Uncertainty Reduction Theory

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Writing this particular entry actually left me with a good deal of apprehension. So much apprehension, in fact, that I’m posting it late. Like a creeper, I looked at other people’s blogs, uncertain of where I should go with mine, and even then I didn’t really have a grasp on what I was doing. Luckily, I found a way to reduce my apprehension: Uncertainty Reduction Axioms. Structure is my biggest issue with blog posts, and for their one, I’m going to straight up use a premade list. Basically, I’m going to run through the axioms of Uncertainty Reduction Theory and briefly discuss how they apply to my online self-disclosure. So let’s do it. o The more two strangers talk, the more uncertainty decreases. This particular aspect of URT is pretty straightforward, and it applies to my CMC interactions as much as it does in real life. As an example of increased conversation leading to decreased uncertainty, I’m going to point to my e-mail habits. Usually, the first e-mail I send out to anyone is rather long. I take great care in keeping my language simple and clear, and I spell out every detail that I think is relevant. Usually to a fault. I do this because there is a high level of uncertainty with my e-mail partner; without know the person or how they communicate online, I have no idea what kind of image I should be presenting of myself, so I try to stay clear of anything too incriminating of my personality. However, as e-mail exchanges increase, I find myself shortening e-mails, using more slang, frequently not even including a heading and closing. As I feel more comfortable with the person, I am less uncertain in their regard. After so many e-mails, I feel like I have successfully established who I am as a person, and that I have a good idea of who the other person is as a person online. I can be less careful and chilly because my uncertainly level has decreased,

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