Uncertainty Reduction Theory , Social Information Process Theory
February 7th, 2022
Hello everyone ! Thanks for tuning in to this weeks' blog post. Today, I'll be discussing Uncertainty Reduction Theory and social process theory. For those unaware, Uncertainty theory is the theory that focuses on "how human communication is used to gain knowledge and create understanding"(Ledbetter, 2019). In other words, it is how we utilize conversation to gain insight on who or what a person or something is. On the other hand, Social information process theory refers to the understanding and explanation of how communication is able to shape the development of interpersonal and group relationships (Ledbetter, 2019).
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To better understand each theory, I've decided to use real life examples of each concept. Let's begin with Uncertainty reduction theory. I want to take the audience back to Fall of 2018 . This was the year I entered as a freshman. As a freshman, you aren't really familiar with who's who or who you're rooming with , let alone who the people are in your building. Meeting my now friends was nerve wrecking for me to say the least. Of the strategies in relation to this following theory, I would have to say that passive strategy was employed. I used this strategy to to more so observe those around me to get a feel of how their personalities were.
To my surprise, this strategy approach worked to my liking. In addition, interactive strategy although somewhat of a struggle for me, worked in my favor. One day while we were in the lobby meeting for a floor meeting, I decided to try my luck and talk to my potential friend. To my surprise, she was extremely friendly and we hit it off from there. We began hanging out in places like Willies, walks around campus, campus club activities, Walmart runs, school sports games, you name it ! In doing so, I was introduced to so many other cool individuals who helped make my freshman year one to remember. One thing that I learned to admire about my friend was her outspokenness and ability to initiate conversation first. I also admired her ability to understand me and understand my awkward and shy moments where I feel that I would want to have time to my face. She never once judged me and kept me going.
Backtracking to the initial meeting, as far as I can remember I don't recall there being a moment where I wanted to reduce my uncertainty. I feel that with meeting her, it was an instant connection between us where we knew we would be friends for a long time ( and still are ).
Social Information Theory and Computer-mediated share a certain relationship with one another. Let's begin by discussing the social information theory derived from Joseph Walther. In his theory, he discusses that online communication shapes interpersonal relationships and its' growth in group relationships. Walther also states, "online communication or computer mediated can form satisfying, intimate, and meaningful relationships between individuals (Griffen et al.,2021). Do you find yourself in agreeance with this theory? Can you relate or think back to a time when this has benefited you? If not, how have you been impacted by your online relationships? Let's approach this in a way that may be straightforward and aligned. Like the flow of communication, Walther has also designed a linear model of communication emphasizing a model that goes : Interpersonal information to Impression formation to relationship development. How does this relate to me? Let's discuss shall we !
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