Effects of self-disclosure on relational intimacy in Facebook

The present study examined the association between self-disclosure and intimacy in the context of Facebook. As the antecedents of self-disclosure, the study included the need for affiliation and the motivations for relationship maintenance and initiation. Using data from an online survey (N = 249), structural equation modeling analyses revealed that self-disclosure amount and positivity were positively associated with intimacy, while self-disclosure honesty and intent were not associated with intimacy. The study also found no direct association between the need for affiliation and self-disclosure. Rather, the need for affiliation was associated with the motivations for relationship maintenance and initiation, which in turn affected self-disclosure and intimacy. The theoretical implications of the study were discussed.

► This study examined the relation between self-disclosure and intimacy in Facebook. ► Self-disclosure amount and positivity were positively associated with intimacy. ► Self-disclosure honesty and intent were not associated with intimacy. ► The motivations for relationship maintenance and initiation affected intimacy.