Abstract
Existing theories yield competing predictions regarding personality perception accuracy in face-to-face versus videoconferencing. While cue-reduction frameworks suggest videoconferencing deceases accuracy, social presence perspectives argue decreased constraints facilitate self-expression, leaving the impact of videoconferencing unresolved. This study examined personality perception accuracy following face-to-face and videoconferencing interactions. Previously unacquainted participants (N = 168; 40 videoconferencing and 44 face-to-face dyads) engaged in 40-minute interaction. Pre- and post-interaction Big Five self- and partner-ratings were analyzed via the Social Accuracy Model, partitioning accuracy into distinctive and normative components and controlling for assumed similarity. Results demonstrated that videoconferencing neither impaired nor enhanced distinctive personality accuracy relative to face-to-face. Trait-level analyses revealed only extraversion exhibited significant distinctive accuracy across both formats. These findings indicate perceptual accuracy is driven less by communication modality and more by diagnostic behavioral cues and trait observability.