Question 1

Throughout history, which factor has remained a powerful predictor of relationship formation and maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Proximity has been consistently identified as a powerful predictor of relationship formation and maintenance because being physically close to someone increases the likelihood of interaction and connection, leading to stronger relationships.

Question 2

Any type of communication occurring via a technological channel is a form of __________ communication.

Accepted Answer

Mediated communication refers to any form of communication that is facilitated by a medium, such as the internet, television, or radio, rather than occurring face-to-face.

Question 3

Which is an example of mediated communication AND social media?

Accepted Answer

Tweeting is an example of both mediated communication, as it involves using a medium (Twitter) to send messages, and social media, as Twitter is a platform for social interaction and sharing content.

Question 4

Which series of communication channels is arranged from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

Mediated communication is a broad category that includes any form of communication involving a medium, such as digital platforms. Social media is a subset of mediated communication, encompassing platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. Instagram is an example of a specific social media platform, making it the smallest in scope among the options listed.

Question 5

Technology works best to connect us with others when it's used as a __________ for face-to-face communication.

Accepted Answer

Technology enhances our ability to connect with others when it complements, rather than replaces, direct interpersonal interactions, hence "supplement" is the correct term.

Question 6

You spend all your free time on Instagram and Facebook while neglecting meaningful face-to-face interaction with friends and family. You have become caught up in a cycle of __________ that leaves you feeling isolated.

Accepted Answer

Alienation is the correct term as it refers to the feeling of being isolated or estranged from others, which fits the context of neglecting face-to-face interactions due to excessive use of social media.

Question 7

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between loneliness and online social interaction?

Accepted Answer

The relationship between loneliness and online social interaction is complex and bidirectional. Some studies suggest that loneliness can drive people towards online social interactions as a form of compensation, while others indicate that excessive use of online platforms for socializing can lead to feelings of loneliness, making it difficult to definitively state the direction of causality.

Question 8

Your local barista recommends a new Thai restaurant that just opened down the street. This exchange demonstrates the usefulness of __________ in relationships.

Accepted Answer

Weak ties, such as acquaintances or casual social connections, can provide valuable information and opportunities that strong ties (close friends and family) might not offer. In this scenario, the barista, likely a weak tie, provides a recommendation for a new restaurant, showcasing the utility of such connections in broadening one's access to information and resources.

Question 9

Despite weekly lunches, you feel that you and a close friend are drifting apart. So, in addition to texting and posting on her Facebook wall, you decide to phone and email her occasionally. This behavior is consistent with which theory?

Accepted Answer

Media multiplexity theory suggests that strong relationships are characterized by communication through multiple channels. By adding phone calls and emails to texting and social media interactions, you are increasing the multiplexity of your communication with your friend, which is consistent with the theory's predictions for maintaining or strengthening relationships.

Question 10

Which condition expressed as an acronym drives smartphone users to stay up late checking their phones?

Accepted Answer

FOMO stands for "Fear Of Missing Out," which is a common reason why people might stay up late checking their phones, as they worry about missing out on important news or social interactions.

Question 11

A member of Generation Z, Kristen dates, sleeps, and hangs out with friends less than her mother did when she was a teen. According to research on trends in technology use, which device is most likely to blame?

Accepted Answer

Smartphones are most likely to blame for the change in social behaviors among Generation Z, including dating, sleeping, and hanging out less. This is because smartphones provide access to social media, games, and other online activities that can replace traditional social interactions and disrupt sleep patterns.

Question 12

Your best friend seems depressed. To improve her wellbeing, you recommend which change in her social media use?

Accepted Answer

Communicating with extended family online can provide a sense of belonging and support, which is beneficial for someone experiencing depression. It helps maintain connections with loved ones, which can improve emotional well-being.

Question 13

Which term refers to how individuals use mediated communication to reach large audiences in ways that forge and sustain personal connections?

Accepted Answer

Masspersonal communication refers to the phenomenon where individuals use media (social media platforms, blogs, etc.) to communicate messages that have the potential to reach large audiences but are crafted in a way that feels personal and direct to each member of the audience. This approach blends the mass communication's wide reach with the personal touch of interpersonal communication.

Question 14

Your close friend sends you an email about a personal problem. You put off responding until you feel it's too late to write him back. Which rule of interpersonal communication have you ignored?

Accepted Answer

By delaying your response to your friend's personal problem, you've ignored the principle of showing mutual awareness and obligation in interpersonal communication. This rule emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the other person's needs and feelings, and in this context, it would mean responding in a timely manner to show support and understanding.

Question 15

Which factor characterizes masspersonal communication?

Accepted Answer

Masspersonal communication is characterized by the potential to reach a large audience, distinguishing it from interpersonal communication, which is more focused on one-on-one or small group interactions.

Question 16

Both mediated interpersonal communication and masspersonal communication are about you. In other words, they both involve __________.

Accepted Answer

Mediated interpersonal communication and masspersonal communication both involve personal content, as they are centered around the individual's experiences, thoughts, or feelings, whether shared in a one-on-one setting or broadcast to a wider audience.

Question 17

Most social media users are aware of approximately how many people in their audience?

Accepted Answer

Most social media users are aware of about 25 percent of their audience, indicating a general awareness of a quarter of the people who view their content or interact with them online.

Question 18

Which is the best example of masspersonal communication?

Accepted Answer

Masspersonal communication refers to messages that are crafted for a broad audience but also have personal relevance or are shared in a personal context. A Facebook post seeking a roommate in Denver with a specific interest in dogs is a prime example, as it targets a wide audience on a public platform while addressing a personal need or situation.

Question 19

Sharing __________ updates is a useful tool for maintaining relationships within your larger network.

Accepted Answer

Masspersonal communication combines elements of both mass and interpersonal communication, making it a suitable choice for sharing updates to maintain relationships within a larger network.

Question 20

You follow others on Facebook and Instagram, but you never Like, comment, or post. In other words, you prefer __________.

Accepted Answer

Lurking refers to the activity of following others on social media platforms without engaging in interactions such as liking, commenting, or posting.

Quiz 2: Mediated Interpersonal Communication