Listening and responsiveness in getting-acquainted processes

• Published in: Current opinion in psychology 2023-08, Vol.52, p.101645, Article 101645
• Main Author: Sprecher, Susan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2352-250X; 2352-250X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101645

Listening and being responsive to another's turns at disclosure are essential processes that occur at all stages of a relationship, including and perhaps particularly at the formation stage. This article discusses research on the role of responsiveness and listening in contributing to positive outcomes from getting-acquainted interactions. Integral to listening and responsiveness in the getting-acquainted process is asking questions, which is also discussed in this article. Because getting-acquainted interactions can occur in different communication modalities and also with artificial intelligence (AI), variation in the degree to which listening and responsiveness occur as a function of the context will be considered. Although listening skills and responsiveness are desired in a romantic partner, these skills are difficult to assess in online profiles and dating apps, which have become common ways for meeting partners. •Listening to and being responsive to another’s disclosures are important for the getting-acquainted stage of relationships.•Good question-asking leads to listening and being perceived as responsive.•The processes of listening and being responsive can vary across communication modalities.•People may interact with artificial intelligence (IA), which can also vary in perceived responsiveness.•Responsiveness/listening skills are desired in a romantic partner, although are difficult to assess in online profiles.