Distance, Gaze and the Intimacy Equilibrium Model in Audio/Video-Mediated and Face-to-Face Dyads

Abstract

This experiment, from 1976 but until now unpublished, focused on the Argyle-Dean Intimacy Equilibrium Model, to consider gaze and social distance in face-to-face and audio/video-mediated dyads. It was found that, during audio/video-mediated interaction, communicators did not experience the anticipated degree of interpersonal remoteness or separation. What was expected to act as a technological barrier appeared to affect social influence but not interpersonal or informational communication. Under audio/video-mediated (teleconference) conditions, potential negative consequences of excessive intimacy (especially interpersonal assertiveness or dominance) appeared less salient, while certain positive effects remained unchanged. Consequently, subjects in the audio/video-mediated conditions liked each other to a greater degree, enjoyed the experiment to a greater extent, and perceived greater "closeness" than did subjects in face-to-face conditions. The levels of intra-dyadic gaze, which were significantly higher in the audio/video-mediated dyads, may have led to increased perceived intimacy between communicators.