The Hyperperception Model: Which Facebook Friends Inspire Jealousy & Uncertainty

The hyperperception model was used to derive hypotheses concerning the processes by which people experience romantic jealousy because of their observation of their romantic partners on Facebook. Issues concerning active versus passive observation, personally unknown versus known potential rivals, and relational uncertainty variables were considered. A survey of undergraduates and community members was conducted to test these hypotheses. The data were generally consistent with the hypotheses and the utility of the hyperperception model for understanding the effects of observing romantic partners' interactions on Facebook.