The growing web of influence of social networking sites on interpersonal relationships

Abstract

In every person there is an innate need to interact, communicate, and form relationships with others. Due to the increase in Computer-Mediated-Communication, the world has now become an increasingly networked place and it is now possible to connect with people through various systems, both online and offline. Recently there has been a dramatic increase in the presence and use of Social Networking Sites (SNSs) which has undoubtedly had an effect on the way people communicate. Whilst most research has focused on SNSs user characteristics, very few has actually studied the relationship between SNS use and interpersonal relationships. As a greater percentage of communication moves online, quite a few questions have been raised regarding how these new technologies influence and impact traditional interpersonal relationships. Will this result in the strengthening or weakening of relationships? Will these new technologies alter the meaning of what constitutes a friend? This research aims to answer these questions and explore the effects of using SNSs (namely facebook.com) on interpersonal relationships. Students from the University of Malta completed an online questionnaire focusing on Facebook usage, face-to-face communication, and online & offline relationships. Results showed that using Facebook does have an effect on interpersonal relationships, usually by strengthening them and by allowing the formation of weak ties. Gender and personality of the SNS user may also influence what effects the site has on interpersonal relationships.