Trusting strangers: The benefits of reciprocal self‐disclosure during online computer‐mediated communication and mediating role of interpersonal liking

Abstract

Reciprocal self‐disclosure has reportedly been associated with increased interpersonal trust. However, existing research mainly focuses on online disclosure between acquaintances and overlooks the types of reciprocal disclosure, especially in the initial interactions between strangers communicating online. This study aimed to investigate how three types of reciprocal self‐disclosure (turn‐taking reciprocity, extended reciprocity and non‐reciprocity) contribute to trust and the mechanism of positive interpersonal liking, and whether any effect was instant and stable or increased across two interactions during computer‐mediated communication (CMC). Participants were assigned to one of the three reciprocal disclosure conditions and engaged in online interactions. Self‐reported and behavioural results demonstrated higher levels of interpersonal trust and liking in the second interaction phase than in the first across all conditions. The turn‐taking reciprocity condition showed higher interpersonal trust than did the extended condition, and higher interpersonal liking than did the extended and non‐reciprocity conditions; this effect was apparent in both interactions. These findings help us understand the relationship between online self‐disclosure and interpersonal trust, suggesting that certain patterns of communication with strangers (e.g., turn‐taking reciprocity) may foster more positive social outcomes during CMC over time, while demonstrating the importance of immediacy in synchronous conversations.