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1	Beyond Cyberpessimism and Cyberoptimism: The Dual Nature of Social Network Site Interaction. Makely, Jeremy David 07 May 2011 (has links) (PDF) This thesis applies methodological and micro-sociological insights derived from the pioneering social psychologist Georg Simmel (1858-1918) to the contemporary social media platform, Facebook. In opposition to previously-reported one-sided, polarized analyses (i.e. either/or, pessimistic or optimistic), this study suggests a more nuanced judgment: interaction viewed as social exchange reveals that individuality is often promoted though can occasionally be hindered; while most exchanges are ill-suited for sustaining interpersonal value, they ironically facilitate enhanced trust; and finally, the unique structure of site-based exchange generally facilitates rather than undercuts constructive conflict. cyberoptimism cyberpessimism sociological theory Simmel social network sites Facebook Communication Communication Technology and New Media Social and Behavioral Sciences Social Psychology and Interaction Sociology