Describe the elements of interpersonal attraction that influence our decision whether or not to develop an interpersonal relationship with another person. How have communication technologies and mobility changed the way these elements function? Reflecting on what you've learned about intergroup contact theory, why might we say it is a good thing that these changes have taken place? Provide a narrative example to illustrate how these factors influenced your choice to form one of your close friendships or romantic relationships.

Question

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The Answer is Ideal answers will identify and discuss proximity, physical attraction, and similarity as important influences on whether we perceive another person to be attractive as a relational partner. Strong answers will also identify how communication technologies and online communication have changed how these three elements influence attraction by de-emphasizing physical appearance, creating virtual proximity, and helping people with uncommon interests find others who are similar to themselves. Additionally, our greater mobility today means most of us will encounter (proximity) greater numbers of people as well as a more diverse group of potential relational partners. This is a good thing, culturally, because intergroup contact theory suggests that interacting with people from different backgrounds helps a person to understand his or her own culture better as well as to be able to understand others better. The examples provided will vary but should reflect an understanding of each attraction element.

Describe the Elements of Interpersonal Attraction That Influence Our Decision