Social networking technology and re-engaging friendships from the past: Two studies comparing cross-sex and same-sex friendships.

• In Event: From Facebook to the Book of Love: Maintaining close relationships across channels, distance, type, and gender composition

Abstract

Accumulated research suggests that a primary function of social networking sites (SNS) is the maintenance of relationships formed off-line. Another, less studied function, however, is the facilitation of relational reconnection, or reconnecting with others from one’s past. This paper will explore this reconnection process as it pertains to friendships, and in particular cross-sex friendships. Based on previous research, three specific issues were examined: (a) Are respondents more likely to report experiencing reconnection with cross-sex or same-sex friends from their past?; (b) Following reconnection, are cross-sex or same-sex friendships more likely to persist over time?; and (c) Do certain relationship qualities distinguish which friendships persist over time from those that do not? Study 1 examined these issues employing data collected from a large, southwestern university. Study 2 replicated study 1 and employed data collected from five college campuses varying in size, location, and type. The overall results revealed that both males and females are most likely to attempt to reconnect with females. The results also indicated that cross-sex friendships, irrespective of who initiated the reconnection, are more likely to persist than are same-sex ones. However, different relationship qualities predicted persistence for cross-sex and same-sex friendships. The implications for cross-sex friendships and future directions for scholars are discussed.

Authors

• Artemio Ramirez, Arizona State University

• Mu Hu, Ohio State University

• John Spinda, Kent State University

• John Feaster, University of Richmond

• Greg Hoplamazian, Ohio State University

• Shuangyue Zhang, Sam Houston State Univ

• Brian Horton, Univ of Texas, Arlington