analysis of online dating.**

** Illouz, E. (2007). "Romantic Webs." Cold Intimacies: The Making of Emotional Capitalism. Malden, MA: Polity Press. **  ** Notes: ** Illouz's main argument in this chapter is that Internet dating turns romantic encounters into economic transactions. Online daters are transformed into a packaged product competing with others in a market regulated by the law of supply and demand. Romantic love is traditionally related to an economy of scarcity, but Internet dating is characterized by an economy of abundance, where the user is forced to make a cost-benefit analysis. Other salient points: 1) to meet another, one has to focus intensely on oneself...the private psychological self becomes a public performance; 2) despite disembodying aspects of the Internet, beauty and the body are ever-present; 3) disappointment emerges as the result of inflated self-presentation, or of the disparity between one’s unreasonably high expectations and a necessarily limited reality; 4) verbal processes are especially likely to interfere with those decisions which require us to use “our intuition,” “insight,” or snap judgment; 5) the Internet marks a radical departure from the tradition of love as a unique event, which erupts brutally and unexpectedly in one’s life; and 6) the body might be the best and perhaps only way to know another person and be attracted to them. Can systems be designed to better handle these particular issues that surround online dating? (Margaret)

**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;">Merkle, E. R., & Richardson, R. A. (2000). Digital dating and virtual relating: Conceptualizing computer mediated romantic relationships. Family Relations: Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Studies, 49, 187-192. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**Abstract:** This article reviews Internet history and culture that have contributed to the recent emergence of a subset of romantic interpersonal relationships known as computer mediated relationships. Characteristics of these relationships in comparison to face-to-face relationships are considered. This information may assist family professionals in developing a research agenda for the new millennium, as well as incorporating new content and strategies into family life education and clinical work in the area of interpersonal relationships. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**Notes:** This article compares face-to-face relationships to computer mediated relationships (CMRs) through the discussion of four dimensions: 1) the process of relationship formation and dissolution; 2) the nature of self-disclosure; 3) methods of conflict management; and 4) the meaning of infidelity. The authors state that Internet romantic relationships progress through an inverted developmental sequence when compared to face-to-face romantic relationships. Face-to-face relationships progress in the following sequence: 1) spatial interaction, 2) physical attraction, 3) attitudinal similarity, and 4) self-disclosure. In internet relationships, attitudinal similarity and self-disclosure come first, and then physical attraction and spatial interaction. (Margaret)

Abstract talked about how college students use Facebook for information needs. As is turns out, that information is about events that groups are hosting rather than people. So, probably not applicable. (Alexa)
 * Park, N., Kee, K., & Valenzuela, S. (2009). Being Immersed in Social Networking Environment: Facebook Groups, Uses and Gratifications, and Social Outcomes. //CyberPsychology & Behavior//, //12//(6), 729-733. doi:10.1089/cpb.2009.0003.**

Abstract: Online dating is unique in the pursuit of romance. The bond created between potential partners takes a different path than normal dating relationships. Online dating usually begins with a flurry of e-mail messages, each more intimate than the last. Traditional dating relationships that might take months to develop in the real world, take weeks or even days online. Much has been written about cyber-dating, but little research has been done. This series of four studies examines the online dating process, similarities and differences between online and traditional dating, and the impact of emotionality and self-disclosure on first (e-mail) impressions of a potential partner. Results indicate that the amount of emotionality and self-disclosure affected a person’s perception of a potential partner.An e-mail with strong emotional words (e.g., excited, wonderful) led to more positive impressions than an e-mail with fewer strong emotional words (e.g., happy, fine) and resulted in nearly three out of four subjects selecting the e-mailer with strong emotional words for the fictitious dater of the opposite sex. Results for self-disclosure e-mails were complex, but indicate that levels of self-disclosure led to different impressions. Low levels of self-disclosure were generally preferred in choosing for the fictitious dater, although these preferences differed by gender, education, and ethnic background. Results were discussed in terms of theories of computer-mediated communication. (Julie Maher)
 * Rosen, L.D., Cheever, N.A., and Felt, J. (2007). The impact of emotionality and self-disclosure on online dating versus traditional dating. //Computers in Human Behavior, 1-34.//**

** Sautter, J. M., Tippett, R. M., & Morgan, S. P. (2010). The social demography of internet dating in the united states*. //Social Science Quarterly//, 91(2), 554-575. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">**Abstract**: Objective. The objective of this article is to identify the sociodemographic cor <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">relates of Internet dating net of selective processes that determine who is ‘‘at risk.’’We also examine the role of computer literacy, social networks, and attitudes toward Internet dating among single Internet users. Methods. We use multivariate logistic regression to analyze 3,215 respondents from the ﬁrst nationally representative U.S. survey of Internet dating. Results. Sociodemographic factors have strong effects on Internet access and single status but weak effects on use of Internet dating services once the sample is conditioned on these factors. For this ‘‘at-risk’’ subpopulation, computer literacy and social networks strongly inﬂuence the likelihood of Internet dating. Conclusions. Internet dating is a common mate selection strategy among the highly selective subpopulation of single Internet users and may continue to grow through social networks. Material and virtual elements of the digital divide have direct and indirect effects on Internet dating. **Notes:** I don't think this article is extremely relevant to our research, however, it confirms that internet dating has grown and is growing rapidly which indicates a reason behind performing research in this area. Using data from 2005, 5.6 percent of all respondents (nationally representative sample) had used online dating. Growth in Internet dating due to three factors: 1) technological change: growth of technology and computer literacy making it easier to do; 2) demographic change: more people and more varieties of people dating online; and 3) social change making Internet dating more acceptable. One interesting note: "knowing someone who has used Internet dating and holding positive attitudes about Internet dating were both strongly and positively associated with use of Internet dating websites." Authors suggest studies using longitudinal data, studies that will investigate an understanding of how the digital divide impacts union formation, and studies that compare online dating processes with traditional dating processes. (Margaret)

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**Sprecher, S. (2009). Relationship initiation and formation on the Internet. Marriage & Family Review, 45,761-782.** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**Abstract:** Recent national studies indicate that about 3% to 6% of current marriages or long-term partnerships began over the Internet. Relationships that have their origin in cyberspace can begin in a variety of ways, including social network sites, interest groups or blogs, and matching services. This review summarizes the recent but growing literature on relationship formation over the Internet. Differences in relationship initiation online versus in traditional off-line settings are discussed, and it is highlighted that the differences depend on the specific Internet venue in which people meet. (Margaret) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**Notes:**

**Stevens, S. B., and Morris, T.L. (2007). College dating and social anxiety: Using the internet as a means of connecting to others.** //**CyberPsychology & Behavior, 10**//**(5), 680-688. DOI:10.1089/cpb.2007.9970.** Abstract: With the advent and widespread use of the Internet, various online media are being used to connect and maintain social relationships in individuals of all ages. Social relationships are vital to healthy development, and individuals with social and/or dating anxiety may have marked difficulty in establishing appropriate, supportive relationships because of fear of negative evaluation by others. For these individuals, the Internet may open avenues of communication and provide an outlet through which relationships can be formed and preserved. This study investigated the characteristics of computer and Internet use in young adults to determine whether individuals who were high in social/dating anxiety symptoms were more likely to make and maintain social relationships online. To further understand the patterns of these behaviors, several measures of social and dating anxiety were collected and analyzed along with demographic, computer use, and relationship characteristics. Results indicated differences between high and low social/dating anxiety with respect to media use and relationship format. Limitations and future directions are discussed. **NOTE:** Participants were recruited from undergraduate psych class at West Virginia University ages 18-24 (427 females, 194 males.) The study used a variety of questionnaires as well as a survey, a “Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory(SPAI). One of the first studies to detail the connection between social and dating anxiety and Internet use. (Julie Maher)

<span style="font-family: Arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">In a study of college students asked to develop impressions through either face-to-face interaction or computer-mediated communication (CMC), Tidwell and Walther are attempting to uncover the differences in interpersonal knowledge acquisition between these two methods of communication. Although they are not studying online dating or even behavior among individuals who are self-motivated to seek out new people, they have tailored their study to give greater insight into the process of how we create impressions of each other which is vital to the process of online dating and gets to the details of information seeking in developing relationships. Their article gives a great overview of theories and it can easily be bridged to information processes when you replace "impression seeking" with "information seeking". (Nicki Vance)
 * Tidwell, L. C. and Walther, J. B. (2002), Computer-Mediated Communication Effects on Disclosure, Impressions, and Interpersonal Evaluations: Getting to Know One Another a Bit at a Time. Human Communication Research, 28: 317–348. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2958.2002.tb00811.x**

Following the vein of warrants, self-presentation, and deception, these three researchers conducted a study (N = 80) of online daters in NYC using cross-validation techniques to gauge the perceived seriousness of different forms of deception and the extent to which they themselves were deceptive. Participants were surveyed in person at a 'lab' on whether and how much they lied about physical characteristics, age, habits/interests, beliefs, and relationship status, how serious they think it is to lie in these same categories, and then observable physical characteristics were recorded by the researchers (height, weight, hair & eye color, age confirmed with driver's licenses). Generally, results are similar to other studies that show widespread but generally minimal deception in online dating profiles that is fairly similar to what goes on in face-to-face interactions due to the possibility of future meeting. Interesting questions are raised about severe deception in photographs that may negate the value of a photograph as a form of warrant but researchers did not collect data to shed light on this question nor are they aware of any other research. (Nicki Vance)
 * Toma, C., Hancock, J.T., & Ellison, N. (2008). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Examination of Deceptive Self-Presentation in Online Dating Profiles. Pers & Soc Psych Bul, 34, 1023--1036**

Abstract: Does the willingness to date interracially cut across different cohorts? Using data from a sample of Internet daters, the present study examines the race dating preferences of four distinct birth cohorts, the Silent Generation (individuals born in 1942 or before), the Baby Boomers (those born between 1943 and 1960), Generation X (those born between 1961-1981), and the Millenium Generation (those born after 1981). Although members from each group have had varying experiences with legalized segregation - especially during the formative years of adulthood - no research to date has specifically compared these four birth cohorts in regards to their current dating preferences. The findings reveal that members of the oldest generation (Silent Generation) were consistently less willing to date anyone outside their racial group, except when whites were the response variable. Analysis also showed that whites and Asians are unwilling to date African Americans. At the same time, African Americans are resistant to dating whites, but Asians prefer dating whites. Overall results are discussed in relation to both the historical and present socio-cultural racial climate, and how the importance of cohort effects may shape racial dating preferences.
 * Tsunokai, G.T., Kposowa, A.J., and Adams, M. A.(2009). Racial preferences in internet dating: A comparison of four birth cohorts. //The Western Journal of Black Studies, 33//(1), 1-15.**
 * NOTE:** Should the group decided to focus on characteristics that make up online dating, this article could serve as background for the racial dating component. (Julie Maher)

**Valkenburg, P. M. and Peter, J. (2007). Who visits online dating sites? Exploring some characteristics of online daters.** //**CyberPsychology & Behavior, 10**//**(6), 849-852. DOI: 10.1089/cpb.2007.9941.** Abstract: Although online dating has become an important strategy in finding a romantic partner, academic research into the antecedents of online dating is still scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate (a) the demographic predictors of online dating and (b) the validity of two opposite hypotheses that explain users’ tendency to use the Internet for online dating: the social compensation and the rich-get-richer hypotheses. We presented 367 Dutch Internet users between 18-60 years old with an online questionnaire. We found that online dating was unrelated to income and educational level. Respondents between 30 and 50 years old were the most active online daters. In support of the rich-get-richer hypothesis, people low in dating anxiety were more active online daters than people high in dating anxiety. **NOTE:** Interesting item about educational level as there are higher education websites in the US, for example where Ivy Leaguers only search for fellow Ivy Leaguers. Also, the characteristic of anxiety is introduced as criteria that can hinder the activity in the search process. The article discusses characteristics such as personality types, social compensation (the socially inept can find relationships online), dating anxiety, and control over self-preservation. Interesting findings: males visit online dating sites more than women; people around 40 are the most active online daters; divorcees use dating sites 3x more than the average Internet user; particulary active with users who have low dating anxiety References Walther 1994 article. (Julie Maher)


 * Walther, J. B., & Parks, M. R. (2002). Cues filtered out, cues filtered in: Computer-mediated communication and relationships. In M. L. Knapp & J. A. Daly (Eds.), Handbook of interpersonal communication (3rd ed., pp. 529--563). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.** (Nicki Vance)

[I'm not sure this is used in our lit review. I never got a chance to read it. -Nicki] **Walther, J.B., Van Der Heide, B., Hamel, L.M., & Schulman, H.C. (2009). Self-Generated Versus Other-Generated Statements and Impressions in Computer-Mediated Communication: A Test of Warranting Theory Using Facebook. Comm Res, 36, 229--253**. **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Wang, H., & Lu, X. A. (2007). Cyberdating: Misinformation and (dis) trust in online interaction. //Informing Science: International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline//, 10, 1-15. ** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**Abstract:** Through an analysis of the unique features of the Internet as an environment for cyberdating, this work examines the issues of (mis)information and (dis)trust in romantic endeavors and encounters in the virtual world. With a critical application of Grice’s Cooperative Principle to a reported case of fraud in cyberdating, this paper offers practical suggestions for cyberdaters. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**Notes:** Compared to face-to-face interactions, CMC is "lean": feedback isn't as immediate (cannot freely and simultaneously switch between the roles of Sender and Receiver), the capacity to provide social cues are limited (e.g., tactile, olfactory, visual cues), the language variety is low (e.g., emoticons, unintended interpretation), and personal focus is also low (i.e., CMC doesn't facilitate communication of personal feelings and emotions very well). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Grice's Cooperative Principle is an agreement that communication should adhere to certain principles. CP can be broken down into four maxims: 1) quality: do not say what you believe to be false or can't prove; 2) quantity: don't give more or less info than is needed for current purpose of exchange; 3) relation: be relevant to the topic of the current exchange; and 4) manner: be clear in your intention and concise in your expression. These can be applied in online dating situations to assist in the evaluation of whether or not another person can be trusted/is being deceptive. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In conclusion, this paper suggests that CMC may not be a self-sufficient channel of communication for developing romantic relationships and is best supplemented by other channels (phone, face-to-face, etc.) and that cyberdaters must understand the different nature of interacting online. (Margaret)

**Warkentin, D., Woodworth, M., Hancock, J. T., & Cormier, N. (2010). Warrants and deception in computer mediated communication. In //Proceedings of the//** **//2010 ACM conference on Computer supported cooperative work// (pp. 9-12). Savannah, Georgia, USA: ACM.** In this article, the four authors discuss their findings from a quantitative study designed to compare the effect of three types of warrants (name, photo, and acquaintance) on preventing deception in five types of social media (IM, Forums, Chat, Social Networking Sites, and Email). Warrants are methods of authenticating information about oneself (this study looks at the effect of warrants provided by users for others to access) or allowing ones' online identity to be possibly tied to their real life identity. The study chose these types of media to test a theoretical model that states that non-persistent (no record is kept), synchronous (real-time) media (Chat, sometimes IM) allows for more deception than persistent, asynchronous media (SNS, Email, Forums). The results give evidence to the contrary by finding that the fewest deceptions occur in Email = SNS > IM = Forum > Chat, showing that Forums (persistent and asynchronous) have a relatively high rate of deception. SNS is the most highly warranted form of media as responses tallied up over 90% for each type of warrant. However, since warrants are only some features of these media, the factors that prevent deception are likely to be more than just the warrants. (Nicki Vance)

This article looked at how people seek information about other people, in particular looking at college students. They considered two categories of people: less-known (stranger, potential romantic partner) versus well-known (friend, classmate). They found that the better you know someone, the more you are willing to use channels that might reveal your interest in them to get information--this includes actually talking to the person of interest. However, the finding that is useful to our project is that they found the participants likely to use a social network to find information about anyone except family members, no matter how well they knew the person. They also allude to some papers that discuss how online information-seekers evaluate the information they find, including Ellison, Heino & Gibbs. (Alexa)
 * Westerman, D., Van Der Heide, B., Klein, K.A., & Walther, J.B. (2008). How do people really seek information about others? Information seeking across Internet and traditional communication channels. //Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13//, 751-767.**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;"> This article is concerned with how users select possible mates through online searches. Study is based on giving participants 30, 60 or 90 profiles to search through and found that the more profiles there were, the less selective participants were about potential mates. That is, the seekers spent more time looking at matches that were not as close, based on a scale that compared 16 characteristics for each potential date against the characteristics of the seeker. Paper presumes that this is due to cognitive overload. Limitations are that the study was conducted in Taiwan. (Alexa) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Wu, P., & Chiou, W. (2009). More Options Lead to More Searching and Worse Choices in Finding Partners for Romantic Relationships Online: An Experimental Study. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 12(3), 315-318. doi:10.1089/cpb.2008.0182. **

**Young, S., Dutta, D., and Dommety, G. (2009). Extrapolating psychological insights from Facebook profiles: A study of religion and relationship status.** //**CyberPsychology & Behavior, 12**//**//(3//), 347-350. DOI: 10.1089/cpb.2008.0165.** Abstract: Online social network users may leave creative, subtle cues on their public profiles to communicate their motivations and interests to other network participants. This paper explores whether psychological predictions can be made about the motivations of social network users by identifying and analyzing these cues. Focusing on the domain of relationship seeking, we predicted that people using social networks for dating would reveal that they have a single relationship status as a method of eliciting contact from potential romantic others. Based on results of a pilot study (n=20) supporting this hypothesis, we predicted that people attempting to attract other users of the same religious background would report a religious affiliation along with a single relationship status. Using observational data from 150 Facebook profiles, results from a multivariate logistic regression suggest that people providing a religious affiliation were more likely to list themselves as single (a proxy for their interest in using the network to find romantic partners) than people who do not provide religious information. We discuss the implications for extracting psychological information from Facebook profiles. To our knowledge, this is the first study to suggest that information from publicly available online social networking profiles can be used to predict people’s motivations for using social networks. **NOTE:** I’m not sure if we will use this source as the study is based on Facebook and our group had discussed online dating sites. An issue with determining the success of finding romance via FB would be difficult, though it is a social network, it is not an online dating platform. With online dating sites, users are provide detailed information vs. “cues” on FB as discussed in this article. However, the authors claim that they can predict information about users based on their profiles and if they list a religious affiliation, it is suggested they are seeking a romantic partner (I think this might be a stretch). (Julie Maher)

**RESEARCH METHODS** **Danielle Couch. Online Research.** [] About halfway through the presentation, Couch discusses the pros and cons of doing research online, plus gives tips and definitions of various methods. May be helpful for conducting our research. Couch is an author of one of the papers listed above, which is how I wound up looking at this presentation. The link leads to an HTML version but you can also download a PowerPoint version. (Alexa)