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Beyond Cyberpessimism And Cyberoptimism: The Dual Nature Of Social Network Site Interaction., Jeremy David Makely
Beyond Cyberpessimism And Cyberoptimism: The Dual Nature Of Social Network Site Interaction., Jeremy David Makely
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This thesis applies methodological and micro-sociological insights derived from the pioneering social psychologist Georg Simmel (1858-1918) to the contemporary social media platform, Facebook. In opposition to previously-reported one-sided, polarized analyses (i.e. either/or, pessimistic or optimistic), this study suggests a more nuanced judgment: interaction viewed as social exchange reveals that individuality is often promoted though can occasionally be hindered; while most exchanges are ill-suited for sustaining interpersonal value, they ironically facilitate enhanced trust; and finally, the unique structure of site-based exchange generally facilitates rather than undercuts constructive conflict.