Reflecting on Connecting: Meta-Analysis of Differences Between Computer-Mediated and Face-to-Face Self-Disclosure

Self-disclosure is a key concept in computer-mediated communication (CMC) theory and research, but disagreement exists about the impact of CMC, relative to face-to-face (FtF) communication, on self-disclosure. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies comparing self-disclosure in CMC and FtF communication to summarize and clarify existing research. We also examined potential moderators of this difference—measure of self-disclosure, study design (survey or experiment), interaction context (task or social), type of CMC (text-based or video-based), and interaction length. Overall, self-disclosure was higher in FtF communication than in CMC. Measure of self-disclosure, study design, and type of CMC moderated this difference. Findings suggest mixed support for predictions derived from key CMC theories and a need for CMC theory to more explicitly address self-disclosure.