The Influence of Computer-Mediated Communication Apprehension on Motives for Facebook Use

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of computer-mediated communication apprehension on motives for using the interactive features on Facebook. An online survey was completed by 417 undergraduate students. Guided by uses and gratifications theory, communication apprehension in a computer-mediated context was found to be inversely related to interpersonal, self-expression, entertainment, and passing time motives for using Facebook. This study also investigated how Facebook motives predict the use of its interactive features. Interpersonal communication, self-expression, and entertainment motives all significantly predicted use of interactive features on Facebook. Notes 1Communication apprehension is a negative trait in American culture, as the trait could complicate one's aspirations for social desirability (e.g., CitationLevine & McCroskey, 1990).