Social Presence Theory

Social presence theory refers to the degree to which a person feels acknowledged and connected in a communication environment. In simpler terms, it measures how "real" someone feels in a conversation, especially in digital settings like online chats or video calls. High social presence means participants feel close and engaged, enhancing communication quality. Conversely, low social presence can lead to feelings of isolation or misunderstanding. This theory is important in areas like education and online interactions, where fostering a sense of presence can improve learning and collaboration.