Everyday (Imagined) Talk: An Exploration of Everyday Conversational Topics and Imagined Interaction Features

The present study seeks to apply the interpersonal construct of imagined interactions (IIs) to CMC, specifically in the realm of online dating, to explore the nature of imagination work while using dating apps and sites. The relationship between the characteristics and functions of IIs and the degree to which they predict dating themes of honesty, trust, stigma, and overall experience was tested. Multiple regression analyses were carried out to locate the specific characteristics and functions of IIs that are activated during the online dating process. The adapted survey of imagined interactions (SII) proved to be a reliable measure of all characteristics and functions when applied to the context of online dating themes of honesty, trust, stigma, and overall experience. Several reliable psychometrics for investigating imagined interactions within the context of online dating have been established, and support for the hyperpersonal communication model is discussed.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Imagine Me and You, I Do: Characteristics and Functions of Imagined Interactions During Online Dating

Carpenter

2021

“…Previous research also suggests gender differences, with women having more frequent IIs with a greater variety of topics (Honeycutt et al, 2016). Conversations about love are considered the most frequent topic of IIs, further suggesting the prominence of IIs in instances of potential romantic relationships (Vickery, 2019).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Sexual, Romantic, and Platonic Features and Functions of the Imagined Interactions Framework

Coduto

Vendemia

Viverette

et al. 2022

Imagined interactions (IIs) involve interpersonal contact with another individual within one's mind. Although primary attributes and features of IIs are well-established in the literature, the present study sought to identify which features and functions related to sexual and romantic encounters, particularly with ostensible strangers. As part of a larger study investigating online dating during the COVID-19 pandemic, we asked 315 online daters to describe their IIs with someone they recently matched with on an online dating platform. Through a qualitative coding process, six key themes emerged from their responses: (1) imagined interactions as sexual pleasure and sexual release; (2) imagining plans that lead to sexual interaction; (3) planning for future cybersex; (4) imagining first-date scenarios; (5) compensating for in-person platonic interaction; and (6) the inability to have IIs. Implications for online partners who have not met offline and contributions to the literature on IIs are discussed.

“…Prior scholarship has primarily observed mental imagery processes in intrapersonal and interpersonal contexts directing empirical applications towards description and explanation. IIs are created and sustained in the mind of one communicator (Vickery, 2019) and involve communication with a real person (Edwards et al., 1989). By engaging in the mental imagery process, individuals practice, (re)conceptualize, and/or change prior communicative experiences.…”

Section: Imagined Interaction (Ii)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“Imagine All the People”: Imagined Interactions in Virtual Reality When Public Speaking

LeFebvre

Allen

2020

This study explores the relationship between public speaking anxiety (PSA) and Imaginary Interactions (IIs). Participants ( N = 17) were recruited from the multi-section departmental introductory public speaking course. Virtual reality (VR) as a potential form of II treatment for PSA blurs the reality between imagined and actual interactions. This study utilized a sequential explanatory approach to examine inferential and descriptive findings. The inferential investigation employed a four-stage design requiring participants to complete pre-test PSA and post-test assessments before and after VR simulations, exploring II functions and attributions. The follow-up descriptive analysis expanded and generated new understanding for the complexities of II through participants’ experiences using directed content analysis. Utilizing VR as an extension of IIs highlighted the rehearsal function, and variations in attributions for discrepancy and specificity between VR realism and artificial simulated perceptions. The implications suggest that VR provides students in public speaking environments a treatment mechanism that minimizes the cognitive strain to imagine the scene and setting of the situation, while simultaneously providing assistance in PSA reduction.