Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
08:53
Integrating Computerized Linguistic and Social Network Analyses to Capture Addiction Recovery Capital in an Online Community
Published on: May 31, 2019
Information sharing and relationships on social networking sites
Wouter M P Steijn1, Alexander P Schouten
1Tilburg Institute of Law, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands. w.m.p.steijn@uvt.nl
Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking
|May 11, 2013
Summary
Sharing personal information on social networking sites (SNSs) positively impacts relationship development, especially among acquaintances and friends through public posts. This highlights a distinct, beneficial aspect of SNSs.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Communication Studies
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Social networking sites (SNSs) offer unique platforms for information sharing.
- The impact of SNS information disclosure on relationship development differs from traditional interactions.
- General perceptions of SNSs often focus on negative associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between personal information sharing on SNSs and relationship development.
- To compare the effects of SNS interactions with traditional communication methods.
- To explore the role of different types of SNS disclosures in relationship progression.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to a diverse age range (12-83 years).
- Data collected on relationship development experiences via popular Dutch SNSs (Facebook, Hyves).
- Analysis focused on the correlation between information sharing and relationship changes.
Main Results:
- Information sharing on SNSs generally has a positive effect on relationships.
- Relationship development primarily occurs between acquaintances and friends.
- Public posts on SNSs show the strongest association with relationship development.
Conclusions:
- SNSs facilitate relationship development by enabling public self-disclosures to a wider network.
- The public nature of SNSs can foster relationship growth among acquaintances and friends.
- This study underscores the positive contributions of SNSs to interpersonal connections, countering negative stereotypes.
Related Concept Videos
02:12Relationship Formation
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
01:27Relationship Growth
Interpersonal relationships progress through stages, beginning with awareness and moving toward mutuality, where emotional connections deepen. While many relationships remain at moderate levels of mutuality, deeper connections form through self-disclosure, trust, and interdependence.Self-DisclosureSelf-disclosure involves revealing personal information, starting with surface-level details and gradually progressing to more intimate content. As trust grows, individuals feel more comfortable...
01:29Processes of Self-Presentation
Effective self-presentation is a central component of social interaction and identity construction. It relies on the dynamic processes of defining the situation and engaging in self-disclosure. These mechanisms help individuals navigate social context expectations and manage how others perceive them, fostering mutual understanding and relationship development.Defining the SituationSocial situations are shaped by collectively understood frames—a set of widely understood rules or conventions...
01:26Social Exchange Theory
As formulated by John Thibaut and Harold Kelley, Social Exchange Theory explains human relationships as economic-like exchanges that maximize rewards and minimize costs. This theory suggests that individuals engage in relationships to gain benefits and reduce burdens, similar to economic transactions. It has been widely applied to various types of relationships, including romantic, professional, and social interactions.Rewards and Costs in RelationshipsRelationship rewards include emotional...
02:06Social Exchange Theory
We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
01:30Social Relationships and Well-Being
The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...