https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3256-843X
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ABSTRACT
Although presumed to be a means of maintaining relationships, there is limited empirical evidence whether relationships are actually maintained over time by Facebook-enabled communication. Drawing on communicate bond belong theory, we focus on the most common Facebook friends: weak ties. Adult (N = 174) participants completed three waves of data collection each a month apart, reporting on three non-kin relationships: one with routine Facebook communication, one without routine Facebook communication, and one maintained on other modalities outside Facebook. Latent growth curve analyses suggest although relationships differ in mean closeness, uniqueness, and commitment, Facebook-enabled communication was not associated with relational change. Results suggest the frequency of Facebook-enabled communication reflects relationship closeness but does not influence change in closeness over three months.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Data availability statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author (NP), upon reasonable request.
Notes on contributors
Natalie Pennington (PhD, University of Kansas) is an assistant professor of Communication Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Pennington's research focuses primarily on the role of communication technology within interpersonal relationships.
Jeffrey A. Hall (PhD, University of Southern California) is a professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas. His work focuses on the interplay between online and offline relationships, theories of social interaction, and mobile and social media.