The role of online communication to adolescents’ friendship quality, self-disclosure, and self-esteem

Abstract

The development of online communication has changed the ways people communicate. Today’s generation of adolescents grew up with these technologies and are among the extensive users (Shapiro & Margolin, 2014). Although justifications have been laid on adolescents’ regular use, there is minimum understanding towards the values and capabilities of online communication to this age group (Poole & Peyton, 2013). This study examined the possible positive outcome of online communication towards adolescents’ friendship quality. A self-report questionnaire which is a combination of three existing measures was used to examine the ways participants use online communication. The Network of Relationship Inventory (NRI) by Furman & Buhrmester (1985) was used to measure online communication and friendship quality. Supporting Questions were asked to help understand the relationship. The self- Disclosure Index developed by Miller, Berg & Archer (1983) was used to measure the extent of disclosure. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was used to evaluate individual self-esteem. The result showed a significant relationship between the frequency of use of online communication and friendship quality subscales support and satisfaction. However, an insignificant result was shown in subscale conflict. A significant result was shown on disclosure and friendship quality and weak significance on disclosure and self-esteem. The relationship between online communication and self-esteem showed an insignificant result. The findings that online communication positively impacts support and satisfaction is a good start for understanding the adolescents’ consistent use of online communication. Limitations of the study and future directions are discussed.