Facebook and MySpace: complement or substitute for face-to-face interaction?

Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2011 Jan-Feb;14(1-2):75-8. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2009.0311. Epub 2010 Jun 24.

Abstract

Previous studies have claimed that social-networking sites are used as a substitute for face-to-face interaction, resulting in deteriorating relationship quality and decreased intimacy among its users. The present study hypothesized that this type of communication is not a substitute for face-to-face interaction; rather, that it is an extension of communication with face-to-face partners. A survey was administered to examine the use of Facebook and MySpace in this regard among 183 college students. The study confirmed that Facebook and MySpace do act as an extension of face-to-face interaction, but that some users do tend to rely on Facebook and MySpace for interpersonal communication more than face-to-face interaction.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Communication
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Social Behavior*
  • Young Adult