Beyond Cyberpessimism and Cyberoptimism: The Dual Nature of Social Network Site Interaction.

<p>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.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MA (Master of Arts)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Sociology

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Makely, Jeremy David

• cyberoptimism
• cyberpessimism
• sociological theory
• Simmel
• social network sites
• Facebook
• Communication
• Communication Technology and New Media
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Social Psychology and Interaction
• Sociology

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1280

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-2471