Putting their best foot forward: emotional disclosure on Facebook

Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2012 Oct;15(10):569-72. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2012.0200. Epub 2012 Aug 27.

Abstract

Facebook has become a widely used online self-representation and communication platform. In this research, we focus on emotional disclosure on Facebook. We conducted two studies, and results from both self-report and observer rating show that individuals are more likely to express positive relative to negative emotions and present better emotional well-being on Facebook than in real life. Our study is the first to demonstrate impression management on Facebook through emotional disclosure. We discuss important theoretical and practical implications of our study.

MeSH terms

  • Communication
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Friends / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Self Disclosure*
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Media*
  • Social Support
  • Young Adult