Curating the Conversation: The Role of Feedback in Computer-Mediated Self-Presentation

Project Abstract

Online interactions have a communicative advantage because individuals are able to strategically develop and edit how they present themselves, enabling them to produce an optimal presentation to others (Walther, 1996). As there are less nonverbal cues in CMC than in face-to-face (FTF) interactions, individuals must present themselves carefully, and use more self-censorship and planning in their reactions to mold the image they want to portray. Traditionally, the selective self-presentation component is studied through the use of emails that participants respond to. As participants compose their responses, their typing behaviors were coded for “editing” behaviors, such as destructive backspaces, insertions, and replacements (Walther, 2006). The purpose of the current study will be the first to use modern technology to capture the data and increase mundane realism. This study will capture video data depicting participant’s typing behavior in response to a real-time interactive chat conversation with a confederate (unknowingly). Additionally, the chat program allows users to give and receive positive/negative feedback through a rating system presented onscreen, allowing for a new manipulation. Prior to arrival, participants are randomly assigned to one of two conditions: they receive ratings indicating the chat partner increasingly likes them (shown as an increase in ratings), or the chat partner increasingly dislikes them (shown as a decrease in ratings).

Conference

It is planned to attend the Midwestern Psychological Association's 2026 Conference.
It is being held in Chicago, IL from April 16th to 18th. The MPA sponsors its own conference.

https://midwesternpsych.org/

Funding Type

Research Grant

Academic College

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

Area/Major/Minor

Psychology/Applied Behavior Analysis

Degree

BS in Psychology/Applied Behavior Analysis

Classification

Junior

Name

Dr. Jana Hackathorn

Academic College

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

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