The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects and the nature of online self-disclosure in the context of gay online personals. A sample of gay online personals with corresponding respondent feedback were recorded and analyzed using computer-assisted content analysis and standard statistical methodology. A coding procedure for visual content, Pearson and Spearman correlations, as well as CATPAC content analysis were used to interpret data. Results indicate online self-disclosure is a weak but significant predictor of online liking and online social interaction. Author literacy also predicted verbal online self-disclosure. Results were discussed in relation to social penetration and uncertainty reduction theories of interpersonal communication. It was concluded that hyper-personal communication occurs (Walther) in the context of gay, online personals.
展开▼
