UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Pictures (and Posts) Are Worth a Thousand Words: A Survey of How Uncertainty

Reduction Strategies Vary on Different Social Media Platforms

Isabella Lozano

COM 225: Interpersonal Communication

Davidson College

December 4, 2020
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 1

Pictures (and Posts) Are Worth A Thousand Words: A Survey of How Uncertainty

Reduction Strategies Vary on Different Social Media Platforms

There are over 3.8 billion active social media users in the world today, according to

Hootsuite’s January 2020 global report (p. 3). The prevalence of social media is moving many

face-to-face interactions to online. As social media is becoming more ingrained in how

individuals interact, people are increasingly using it to learn more about others. This paper

examines how women utilize uncertainty reduction strategies on different social media

platforms. The three general groups of uncertainty reduction strategies are active, passive, and

interactive. Scholars have previously produced research on how the uncertainty reduction theory

applies to specific social media outlets such as Facebook or Twitter. However, scholars have not

done research directly comparing how uncertainty reduction strategies are used across different

platforms.

It is essential to study this topic because people are regularly using social media to reduce

uncertainty. Social media is a place for individuals to express themselves, making these online

platforms optimal for others to gain information about someone. Further knowledge of how

people tend to use uncertainty reduction strategies on the different platforms will enhance

individuals’ understanding of their own social media usage. Additionally, this research will give

insight into why specific platforms evoke certain strategies over others, contributing to people’s

overall understanding of social media.

I will study this topic by surveying college-aged females on how they use social media to

reduce uncertainty and how their strategies vary among the different platforms. I am particularly

interested in looking at females because women have historically “been more avid users of social

media than men,” according to Pew Research Center surveys (Anderson 2015). From 2009 to
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 2

2018, women have held the majority of social media users compared to men (2019).

Additionally, the Pew Research Center found that 18 to 29-year-old individuals use social

networking sites the most from 2006 to 2018 (2019).

Due to their prevalence among college students, I will focus on four popular social media

platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. With the survey results, I will analyze

the participant’s responses and apply the uncertainty reduction theory. I will mainly focus on

their responses regarding the specific actions they take on social media platforms when

attempting to reduce uncertainty about someone. Then I will categorize these actions into the

classes of uncertainty reduction strategies, active, passive, and interactive, to see if there are

themes among the different social media platforms. With this information, I will compare the

platforms and infer why some platforms may evoke certain uncertainty reduction strategies over

others.

The uncertainty reduction theory offers a way of understanding individuals’ interactions

with one another. While this theory’s creators originally intended to explain in-person

interactions, its application has evolved to include online interactions. It is important to study this

method because society has evolved to more online interaction over recent years. Due to social

media platforms’ fundamental differences, college-aged females use uncertainty reduction

strategies differently based on the platform. In the following sections of this paper, I will present

a literature review about the uncertainty reduction theory. Then I will introduce the method that I

used to garner this research, analyze how the survey answers reflect the uncertainty reduction

theory, and then conclude by comparing the use of uncertainty reduction strategies on the

different social media platforms.

UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 3

Literature Review

General Understanding

The uncertainty reduction theory is one of the major theories in interpersonal

communication. This theory works to explain the communication process and strategies that

occur “to reduce uncertainty regarding other human beings” (Wernecke, 2017). According to this

theory, individuals are “uncomfortable with uncertainty” and will attempt to reduce this by

gaining more knowledge about another individual (Wernecke, 2017). This knowledge will aid in

predicting future social interactions. An essential aspect of this theory is the notion that people

are motivated by uncertainty “to increase the predictability” of their partners’ and their own

communication behaviors (“Uncertainty Reduction Theory,” 2020). Uncertainty reduction can be

applied in two ways: proactive and retroactive. Proactive uncertainty reduction is “focused on

explaining future experiences,” while retroactive is “focused on… past experiences”

(“Uncertainty Reduction Theory,” 2020). When this theory was introduced, it was intended to

apply to initial interactions with strangers. As the theory developed over the years, it evolved to

apply to many types of interactions.

Historical Narrative

The original premise of uncertainty reduction theory was introduced by Charles Berger

and Richard Calabrese in 1975. Berger and Calabrese presented this theory as a set of axioms

and theorems that propose “a set of research priorities for studying the development of

interpersonal relationships” (Berger & Calabrese, 1975, p. 99). Their original intention was to

explain the “communication process that occurs when two strangers interact” for the first time

(Redmond, 2015, p. 2). Berger and Calabrese posited that initial interactions with strangers cause

uncertainty because the situation is unpredictable. As the interaction proceeds, we gain more
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 4

information, which Berger and Calabrese observed “reduces our uncertainties” (Redmond, 2015,

p. 2). Since its introduction, the uncertainty reduction theory has expanded and evolved. In 1979,

Berger formed three broad categories of communication strategies utilized to reduce uncertainty

(p. 122-144). These classes include passive strategies, active strategies, and interactive strategies.

The theory has also evolved to include interactions in established relationships where

“stressful periods of uncertainty” occur (Redmond, 2015, p. 2). This change occurred because

scholars realized that initial interactions with strangers are not the only context where uncertainty

occurs. In 1982, Berger worked with James Bradac (1982) to expand the theories’ application to

include pre-existing relationships that are ongoing and relationships that have ended. This

application shows that uncertainty can occur in any stage of a relationship. Furthermore, scholars

continued to apply this theory to other situations such as intercultural interactions (Gudykunst,

1995), communication in organizational settings (Kramer, 2004), and romantic relationships

(Parks & Adelman, 1983). While exploring the correlation between uncertainty and romantic

relationships, Parks & Adelman also added an axiom to the theory linking uncertainty and

“shared communication networks” (Knobloch, 2008, p. 3). Berger and Calabrese laid the

foundation for future scholars to expand, revise, and challenge the uncertainty reduction theory,

and it is still being applied today.

Key Elements

Eight axioms of human behavior guide the uncertainty reduction theory. Berger and

Calabrese introduced the first seven axioms in the original premise, and Parks and Adelman

added an eighth a few years later. These axioms are “self-evident truths” that work to predict

“the process of reducing uncertainty” (Dainton et al., 2019, p. 40). They include statements

regarding “factors that lead to feelings of uncertainty,” how uncertainty affects interactions, and
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 5

how reducing uncertainty affects interactions (Knobloch, 2008, p. 9). Uncertainty reduction

theory pairs these axioms together to develop theorems “or predictions of covariations between

variables” (Knobloch, 2008, p. 3). When the two axioms paired together are valid, the theorem is

correct (Knobloch, 2008, p. 9). The theorems have been tested over time, giving this theory

“scholarly credence” (Dainton et al., 2019, p. 40).

In this theory’s original premise, Berger and Calabrese defined uncertainty as “having a

number of possible alternative predictions or explanations” (Redmond, 2015, p. 4). The more

possible predictions there are in an interaction, the more uncertainty exists. There are two types

of uncertainty within the uncertainty reduction theory that can occur while communicating with

another person. First, cognitive uncertainty occurs when individuals experience doubts “about

their own beliefs and the beliefs of others” (Knobloch, 2008, p. 2). On the other hand, behavioral

uncertainty is the “questions individuals have about their own actions and the actions of others”

(Knobloch, 2008, p. 2).

Berger also outlined three antecedent conditions that enhance individuals’ desire to

reduce uncertainty. One of these conditions is the anticipation of future interaction. During such

interactions, individuals are “motivated to reduce uncertainty” with someone that they are “likely

to see again” (Dainton et al., 2019, p. 40). Another condition is incentive value, which suggests

that when a person is communicating with someone who “has the potential to provide you with

rewards or even punishments,” they will have a desire to learn more about them (Dainton et al.,

2019, p. 40). Lastly, deviance motivates people to reduce uncertainty because if a person violates

your expectations, they will be more intrigued to learn about that individual (Dainton et al.,

2019, p. 40).
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 6

As mentioned before, there are three strategies commonly used when seeking information

and reducing uncertainty. One type of strategy is passive, which concerns observing another

individual and not interacting with them (Knobloch, 2008, p. 4). This can involve watching the

person talk to someone else to see how they act in a social setting. Next, active strategies occur

when “individuals take action to acquire information” about another person while still not

interacting with the person (Knobloch, 2008, p. 4). An example of this is when an individual asks

a mutual friend about a particular person. Finally, interactive strategies occur when an individual

communicates “with the target person” (Knobloch, 2008, p. 4). Such communication may entail

asking questions, offering up information about oneself, and revealing information to see how

others react (Knobloch, 2008, p. 4).

Missing in Research

An area for further research is how uncertainty reduction strategies are used differently

across social media platforms. Today, social media dominates our society, and about “seven-in-

ten Americans use social media,” according to Pew Research Center (2019). People can choose

from a variety of unique social media platforms. Scholars have already applied the uncertainty

reduction theory to social media and the online world in general. For example, Shin, Young, and

Yang (2017) studied the relationship between frequently visited pages and uncertainty reduction

strategies, focusing solely on Facebook. Another scholar, Carr (2016), used the uncertainty

reduction theory to examine how employers view information on applicants’ social media.

However, no research has been done on how uncertainty reduction strategies differ among the

various social media types. Looking at a few platforms, Instagram and Snapchat are photo-based

platforms, while Twitter is microblogging. Therefore, how an individual interacts with another

on these different social media platforms will differ. Research on how uncertainty reduction
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 7

strategies vary across the various platforms would enhance our understanding of social media

interactions in general.

Method

Participants

Participants in this study included 53 female college students between the ages of 18 and

22. Participants included students from Davidson College, Western Carolina University,

Belmont Abbey, Auburn University, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Slippery Rock

University. Participants were recruited through e-mail and message groups with college-aged

females. All of the participants in this survey were volunteers. All met my criteria, which were

females in college who actively use social media.

Materials

An anonymous online-based survey was designed using Google Forms. The purpose of

this study was explained at the beginning of the survey. The survey contained 11 questions that

pertained to their use of social media in general to reduce uncertainty, the use of specific

platforms, and their specific actions taken on each platform when reducing uncertainty. The

format of these questions were multiple-choice, short answers, or select all that apply (see

Appendix C). Data was collected between November 9, 2020, and November 16, 2020. The

overall response rate of the survey was about 14%.

Procedure

Participants received access to the survey through the Google Forms link sent to them.

They were given as much time as needed to read and complete the survey. All questions were

required for the participants to answer. Once the participants completed the survey, Google

Forms automatically compiled their answers.

UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 8

Analysis

URT and Social Media

The responses about social media use in general to reduce uncertainty illustrates the

uncertainty reduction theory. When asked how often they use social media to find out

information about someone, 51% said frequently, and 43% said very frequently (see Figure A1).

These responses reflect the uncertainty reduction theory’s assertion that people are

uncomfortable with uncertainty. Therefore, individuals are motivated to reduce this uncertainty

by gaining information. With technology at our fingertips, social media provides people with a

place to acquire information and minimize uncertainty whenever they want. The frequency of

social media use when reducing uncertainty also demonstrates that overall, females are avid

social media users.

Next, regarding whom they use social media to reduce uncertainty about, 38% said

friends, 34% said potential romantic partners, 26% said potential friends, and 2% said romantic

partners. This question illustrates the uncertainty reduction theory’s application because it

includes both strangers and pre-existing relationships. Berger and Calabrese originally intended

for the uncertainty reduction theory to explain interactions with strangers. However, as the

theory evolved, its application changed to include all interactions. From the responses, strangers,

potential romantic partners, and potential friends, make up most responses. This alludes to the

idea that there is more uncertainty among strangers, motivating females to spend more time

learning about strangers than pre-existing relationships.

Lastly, when asked if participants find it easier to interact with someone after finding

information about them on social media, the majority (51%) said yes. According to the

uncertainty reduction theory, gaining more knowledge about a person allows an individual to
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 9

predict future interactions. As a result, uncertainty is reduced, which is why the majority of

participants reported that it is easier to interact with someone after acquiring more knowledge

about them.

URT and Specific Social Media Platforms

The responses regarding specific social media platforms and reducing uncertainty expand

the uncertainty reduction theory. First, understanding platform preferences when trying to

minimize uncertainty gives insight into how people prefer to acquire knowledge about someone.

Out of the four platforms, most participants (90%) reported using Instagram first to reduce

uncertainty about someone. Some reasons for primarily using Instagram were that it is the most

popular platform among college students, has the most information, and is easy to learn about

someone from their pictures. When asked which platform they were least likely to use to reduce

uncertainty, 43% said Twitter, 32% said Snapchat, and 25% said Facebook. Participants reported

that these platforms are not as prevalent when reducing uncertainty because they do not have as

much in-depth information, and they are not used as much. Ultimately, these responses provide

evidence that college females prefer using Instagram when employing uncertainty reduction

strategies and seeking information about people.

Regarding what actions participants take when using each platform to reduce uncertainty,

the results give insight into how uncertainty reduction strategies vary on the different sites,

further expanding the uncertainty reduction theory. In the past, people would gather information

about others by talking to people who knew them. Now that social media exists, people can

unobtrusively judge for themselves by looking at pictures and posts of others. After gathering the

participants’ responses for questions 8-11 (see Appendix C), I grouped the actions on each

platform that were inquired about into the three classes of uncertainty reduction strategies:
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 10

active, passive, and interactive. Then I compiled this data into charts to analyze trends among the

responses (see Appendix B).

First, looking at Instagram, this platform is a photo-based platform where photos and

videos are the main focus, motivating users to post snapshots of their lives. This platform’s

visual and straightforward structure has allowed it to gain popularity, as shown by the

participants’ responses to their social media preferences when reducing uncertainty (see Figure

A3). Concerning the use of Instagram to reduce uncertainty, participants were asked if they look

through their pictures (passive), look through pictures they are tagged in (passive), comment on

their pictures (interactive), message them (interactive), or send a friend request to someone they

are friends with (active). The results showed that the majority of participants (76%) only use

passive strategies (see Figure B1). Following this, 15% reported using a combination of passive

and active strategies, 7% said passive and interactive, and 2% use only active.

Next, Facebook contains visual aspects allowing people to post videos and pictures. In

contrast to Instagram, users can also write posts without pictures that appear on a user’s wall.

The Facebook actions asked about when reducing uncertainty about someone was looking

through their old pictures and posts (passive), looking through the pictures they are tagged in

(passive), commenting on their wall or pictures (interactive), messaging them (interactive), and

sending a friend request to someone they are friends with (active). Like Instagram, most

participants (83%) reported using only passive strategies (see Figure B2). The rest of the

participants reported not using Facebook (7%), using passive and active strategies (4%), passive

and interactive (2%), interactive and active (2%), and active (2%).

Similar to Facebook, Twitter allows users to write posts or post pictures and videos.

However, Twitter is more of a microblogging platform where the majority of tweets are short
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 11

messages without images or videos. Among the participants, this was the least popular platform

when searching for information about someone. The actions asked about on Twitter were looking

through their old tweets and retweets (passive), replying to their tweets (interactive), messaging

them (interactive), and following someone they are friends with (active). Most participants said

they use only passive strategies (77%), followed by 4% using all three strategies, and 2% using

interactive (see Figure B3). The responses showed this platform was the least popular among the

four platforms, with 17% reporting they do not use it to reduce uncertainty.

Lastly, Snapchat is a messaging app that allows users to communicate through pictures

and messages that disappear from the recipient’s phone after a short time. Snapchat and

Instagram are similar in that they are centered around pictures. Still, Snapchat differs from

Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter because it does not have a feed with posts from followers like

the other platforms do. The actions that participants were asked about using on Snapchat when

reducing uncertainty were looking at their location (passive), sending them a Snapchat

(interactive), sending them a snap text (interactive), and adding someone they are friends with

(active). According to the responses, the most popular strategies used on this platform were

interactive and passive (43%) and interactive (30%) (see Figure B4). Next, 13% use only passive

strategies, 2% use only active, 2% use interactive and active, and 2% use all three strategies. 8%

of participants reported not using Snapchat at all to reduce uncertainty about others.

From these results about what participants do on each platform to reduce uncertainty, it is

evident that the passive strategy is most popular on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. On all

three of these social media platforms, information about users through their past posts are

accessible to followers or the world if the user’s profile is public. This makes passive strategies

an easy and quick way to provide the seeker with new knowledge about others. Additionally,
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 12

compared to the other strategies, such as commenting on the target’s post (interactive) or

following their friend (active), passive strategies on social media are unobtrusive and require less

effort.

The results for reducing uncertainty using Snapchat differed the most from the rest of the

platforms. For this form of social media, the most popular response was both interactive and

passive strategies. This is primarily due to Snapchat being a messaging app centered around

interactions. There are few opportunities for individuals to use passive strategies on Snapchat

besides using the Snap maps feature to see users’ approximate location. Still, some users’ may

choose not to share their location on this application. However, the majority of participants use

passive strategies in combination with interactive strategies, contributing to the popularity of

passive strategies on social media.

A common theme among the strategies used on the different platforms was the lack of

participants using multiple uncertainty reduction strategies on each platform. Most participants

used a combination of strategies on Snapchat at 60% of users. Contrarily, only 22% of

participants used more than one strategy on Instagram, 8% on Facebook, and 4% on Twitter.

Social media provides the possibility of using multiple uncertainty reduction strategies at our

fingertips. However, the lack of participants doing so on most of these platforms alludes to the

desire for quick information with minimal effort. Another trend among the four social media

platforms was the low reported use of active strategies alone. This strategy is not as popular

because when active strategies are used alone, a person is not as likely to get as much

information due to not going directly to the source. Additionally, active strategies require more

effort because the seeker must search for who the target’s friends are and find their accounts.
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 13

Overall, the survey responses about actions that females take on the different platforms

expand the uncertainty reduction theory because it provides an awareness of what platforms

evoke certain uncertainty reduction strategies. Due to the relatively new application of

uncertainty reduction theory to the online world, previous research has not directly compared

how these strategies vary across platforms. This also provides further knowledge of the

uncertainty reduction strategies in general, relevant to today’s context of technology.

Conclusion

As a result of technology’s prevalence today, social media is commonly used as an

avenue to reduce uncertainty about others. College-aged females’ use of uncertainty reduction

strategies varies across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat. This was evident in the

survey responses. The responses showed that the majority of participants regularly use social

media to reduce uncertainty pre-existing relationships and strangers, illustrating the uncertainty

reduction theory. Generally, Instagram was the most popular platform when using social media

to reduce uncertainty, and Twitter was the least popular. Instagram’s popularity was attributed to

its general popularity among college students. Regarding the use of different strategies,

participants most commonly use passive strategies on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. This

contrasted with Snapchat, on which most participants use both interactive and passive strategies.

These differences in strategies are a direct result of the platforms’ structures. Instagram,

Facebook, and Twitter center around a shared feed among followers, while Snapchat is more

messaging focused. Snapchat also proved to be the only platform where most participants

reported using multiple strategies when trying to reduce uncertainty about someone. This points

to individuals’ desire for instant and easy information rather than spending more time using

various uncertainty reduction strategies. These responses surrounding the uncertainty reduction
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 14

theory and the specific platforms expand the understanding of this theory’s strategies, an area

previously lacking research.

People can use this analysis of uncertainty reduction strategies on different social media

platforms to further their knowledge of social media in general. This will contribute to

individuals’ understanding of how social media impacts communication as it continues to

dominate society. This analysis can also be applied to people’s own interactions on social media.

When using social media to reduce uncertainty, individuals may unknowingly choose different

platforms or strategies over others without understanding what may have influenced their

decisions. The findings from this research may help individuals make their uncertainty reduction

strategies more effective.

UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 15

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UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 18

Appendix A

Survey Responses

Figure A1

How often do you use social media to find our more information about someone?

Occasionally
6%

Very Frequently
43%

Frequently
51%
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 19

Figure A2

Who do you usually use social media to find out more information about?

Potential friends
26% Potential romantic
partners
34%

Significant other
2%

Friends
38%

Figure A3

Which platform do you use first when trying to find out more information about someone?

Snapchat
Facebook 6%
4%

Instagram
90%
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 20

Figure A4

Which platform are you least likely to use to find out more information about someone?

Snapchat
32%

Twitter
43%

Facebook
25%

Figure A5

Do you find it easier to interact with someone after finding out information about them on social

media?

Sometimes
40%

Yes
51%

No
9%
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 21

Figure A6

On Instagram, what do you do to try to find out more information about someone? Select all that

apply.

Message them 0

Send a friend requenst to someone they are

9
friends with

Look through pictures they are tagged in 45

Comment on their pictures 4

Look through their pictures 51

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Number of Responses

Figure A7

On Facebook, what do you do to try to find out more information about someone? Select all that

apply.

Message them 0

Send friend request to someone they are friends

4
with

Look through the pictures they are tagged in 33

Comment on their wall/pictures 2

Look through their pictures & posts 45

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Number of Responses
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 22

Figure A8

On Twitter, what do you do to try to find out more information about someone? Select all that

apply.

Message them 1

Reply to their tweets 2

Follow someone they are friends with 2

Look through their tweets/retweets 43

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Number of Responses

Figure A9

On Snapchat, what do you do to try to find out more information about someone? Select all that

apply.

Snaptext them 22

Look at their location 31

Add someone they are friends with 3

Send them a Snapchat 37

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Number of Responses
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 23

Appendix B

Uncertainty Reduction Strategies on Social Media Platforms

Figure B1

Strategies Used on Instagram

Active
Passive & Interactive 2%
7%

Passive & Active

15%

Passive
76%
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 24

Figure B2

Strategies Used on Facebook

None
Passive &… Active 7%
2%
Passive & Active
4%
Interactive &
Active
2%

Passive
83%

Figure B3

Strategies Used on Twitter

None
17%

Interactive
2%
Passive, Active, &
Interactive
4%

Passive
77%
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 25

Figure B4

Strategies Used on Snapchat

Interactive, None
Active, & Passive 8%
2%
Interactive & Active
2%
Passive
13% Interactive &
Passive
43%
Active
2%

Interactive
30%
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 26

Appendix C

Questions Included in the Survey

1. How often do you use social media to find out more information about someone?

a. Never

b. Rarely

c. Occasionally

d. Frequently

e. Very frequently

2. Who do you usually use social media to find out more information about?

a. Potential romantic partners

b. Significant other

c. Friends

d. Potential Friends

3. Do you find it easier to interact with someone after finding out information about them

on social media?

a. Yes

b. No

c. Sometimes

4. Which platform do you use first when trying to find out more information about

someone?

a. Twitter

b. Facebook

c. Instagram
UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 27

d. Snapchat

5. Why is this platform you first choice?

a. ____________________________

6. Which platform are you least likely to use to find out information about someone?

a. Twitter

b. Facebook

c. Instagram

d. Snapchat

7. Why are you least likely to use this one?

a. ____________________________

8. On Instagram, what do you do to try to find out more information about someone? Select

all that apply.

a. Look through their old pictures

b. Comment on their pictures

c. Look through the pictures they are tagged in

d. Send a friend request to someone they are friends with

e. Message them

f. Other…

9. On Facebook, what do you do to try to find out more information about someone? Select

all that apply.

a. Look through their old pictures and posts

b. Comment on their wall or pictures

c. Look through the pictures they are tagged in

UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 28

d. Send a friend request to someone they are friends with

e. Message them

f. Other…

10. On Twitter, what do you do to try to find out more information about someone? Select all

that apply.

a. Look through their old tweets/retweets/likes

b. Reply to their tweets

c. Follow someone they are friends with

d. Message them

e. Other…

11. On Snapchat, what do you do to try to find out more information about someone? Select

all that apply.

a. Send them a Snapchat

b. Add someone they are friends with

c. Look at their location

d. Snap text them

e. Other…