Abstract
Most research on the effects of disclosure on close relationships have been done using offline
disclosure. However, disclosure done online has disparate features and thus its effects
on relationships may also differ. In five studies and using primes emulating Facebook timelines
and messages, we compared the effects of disclosure depth on intimacy and satisfaction
in online vs. offline contexts, in romantic vs. friend relationships, and with differing
content (self- vs. partner-focused). After demonstrating consistent differences, we examined
one mechanism that accounted for the differential effects of online vs. offline disclosure
in romantic relationships: perceived inclusivity of the recipients. Results revealed that
greater disclosure was associated with higher relational intimacy and satisfaction when
done offline (Studies 1 and 4), and lower intimacy and satisfaction when done online (Studies
1–4), in both the discloser (Study 1) and his or her partner (Studies 2–4). The negative
association between online disclosure and intimacy was present in romantic relationships,
but not in friendships (Study 1). Importantly, this effect only appeared when perceived inclusivity
of recipients was high (Study 4). Focusing the online disclosure content on the partner/
relationship dissipated its negative effects (Study 5). Together, these studies extend further
knowledge on how the effects of disclosure are contextualized, and suggest that disclosure
done publicly online may be detrimental to romantic relationships.