Self Disclosure in Online Relationships
Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 9.3.3
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
- 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
- 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
- Strengths
- Control.
- Easy to replicate.
- Limitations
- Social desirability.
- Demand characteristics.
- Ecological validity (do participants act differently in the real world).
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