Difference of Self-disclosure on Social Media Users with Anonymous and Non-anonymous Identity

Abstract

Social networks facilitate individuals to express personal opinions and feelings through status, photos/videos, or comments called self-disclosure. Users also have the freedom of choice to use both anonymous and non-anonymous identities on their accounts so that any information disclosed has minimal consequences and risks. The purpose of this research is to determine the differences of self-disclosure on social network users with anonymous and non-anonymous identities using quantitative approach with comparative research method. A total of 150 social network users with anonymous identities and 150 users with non-anonymous identity (N=300) aged 18-34 years were sampled and selected using non-probability sampling method through purposive sampling technique. The research data were collected using the Revised Self-Disclosure Scale (RSDS) developed by Wheeless in 1978. The result of the analysis using independent sample t-test showed p=0,034 (p<0,05), so it can be concluded that there is the differences of self-disclosure on social media users with anonymous and non-anonymous identities, in which anonymous identity users more disclose than non-anonymous identity users and female subjects with anonymous identity have higher self-disclosure than males. In addition, younger social network users reveal more personal information than older users.