Date of Award

1-1-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Carolyn Cunningham

Second Advisor

Dr. Pavel Shlossberg

Abstract

This research identified patterns of self-disclosure in the online social network Facebook. The purpose was to test hypothesized relationships between individuals that use Facebook to build relationships through self-disclosure and how this positively affects their self-esteem. One of the most important purposes of this study is understanding Social Penetration Theory and the relation to Facebook and increasing self-esteem. This study used both a survey and a focus group which asked participants to disclose ifthey use social media to build relationships. Eighty one percent ofthe participants who responded to the survey, reported that they agree or strongly agree that they feel good when they self-disclose on Facebook. The 15 participants of the focus group discussed that self-disclosing on Facebook had a positive effect on self-esteem. The conclusion discusses why respondents, and people who use social media, experience this positive effect on self-esteem.

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