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Article
Shyness and Online Social Networking Services
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
  • Levi Baker, Marquette University
  • Debra Oswald, Marquette University
Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
16 p.
Publication Date
11-1-2010
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Original Item ID
doi: 10.1177/0265407510375261
Disciplines
Abstract

Online social networking services are Internet websites that allow individuals to learn about and communicate with others. This study investigated the association between use of these websites and friendship quality for individuals varying in shyness. Participants (N = 241) completed questionnaires assessing their use of Facebook, an online social networking service, shyness, perceived available social support, loneliness, and friendship quality. Results indicated an interaction between shyness and Facebook usage, such that individuals high in shyness (when compared to less shy individuals) reported stronger associations between Facebook use and friendship quality. Facebook use, however, was unrelated to loneliness among highly shy individuals. Therefore, online social networking services may provide a comfortable environment within which shy individuals can interact with others.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Volume 27, No. 7 (November 2010): 873-889, DOI. © 2010 SAGE Publications. Used with permission.

Citation Information
Levi Baker and Debra Oswald. "Shyness and Online Social Networking Services" Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (2010) ISSN: 0265-4075
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/debra-oswald/12/