Sharing, Caring, and Surveilling: An Actor–Partner Interdependence Model Examination of Facebook Relational Maintenance Strategies

Abstract

Relational maintenance is connected to high quality friendships. Friendship maintenance behaviors may occur online via social networking sites. This study utilized an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model to examine how Facebook maintenance and surveillance affect friendship quality. Bryant and Marmo's (2012) Facebook maintenance scale was evaluated, revealing two factors: sharing and caring. Facebook surveillance was also measured. For friendship satisfaction and liking, significant positive actor and partner effects emerged for caring; significant negative actor, partner, and interaction effects emerged for sharing; and significant positive actor effects emerged for surveillance. For friendship closeness, significant positive actor effects emerged for caring and surveillance.

Machiavellianism and romantic relationship dissolution

“…The use of distant / mediated communication in particular is consistent with the emotionally detached interpersonal style displayed by those high on Machiavellianism and research indicating that Machiavellianism influences behaviour online (Abell, & Brewer, 2014). Though previous research has documented the manner in which digital technologies may both support relationship maintenance (McEwan, 2013;Papp, Danielewicz, & Cayemberg, 2012) and lead to relationship conflict (Fox, Osborn, & Warber, 2014) few studies have considered the direct role of these technologies in romantic relationship break ups. Future research should further investigate the use of these technologies and in particular the use of both private (e.g., messaging to instigate a break up) and public (e.g.…”

The dark side of social networking sites: An exploration of the relational and psychological stressors associated with Facebook use and affordances

“…Although considerable research has focused on the benefits of using SNSs such as increased social capital, social support, and relationship maintenance (e.g., Ellison, Steinfield, & Lampe, 2007;McEwan, 2013;Nabi, Prestin, & So, 2013), fewer studies have examined the nature of negative outcomes for adult users. Given that users expect positive outcomes and often visit SNSs for relaxation, entertainment, or social connection (Ku, Chu, & Tseng, 2013;Park, Kee, & Valenzuela, 2009), users may not anticipate negative experiences or interactions, making them more potent or hurtful.…”

Development and Validation of a Facebook Relational Maintenance Measure

“…Previous research has shown relationships at varying levels of closeness use similar maintenance strategies (Canary et al, 1993), however closer relationships enact them more frequently. This effect has been established in both offline (Canary et al, 1993;McEwan & Guerrero, 2012;Oswald & Clark, 2003;Oswald, Clark, & Kelly, 2004) and online McEwan, 2013) maintenance studies. Thus, we retained items participants reported actually using, considered to be useful for relational maintenance, and showed the relationship with closeness associated with relational maintenance behaviors.…”

“…Facebook to maintain relationships Craig & Wright, 2012;Dainton, 2013;Ellison et al, 2013;Houser et al, 2012;Ledbetter, 2010;McEwan, 2013;Walther & Ramirez, 2009 Items from Ellison, Steinfield, & Lampe (2011) Browse this person's profile.…”

“…Communication via Facebook is particularly well suited to the maintenance of friendships (Bryant & Marmo, 2012;Houser et al, 2012;McEwan, 2013). The most frequent communication on Facebook occurs amongst friends, as opposed to significant others and family members (Houser et al, 2012).…”