Social Presence Theory
Social Presence Theory suggests that communication media vary in their ability to convey social presence, which is the feeling of being with another person. Higher social presence enhances interpersonal interactions, making them feel more personal and engaging. This theory is often applied in contexts like online learning and virtual communication, where the effectiveness of interaction can depend on the medium used.
The theory categorizes communication tools based on their ability to transmit social cues. For example, face-to-face interactions have the highest social presence, while text-based communication, such as emails or messages, has lower social presence. Understanding this theory helps improve the design of communication platforms, such as video conferencing tools and online classrooms.