Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Integrating Computerized Linguistic and Social Network Analyses to Capture Addiction Recovery Capital in an Online Community
Published on: May 31, 2019
Just between us: Exclusive communications in online social networks
Jordan Carpenter1, Melanie Green2, Jeff Laflam3
1a Duke University.
Abstract:
Social media websites such as Facebook are used for relationship development and maintenance often through self-disclosure and sharing of personal information. However, not all forms of social media communication may be equally suitable for this task. This paper explores users' norms about the appropriateness of using private vs. public Facebook messages to communicate different kinds of personal information, and the effectiveness of these types of communication in building relationships. Study 1, a survey, revealed that users endorse conflicting expectations about preferences for receiving information publicly or privately. Study 2, a field experiment testing the effects of private versus public Facebook communications on actual relationship development using participants' own Facebook pages, suggested that private messages lead to greater closeness.
Related Concept Videos
Social Foundations of Self IV: Self in Digital Communication
Communication
Communication
Social Exchange Theory
Social Proof
Social Scripts

