Information Sharing and Relationships on Social Networking Sites
Publication: Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking
Volume 16, Issue Number 8
Abstract
This article investigates the relationship between sharing personal information and relationship development in the context of social networking sites (SNSs). Information disclosed on these sites could affect relationships in a different manner compared to more traditional interactions, such as instant messaging or face-to-face interaction. Respondents in the age range of 12 to 83 were surveyed about experiences of relationship development as a consequence of contact through Facebook or Hyves—the most popular Dutch SNSs. Results showed a primarily positive effect of information sharing on SNSs on our relationships. Furthermore, relationship development mainly occurs among acquaintances and friends, and public posts are most strongly related to relationship development. These findings suggest that SNSs might affect relationships in a distinct fashion as acquaintances and friends gain access to public self-disclosures that might normally only be reserved for close friends and family. Overall, this study provides an insight into some of the positive aspects of the public nature of SNSs in contrast with the general negative associations.
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Published In

Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking
Volume 16 • Issue Number 8 • August 2013
Pages: 582 - 587
PubMed: 23659723
Copyright
Copyright 2013, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
History
Published online: 17 August 2013
Published in print: August 2013
Published ahead of print: 9 May 2013
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No competing financial interests exist.
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