ABSTRACT
The goal of this study was to assess whether the utilization of Facebook.com independently affects interpersonal relationship closeness and psychosocial well-being. Communication apprehension and personality type were the primary variables tested. Facebook is a social networking website that has become a ubiquitous facet of contemporary communication. The rapid growth and utilization of the medium along with increasing rates of depression and loneliness have targeted Facebook as a possible scapegoat for increasing social isolation, depression, and other poor psychosocial well-being outcomes. Various hypotheses have been proposed concerning Facebook’s effect on interpersonal communication and mental health, and are examined individually. From the literature review, several research questions and hypotheses were proposed. Cross-sectional data was collected using an IRB-approved survey instrument testing for personality type, communication apprehension, Facebook utilization, mental health, and relationship closeness. There were 156 participants and data was analyzed using IBM SPSS data analysis software. No direct statistically significant correlation between independent Facebook use and mental health was supported. Facebook was utilized primarily by extraverts, and in accordance with the Stimulation and Social Enhancement Hypotheses, a correlation was observed between Facebook utilization and enhanced relationship closeness. Communication apprehension was also correlated with poor mental health outcomes and certain personality types. Although Facebook may not independently be a causal factor for poor psychosocial well-being outcomes, it may be an enabling or reinforcing factor if employed by individuals expressing communication apprehension characteristics. Facebook may further enhance relationship closeness, especially when utilized by extraverts.
Keywords: Facebook, Mental health, Communication apprehension, Relational closeness.