This paper addresses the role of self-disclosure in Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC). While traditional research has been primarily centered on the task-related and the depersonalized function of CMC, little has been devoted to the socioemotional...
This paper addresses the role of self-disclosure in Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC). While traditional research has been primarily centered on the task-related and the depersonalized function of CMC, little has been devoted to the socioemotional-related function of CMC. This paper outlines a basic framework of social penetration theory, applies this framework to CMC, and examines how users communicate personal feelings and thoughts about themselves with regard to self-disclosure via the verbal message. From this initial overview, the implications for future study of CMC is discussed.