Growing closer on facebook: changes in tie strength through social network site use

Reviewer: Sandhya Jane

Burke and Kraut have undertaken this research to broadly examine the development of interpersonal relationships based on interaction over social networking sites (such as Facebook) with friends. It also seeks to explore the impact such sites have on relationships offline through a sample survey of 3,649 Facebook users with 26,134 friends. The primary intent behind this research is to understand if these sites have any adverse impact on existing relationships or simply replace them with newfangled, virtual friendships. The effects are measured through types and intensity of communication in social networking jargon such as likes, comments, and posts. The survey was conducted to understand the strength of relationships based on communication, frequency, and relationship types. This strength was measured and compared with traditional communication methods such as intimacy, exchanges off of social networks over phone, e-mail, and so on, and types of relationships (friends, colleagues, and so on). The survey analyzed behavioral log data by examining users direct communication, broadcasting, and passive consumption. A few examples are provided on their positive impact in cementing old relationships that were seemingly jeopardized, as well as building new relationships with strangers via Facebook who later became familiar entities after a personal meeting. The study concludes with the types of Facebook interactions that are positive and build bonds among virtual or real friends over a period of time. Although the strength increases with broadcasting, more strength is provided by direct and composed communication. However, the study does not include following criteria: 1. On a negative note: Friendships may turn bitter following unpleasant arguments over deep-rooted religious or political affiliations or views. 2. On a positive note: The study doesnt include relationships developed with unknown like-minded users promoting the same cause. Online Computing Reviews Service

Reviewer: Cathryn Peoples

Relationships, measured in the strength of a tie between people, can be characterized according to interactions, and are dependent on what, why, and how we communicate, and the frequency of communication activities. Given the rise in new technologies, and dependencies on these to support day-to-day life, communications are changing in each aspect; we can therefore assume that our relationships are similarly changing. In their work, Burke and Kraut consider the occurrence and impact of this in relation to people "growing closer on Facebook." The how is therefore a particularly interesting metric in this respect, and the investigation examines how the way we communicate using Facebook affects relationship strength. Strength in this work is dependent on interaction with Facebook's built-in features, such as its "like" option, wall posts, and status or photograph comments. Research for the paper is based on data collected both from Facebook servers and survey participants. Disappointingly, a number of the conclusions drawn are predictable. The authors conclude that Facebook improves tie strength in both kin and non-kin relationships. In non-kin relationships, the how of Facebook is particularly important: "one click" actions are inadequate and may negatively impact relationships, while tie strength increases through "directed" one-to-one communication and, to a reduced degree, passive consumption of wall content. Facebook does not improve tie strength between next of kin, but can change perceptions between family members. While the data and analysis in this work therefore verify the impact we might imagine of Facebook, little new insight is provided. Online Computing Reviews Service