Self-Presentation in Online Personals

The Role of Anticipated Future Interaction, Self-Disclosure, and Perceived Success in Internet Dating

Bibliographic Data

ID23314367
AuthorsJennifer C Gibbs (0000-0003-1346-2960, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey), Jennifer L Gibbs (0000-0003-0101-3519, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey), Nicole B Ellison (0000-0003-2793-4842, Michigan State University), Rebecca D Heino (Georgetown University), Rebecca Heino (Georgetown University)
Year2006
Volume33
Issue2
Pages152-177
Publication date2006-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCommunication Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0093-6502 • E-ISSN: 1552-3810
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0093650205285368
OpenAlexW1969001298
LanguageEN
Citations received179
References cited47

This study investigates self-disclosure in the novel context of online dating relationships. Using a national random sample of Match.com members ( N = 349), the authors tested a model of relational goals, self-disclosure, and perceived success in online dating. The authors’ findings provide support for social penetration theory and the social information processing and hyperpersonal perspectives as well as highlight the positive effect of anticipated future face-to-face interaction on online self-disclosure. The authors find that perceived online dating success is predicted by four dimensions of self-disclosure (honesty, amount, intent, and valence), although honesty has a negative effect. Furthermore, online dating experience is a strong predictor of perceived success in online dating. Additionally, the authors identify predictors of strategic success versus self-presentation success. This research extends existing theory on computer-mediated communication, self-disclosure, and relational success to the increasingly important arena of mixed-mode relationships, in which participants move from mediated to face-to-face communication.

Computer-mediated communication · Context (archaeology) · Honesty · Perception · Presentation (obstetrics) · Self-disclosure · The Internet · Valence (chemistry) · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Computer Science · Digital Marketing and Social Media · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Psychology · Social Psychology

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