Hyperpersonal Model (CMC)
Hyperpersonal Model (Computer‑Mediated Communication)
The hyperpersonal model explains why intimacy can grow faster online than face‑to‑face: reduced cues, selective self‑presentation, idealised attributions, and feedback loops can amplify connection—useful and risky in LDRs.
Why it matters for LDRs
- Text/DMs can feel unusually intense; partners curate selves and fill gaps with generous assumptions.
- Modality switching (chat → call → in‑person) often disrupts idealisation; expect turbulence at reunions.
Writing Tips
- Show crafted messages (edited pauses, emoji timing) versus messy live calls.
- Use perspective shifts to reveal how each partner idealises the other.
- Let feedback loops escalate desire (bold replies invite bolder confessions).
Example
"He typed, deleted, typed again. Her three dots pulsed—then a confession that made him see the version of himself she believed in." Why it works: Highlights selective self‑presentation and attribution.