The Effects of Facebook Communication on Social Penetration Theory
Abstract
The Effects of Facebook Communication on Social Penetration Theory
This paper examines a possible study to measure how CMC -- specifically Facebook communication -- is changing and evolving social penetration theory (Altman & Taylor, 1973). More specifically, the surveys are designed to determine if self-disclosure is happening more quickly in Facebook relationships. Altman and Taylor examine the stages of self-disclosure in social penetration theory and this study will determine if the lines between those stages are being blurred -- and therefore causing individuals to self-disclose more quickly and reveal more breadth and depth of information at earlier stages of the relationship.
Introduction
Facebook has over 900 million users and they are all sharing information in ways that just did not exist 10 years ago. Users having the ability to share large amounts of information about themselves on profiles and chat easily with friends through Facebook’s chat interface has made obtaining information on others incredibly easy. Much easier than it used to be.
Social Penetration Theory (Altman and Taylor, 1973)
Social Penetration Theory states that self-disclosure usually increases gradually as people develop their relationships. It suggests that self-disclosure can be conceptualized in terms of three dimensions: depth, breadth, and frequency. It is commonly referred to using the onion metaphor. As the frequency of communication and self-disclosure increases, the layers get thicker and closer to the core -- or more meaningful or intimate in a relationship sense. Initial interactions in an interpersonal setting will typically only involve communication about frivolous matters. As interactions increase, so does the depth of the subject-matters discussed (Guerrero, Andersen, Afifi, 91).
Self-disclosure
Self-disclosure occurs when people reveal something about themselves to others (Guerrero, Andersen, Afifi, 91). Self-disclosure ranges from
The Effects of Facebook Communication on Social Penetration Theory
This paper examines a possible study to measure how CMC -- specifically Facebook communication -- is changing and evolving social penetration theory (Altman & Taylor, 1973). More specifically, the surveys are designed to determine if self-disclosure is happening more quickly in Facebook relationships. Altman and Taylor examine the stages of self-disclosure in social penetration theory and this study will determine if the lines between those stages are being blurred -- and therefore causing individuals to self-disclose more quickly and reveal more breadth and depth of information at earlier stages of the relationship.
Introduction
Facebook has over 900 million users and they are all sharing information in ways that just did not exist 10 years ago. Users having the ability to share large amounts of information about themselves on profiles and chat easily with friends through Facebook’s chat interface has made obtaining information on others incredibly easy. Much easier than it used to be.
Social Penetration Theory (Altman and Taylor, 1973)
Social Penetration Theory states that self-disclosure usually increases gradually as people develop their relationships. It suggests that self-disclosure can be conceptualized in terms of three dimensions: depth, breadth, and frequency. It is commonly referred to using the onion metaphor. As the frequency of communication and self-disclosure increases, the layers get thicker and closer to the core -- or more meaningful or intimate in a relationship sense. Initial interactions in an interpersonal setting will typically only involve communication about frivolous matters. As interactions increase, so does the depth of the subject-matters discussed (Guerrero, Andersen, Afifi, 91).
Self-disclosure
Self-disclosure occurs when people reveal something about themselves to others (Guerrero, Andersen, Afifi, 91). Self-disclosure ranges from
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