Unwillingness-to-communicate, perceptions of the Internet and self-disclosure in ICQ

Abstract

This exploratory research examined the ICQ usage pattern among a group of 591 Internet users, aged 15–36, as well as their self-disclosing behaviors in ICQ conversations. It focuses on the effects of unwillingness-to-communicate and media perceptions of the Internet on self-disclosure in ICQ in terms of control of depth, honesty, positive–negative, and amount. The results show that both the unwillingness-to-communicate and Internet perceptions are not related to level of ICQ use. However, Approach-Avoidance (UCS-AA) and Reward (UCS-R) dimensions of unwillingness-to-communicate were found to be significantly related to different self-disclosure dimensions. People who are more willing to participate in real life communication tend to disclose more intimately, positively, and to a greater extent about themselves in ICQ; whereas, people who find real life communication un-rewarding would tend to be more dishonest, negative, less desirable, and less open in disclosing their opinions and beliefs. In addition, when the Internet is perceived as a sociable medium, the disclosures on ICQ tend to be open, personal, intimate, honest, and focus to a greater extent on their negative feelings and opinions. Similarly, when people perceive the Internet as a personalized medium, disclosures will be more about themselves. Furthermore, when the Internet is perceived as sensitive, warm, and active, the disclosures appear more private and intimate but the contents are more negative and undesirable.