Uncertainty Reduction Theory proposes that when people meet, they aim to reduce uncertainty about each other through passive, active, and interactive means. There are three stages - entry, personal, and exit - where different information is learned. Seven factors affect the process. While over 20 years old, URT can apply to online interactions. Critics argue it is too narrow and question if uncertainty is the main driver of initial interactions.

1. Uncertainty Reduction Theory (also known as URT) Marisa Markwardt

2. The Main Idea: When you meet someone, you want to reduce your uncertainty about them.

3. Sometimes, we go about this in a passive way. This means we are just making observations, like watching what they do.

4. Sometimes we go about this in an active way, like asking others about the person. Kanucka: What do you know about Dr. Wolfe? Do you know what kind of music he likes? He posted a picture of the lead singer of Phish, so he must like rock music.

5. We can also do this in an interactive way, like talking to the person to get to know them better.

6. 3 Stages of the Process: In the entry stage , we are meeting the person. This is when biographic and demographic information is most important.

7. In the personal stage , we learn about the person’s beliefs, morals, attitudes, and values.

8. In the exit stage , it is determined whether the two people will meet again and will continue a relationship.

9. There are also 7 factors that affect this process :

10. URT is a theory of interpersonal communication, used to explain initial interactions between people and how relationships develop from that interaction.

11. Though this theory is over 20 years old, it can be applied to many situations… long distance relationships online dating social networking websites premarital romantic relationships

12. Critics say the theory is too narrow and biased. They also question the main premise that uncertainty is the driving force of interaction.

13. Fun Fact! (Presenter’s Choice)  This is Charles Berger . He is one of the two guys who developed URT. He has a B.S. in Psychology. Then he got a master’s degree in communication after that. This sounds like someone else I know…me !