Real or ersatz? Determinants of benefits and costs of online social interactions

This chapter describes two theories that address the nature and potential outcomes of mediated interactions. Ersatz (“substitute”) social engagement theory classifies social activities on a continuum from ersatz to “real,” with real social activities involving less mediation, a higher number of sensory channels, and a stronger degree of emotional connection. Real social activities show more positive outcomes. The second theory, the perceived reality of online interactions (PROI), posits that individuals’ perceptions of the potential benefits on online interactions may play a key role in determining the actual benefits of such interactions. To examine the question of how ersatz social engagement theory can broaden the understanding of the consequences of online social interaction, it is helpful to examine how online social activity fits the definition of an ersatz social activity and its established consequences in comparison to those predicted for an ersatz social activity.