Internet forewarning effects on ratings of attraction

Abstract

This study investigates interpersonal attraction and the use of forewarning messages on the Internet. Male and female participants observed four photographs of the opposite sex on-line. Half of the participants were given a forewarning about the use of deception on the Internet before they rated the person depicted in the target photo. The control group was not exposed to the forewarning but instead read a general statement describing the Internet. Participants rated the photos for attractiveness, how likely they would be to engage in an on-line conversation with the person in the photo, and how likely they would be to accept a date with the person in the photo. The target photo's attractiveness and socioeconomic status were varied. The results indicated that a forewarning message might induce cautiousness among those using the Internet. Experimental group participants rated target photos as less attractive compared to those who were not shown a forewarning message, and were less likely to want to converse with or date the people depicted in the on-line photos. The implications of these findings in regard to Internet social behavior are discussed.