Reflecting on Connecting: Meta‐Analysis of Differences Between Computer‐Mediated and Face‐to‐Face Self‐Disclosure |
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| Authors: | Erin K. Ruppel Clare Gross Arrington Stoll Brittnie S. Peck Mike Allen Sang‐Yeon Kim |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Communication, University of Wisconsin‐Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201;2. Department of Communication Arts and Sciences, Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, OH 44017 |
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| Abstract: | Self‐disclosure is a key concept in computer‐mediated communication (CMC) theory and research, but disagreement exists about the impact of CMC, relative to face‐to‐face (FtF) communication, on self‐disclosure. We conducted a meta‐analysis of studies comparing self‐disclosure in CMC and FtF communication to summarize and clarify existing research. We also examined potential moderators of this difference—measure of self‐disclosure, study design (survey or experiment), interaction context (task or social), type of CMC (text‐based or video‐based), and interaction length. Overall, self‐disclosure was higher in FtF communication than in CMC. Measure of self‐disclosure, study design, and type of CMC moderated this difference. Findings suggest mixed support for predictions derived from key CMC theories and a need for CMC theory to more explicitly address self‐disclosure. |
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| Keywords: | Self‐disclosure Computer‐mediated Communication Meta‐analysis Social Presence Theory Social Information Processing Theory Hyperpersonal Theory |
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