10.4.3

Self Disclosure in Online Relationships

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Joinson (2001) - Self Disclosure in Online Relationships

Joinson (2001) compared the amount of self-disclosure in computer mediated communication (CMC) to face to face communication. It is assumed that self-disclosure is higher in CMC.

Research method

Research method

  • Three separate studies.
  • In study 1, the amount of self-disclosure was compared in a face-to-face discussion and CMC.
  • In study 2, visual anonymity (e.g. no video camera) was compared to CMC with a video camera.
  • In study 3, private and public self-awareness were independently manipulated using videoconferencing cameras and accountability cues to create a 2x2 design - public self-awareness (high and low) x private self-awareness (high and low).
Research results & conclusion

Research results & conclusion

  • Results
    • In study 1, there was more self-disclosure in CMC compared to face-to-face discussions.
    • In study 2, visually anonymous participants disclosed more.
    • In study 3, heightened private self-awareness, when combined with reduced public self-awareness, was associated with significantly higher levels of spontaneous self-disclosure during computer-mediated communication.
  • Conclusion
    • Self-disclosure is higher in CMC and this is encouraged by the relative anonymity of CMC.
Evaluation

Evaluation

  • Strengths
    • Control.
    • Easy to replicate.
  • Limitations
    • Social desirability.
    • Demand characteristics.
    • Ecological validity (do participants act differently in the real world).
Jump to other topics
1

Social Influence

2

Memory

3

Attachment

4

(2026 Exams) Psychopathology

5

(2027 Exams) Clinical Psychology & Mental Health

6

Approaches in Psychology

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Biopsychology

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Research Methods

8.1

Research Methods

8.2

Scientific Processes

8.3

Data Handling & Analysis

8.4

Inferential Testing

9

Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

10

Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10.1

Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)

10.2

Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)

10.3

(2026 Exams) Relationships: Virtual (A2 only)

10.4

(2027 Exams) Relationships: Online (A2 only)

11

Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

12

Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

13

Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

14

Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

15

Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

16

Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

17

Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

18

Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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