Self-disclosure

Overview

Self-disclosure refers to intentionally sharing your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and personal information with others. It's a concept that Sidney Jourard and colleagues dealt with in a 1958 paper, and it's considered a factor in forming and deepening relationships. Self-disclosure has "depth" and "breadth," with levels ranging from shallow self-disclosure (your favorite food) to deep self-disclosure (past trauma).

Question boxes and self-disclosure

A question box works as a device for self-disclosure. That's because the format of answering questions can encourage natural self-disclosure. Just answering a question like "What's your favorite season?" counts as shallow self-disclosure. Answering "What's been on your mind lately?" makes for deeper self-disclosure.

Self-disclosure is reciprocal. When one person discloses, the other becomes more likely to disclose to a similar degree in return. When the person answering in a question box answers honestly, followers may also start sending questions that go further.

Finding the right balance of self-disclosure

More self-disclosure isn't automatically better. If you suddenly disclose something deep when meeting someone for the first time, they may be put off. In a question box too, it's important to disclose at a depth that fits your relationship with your followers.

Answer shallow questions lightly, and deep questions just a little more deeply. This step-by-step self-disclosure becomes the foundation of trust with your followers. On the other hand, if you put up a wall and don't really answer any question, people may think "this person won't tell us anything," and your questions could drop off.