A Study Of Negative Feeects SNS Have On Interpersonal Communication

SNS, the acronym of Social Network Service, is a typical representative of Web2.0, a new Internet age, and a great invention after the blog application. The maturity of network, camera, and cell phone technology is the prerequisite of SNS popularity. The successful word of mouth communication and virus marketing help promote SNS application among net users. The fact that Netizens on SNS could better actualize their grass value is another factor that makes SNS becomes increasingly popular.However, with the convenience SNS serves, it has negative effect on interpersonal communication as well. This thesis applies questionnaire survey, a quantitative research method to a relatively small group of people. The result of the survey uncovers the problems SNS users have on personal information control and interpersonal relationship management. In addition, the author also uses observer-as-participant method to have the firsthand experience, feeling and observation of the restrictions SNS have on interpersonal communication.Main research areas of the Drama Theory of Erving Goffman is how people control personal information outlets during interpersonal communication, in order to protect self disadvantage information and maintain personal image. The theory has great research value on interpersonal communication field. According to the Drama Theory and the research outcome, the thesis concludes: (1) SNS users have less effective control over their personal information, which leads to privacy disclosure; (2) The confusion of roles and indistinct line between performance team on SNS make the impression communication management harder for SNS users; (3) SNS only satisfies minority's performing demand, while meets majority bystanders'peeking desire.This thesis argues that so as to overcome the existing and potential negative effects, SNS should give back users more freedom and power to manage personal information, and let users have more initiatives.