social information processing theory definition
Social information processing theory (SIP) is an interpersonal communication theory developed by Joseph Walther in 1992 explaining how people get to know one another online, without nonverbal cues, and how they develop and manage relationships in the computer-mediated environment. Viral marketing occurs largely through CMC interpersonal influence, most commonly through online social networks. 2  Social information-processing theory views the social network as âan important source of information and cues for behavior and action for individualsâ.