What are the differences between face-to-face and computer-mediated social support?

Abstract

Previous studies of face-to-face (FTF) social support have shown that support experiences entail a cost for recipients with high self-esteem and such findings corroborate with Fisher’s threat-to-self-esteem model. However, recent studies of computer-mediated communication (CMC) or the Internet support groups have emphasized that CMC support can be an advantageous for which individuals could seek and experience support without worrying about one’s self-image. In this light, could the threat-to-self-esteem dilemma be documented only in FTF support but not in CMC support interactions? Could people report less negative impacts of experiencing social support via CMC than FTF interactions? Sixty-two undergraduate students were recruited for a quasi-experiment to explore these unresolved issues. Each participant completed a set of questionnaires, reported a recent stressful encounter, and recalled either a FTF or CMC support interaction corresponding to the reported stressor. Afterward, they completed another set of questionnaires including self evaluation measures and demographic information. To investigate the differences in participants’ subjective evaluation of themselves between FTF and CMC support interactions, four independent sample t-tests were carried out. For participants with low self-esteem (n = 27), the results showed no statistical significant differences between the FTF and CMC support interactions in any criterion variables. However, for participants with high self-esteem (n = 35), there were significant differences in self consciousness and social comparison between two conditions. Participant who recalled a FTF support act significantly reported higher levels of concern in one’s public self-image and experienced higher levels of unfavorable social comparison than their counterparts who recalled a CMC support interaction. Preliminary analyses indicate that there are substantial differences between FTF and CMC support and individuals with high self-esteem are more likely to benefit from CMC support.