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6.4: Self-Disclosure and Interpersonal Communication

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    Self-disclosure is important and appropriate if you want closer friendships. “Self-disclosure is the process of deliberately revealing information about oneself that is significant and that would normally not be known by others” (Adler et al., 2019, p. 98). It is also important if you want your friends to have empathy or if you want to understand one another better. “Self-disclosure is appealing partly because people enjoy a sense of similarity” (Adler et al., 2019, p. 111). For example, when it is revealed that you have similarities such as feeling nervous when in the house alone, failing the same class in college, liking the same type of food, a genre of music, etc. you feel a sense of relief that you are not alone and happy that you can discuss this topic with someone who is more likely not to judge you. This type of communication can make you feel closer and more comfortable.

    Self-disclosure can be fulfilling. Talking about your life experiences and being vulnerable with someone can enhance interpersonal communication and relationships. A model that represents how self-disclosure operates is the Johari Window. Click on and look at the two YouTube links about the Johari Window model:

        

    If you want to earn extra credit, let me know which one you like the best and why by posting your response in Canvas under the Discussion Board.

    The Johari Window model can be used to help people better understand their relationships both with themselves and with others. Now, look at these three questions and respond the questions in Canvas under the Discussion Boards area. By the date posted in your syllabus. Here are the questions:

    1.      What are the four quadrants of the Johari Window?

    2.      How do you use the Johari Window for self-awareness?

    3.      What are the benefits of the Johari Window?

    The model is one way you can improve self-awareness, understanding, and mutual trust in relationships. You may also become more comfortable self-disclosing over time, after learning more about how self-disclosing can enhance your communication skills and relationships.

    Let’s go back to the DM example because online communication (Facebook, WhatsApp, email, etc.) is all very popular and many of us have participated in online communication.  “Early definitions of interpersonal communication specified that it had to take place in person” (Adler et al., 2019, p. 101). It is safe to say that “Times have changed. Today, virtually nobody disputes the idea that interpersonal communication can occur, via email, messaging, video chats, and other social media” (Adler et al., 2019, p. 101). Think about the number of people you know or have heard about who have met online, fell in love online, and eventually became partners and still have loving relationships. Now, let’s keep it real. Interpersonal communication online has its advantages and disadvantages.

    Online communication helps individuals stay associated. Online communication can feel less threatening and help quiet people build closer relationships. “One appealing quality of online communication is its potential to convey social support. Posting the A+ you earned in English is likely to be rewarded almost instantly with “likes” and congratulation” (Adler et al., 2019, p. 96). Online communication can also give you more time to think about what you want to say without people visually being able to see you think. It also can give a person time to write and rewrite their thoughts before communicating. 

    On the flip side, the same DM post mentioned above can get comments like “So what you earned an A+! This statement can also be coupled with a middle finger emoji. You just never know the mental state of the person on the other end of their electronics. In addition, online communication can cause mental stress and become what some say is “just too much.”

    Let’s not forget how online communication can be distracting. There are professors who include in their syllabi the consequences of students disrupting classes by communicating online with their cell phones while professors are facilitating learning. Also, relationships are being ruined due to using technology too much: using cell phones when eating dinner and or responding to emails while on vacation. “Excessive use of online communication, as when you interrupt a conversation to respond to a trivial text, can diminish in-person relationships” (Adler et al., 2019, p. 102). Therefore, it is important to think about both the advantages and disadvantages of online communication.

    After reading this chapter, you can see that interpersonal communication can be intricate. It is a process by which individuals can exchange messages verbally and nonverbally and these messages can be face-to-face and online. It is important to study, learn and apply interpersonal communication skills because it can help you express your views and convey your intent and message(s) clearly.

     

    Adler, R. B., Rodman, G. R., & DuPré, A. (2019). Essential Communication. Oxford University

    Press.

    This page titled 6.4: Self-Disclosure and Interpersonal Communication is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Anonymous via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.