Document Type

Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1089/cyber.2009.0173

Journal Title

Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking

Publication Date

6-17-2010

Abstract

Social support provided by interpersonal relationships is one of the most robust correlates of well-being. Self-disclosure serves as a basic building block of these relationships. With the rapid growth of the internet in recent years, the question remains how self-disclosure, and subsequently relationships and well-being, differ when people communicate over the internet rather than in person. The purpose of this article is to describe current internet usage patterns as well as explore the association of internet usage and well-being. Additionally, it directly compares the perceived benefits of face-to-face communication and computer mediated communication. A questionnaire was administered to 99 undergraduates to measure internet usage patterns, communication partners, self-disclosure, extraversion, and subjective well-being. Although internet communication was found to be common, individuals perceived computer mediated communication to be less useful than face-to-face communication. In addition, increased internet usage was associated with decreased well-being. Implications are discussed in terms of a new internet paradox in which people increasingly use the internet for communication although they perceive it to be less beneficial than face-to-face interactions and it is associated with reduced well-being.

Publisher Statement

Authors may archive their preprint manuscripts (version prior to peer review) at any time without restrictions. Authors may archive their postprint manuscripts (accepted version after peer review) in institutional repositories, preprint servers, and research networks after a 12 month embargo. The 12 month embargo period begins when the article is published online.

Final publication is available from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2009.0173

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