I Think You Know Who I Am: Bloggers' Perceived Identifiability

Abstract

Bloggers who conduct relational communication via their public posts on the Web have to make decisions regarding the degree to which they would like to reveal their real-world identity. On the one hand, disclosing identity related information online can be risky. On the other hand, being identifiable is essential for positive relational communication. This study explored factors influencing bloggers’ decision of identity disclosure. Data were collected via an online survey of 148 randomly selected bloggers. Results showed that self disclosure tendency and targeting blogs at family and close friends were positive predictors to bloggers’ perceived identifiability. In addition, extraversion was found to moderate the relationship between bloggers’ perceived vulnerability and identifiability.