Absence of Gating	Absence of gating refers to the way that virtual relationships are relatively anonymous. People are unable to use physical features such as attractiveness or age when considering whether or not they wish to form a relationship with someone else online. Therefore, the 'gates', which are potential barriers that might limit the opportunities for shy or less attractive individuals, are removed (absent} online.
Absorption Addiction Model	The Absorption Addiction Model was proposed by McCutcheon et al. (2002} and suggests that people pursue parasocial relationships due to deficits within their real life. Relationships with celebrities are seen as an attempt to cope with or escape from reality. People may follow celebrities to gain a sense of personal identity and achieve a sense of fulfilment.
Attachment Theory: Parasocial Relationships	The attachment theory of parasocial relationships suggests that some people are more likely to form parasocial relationships due to their attachment style. Cole and Leets (1999} found that individuals with an insecure-resistant attachment style were more likely to engage in para social relationships with their favourite TV personality, and insecure avoidant individuals were less likely to engage in parasocial relationships.
Comparison with Alternatives	Comparison with alternatives is part of Rusbult's investment model of relationships. Rusbult proposed that if there is a more attractive alternative (e.g. being alone or with another possible partner}, then an individual might end their current relationship. However, if a better alternative is not available, then they may remain in their current relationship.
Complementarity	Complementarity is a factor which affects attraction in romantic relationships. It is also referred to as 'complementarity of needs' and is the final stage of filter theory, ft refers to how well two people fit together (complement one another) and meet each other's needs. For example, young women may feel attracted to older men who have more economic resources and can provide for them. In return, the older men are able logo out with a younger woman, which demonstrates their virility in attracting such a good 'catch'.
Duck's Phase Model	Duck's phase model fs a model of relationship breakdown that suggests that breakdown occurs in a series of steps or phases; intra-psychic, dyadic, social, and grave-dressing.
Dyadic	The dyadic phase is the second phase In Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown, and ft is where a person who is unhappy in their relationship confronts their partner and explains why they are dissatisfied. This phase may also involve feelings of anger and guilt.
Equity Theory	Equity theory is a theory of romantic relationships proposed by Hatfield et al., who view it as an extension of social exchange theory, it suggests

	people are content in their relationship if the benefits are roughly equal to the costs. Relationships that lack equity (where someone is putting in more than they are getting out of it) are more likely to be associated with dissatisfaction.
Evolutionary Explanations: Partner Preferences	Evolutionary explanations for partner preferences focus on sexual selection as the driving force of human reproductive behaviour, as those who manage to reproduce successfully will pass on their genes. Sexual selection operates in two main ways: i) intra-sexual selection, where members of one sex have to compete with other members of their sex in order to gain mates and reproduce; 2) intersexual selection, where members of one sex evolve with preferences for particular characteristics in the opposite sex, because these characteristics will increase the chance of passing on genes. For example, mates will be attracted to females who display signs of fertility and females will be attracted to males who can provide resources and protection.
Filter Theory	Filter theory is an explanation of attraction proposed by Kerch off and Davies (1962). This theory suggests that people develop relationships by applying a series of filters, such as similarity of social demographic factors and attitudes and complementarity of needs to narrow down the pool of available candidates.
Gating	In face-to-face relationships, individuals rely on easily discernible physical features such as attractiveness or age to help them decide who would be a suitable partner. These features are referred to as 'gates' and often prevent those who are less attractive or socially skilled from forming relationships. Because virtual relationships are relatively anonymous there is often an absence of gating in these relationships
Grave Dressing	Grave-dressing is the final phase in Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown and takes place when a person who has left their relationship attempts to Justify their actions. This is often because they are attempting to present themselves in a positive light in order to attract a new partner.
Human Reproductive Behaviour	Human reproductive behaviour Is a term used by evolutionary psychologists to refer to the different behaviours that humans exhibit in order to increase their reproductive success. Examples include competing with other members of the same sex for access to the best possible mate (intra-sexual competition), and selecting the best possible mate from the opposite sex (inter- sexual competition).
Intra-Psychic	The intra-psychic phase is the first phase in Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown. This is where a person starts to feel dissatisfied and under-benefited in their relationship, but they don't say anything to their partner.
Investment	Investment refers to anything that a person has put into a relationship that would be lost if they left the relationship. This can include possessions, children, time and even emotional energy.

Levels of Parasocial Relationships	Giles and Maltby (2 DOG) identified three levels of parasocial relationships that a person might have with a celebrity. The first level is the entertainment-social level, where the person keeps up with their celebrity and finds out information about them for the purpose of entertainment. The second level is the intense-personal levels where the person has intensive feelings for the celebrity and might appear obsessed. The third level is borderline-pat ho logical and this is where the person has overidentified with the celebrity and their fantasies and behaviour may have become uncontrollable; their absorption is more like an addiction.
Matching Hypothesis	The matching hypothesis is a theory of interpersonal attract ion which argues that relationships are formed between two people who are equal or very similar in terms of social desirability. This Is often examined in the form of level of physical attraction. The theory suggests that people assess their own value and then make 'realistic choices" by selecting the best available potential partners who are also likely to share this same level of attraction.
Parasocial Relationships	Parasocial relationships are one-sided, interpersonal relationships in which an individual knows a great deal about another person (usually a celebrity), while the other person is unaware of their existence. The most common form of such parasocial relationships is between a fan and a celebrity.
Physical Attractiveness	Physical attractiveness is a key factor that influences attraction in romantic relationships. Evolutionary theorists claim that men are more likely to value physical attractiveness as important, as it is a cue that a female is healthy and able to reproduce.
Rusbult's Investment Model of Commitment	Rusbult’s investment model of commitment is a theory of romantic relationships that was developed to explain why some people might remain in a relationship while others might not. ft is based on four factors; satisfaction, investment, comparison with alternatives, and commitment.
Satisfaction	Satisfaction is one of the factors included in Rus fault's investment model of commitment. It refers to the positive versus negative emotions experienced within a relationship and how much one partner satisfies another partner's needs.
Self-Disclosure	Self-disclosure is a factor affecting attraction in romantic relationships, ft refers to the sharing of personal information. Greater self-disclosure tends to lead to greater levels of intimacy, and research has found that individuals tend to prefer people who are prepared to disclose intimate details about themselves, compared to those who are unwilling to disclose.
Sexual Selection	According to Charles Darwin, sexual selection is a type of natural selection and competition for mates along with the development of characteristics that aid reproductive success drive evolution. Intra-sexual selection (mate competition) Is one type of sexual selection, where members of the same sex com pet e with one other for members of the opposite sex. Those who 'win' are able to mate and pass on their genes to the next generation. Intersexual selection (mate choice) involves one sex having preferences for members of the opposite sex who possess certain qualities.


Similarity in Attitudes	Similarity in attitudes is a factor affecting attraction in romantic relationships; if two people share similar views and beliefs they will be able to communicate more easily which will help a relationship to form. Similarity of attitudes is the second filter in Kerckhoff and Davises filter theory of attraction, and they found similarity of attitudes to be important at the beginning of a relationship and a good predictor of whether a relationship is likely to become stable. They also found that people with dissimilar attitudes are more likely to be filtered out from the 'field of availables'.
Social Demography	Social demography is the first filter in Kerckhoff and Davis' s filter theory of attraction. Lt refers to variables such as age, social background and proximity (where someone fives in relation to us). People with whom we do not come into contact due to these variables, are 'filtered out' from the 'field of availables'.
Social Exchange Theory	Social exchange theory is a theory of romantic relationships that proposes that individuals initiate and maintain relationships that minimise costs (e.g. effort, time, financial investment) and maximise rewards (e.g. companionship, sex, being cared for). According to social exchange theory, humans are self-centered and not concerned with equality.
Social	The social phase is the third phase in Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown. This is where the person begins to make their dissatisfaction public by telling family and friends about their discontent. These may take sides, offer support or help try and mend the relationship.
Virtual Relationships	Virtual relationships are relationships where people are not physically present but communicate exclusively using online methods such as e-mails, social media, or even by texting.

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