Online versus face-to-face conversation: An examination of relational and discourse variables

Sixty-four undergraduate students who did not previously know each other were placed in 32 pairs and randomly assigned to a conversation with a partner in either a face-to-face setting or an Internet chat program. Emotional understanding, self-disclosure, closeness, and depth of processing were measured. The findings indicate that the face-to-face group felt more satisfied with the experience and experienced a higher degree of closeness and self-disclosure with their partner. There were no significant differences between groups in regard to the level of emotional understanding of their partner, although the face-to-face group reported higher levels of positive and negative affect. No significant differences were found in depth of processing during the follow-up phone call. The implications for online counseling are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: journal abstract)