Seniors and friendship formation online 2
support networks throughout our life course, much research has linked social support
received by older adults in particular to a sense of well-being, better physical and
emotional health, and even longer life because social support acts as a “buffer” to life’s
stresses (Hays, 2001; Krause, 1987a, 1987b; Larson, Mannell, & Zuzanek, 1986; Siebert,
1999; Unger, 1999). Peer as well as intergenerational relationships, and family as well as
non-kin relationships have proved to be important to the social networks of older adults.
However, some studies have shown that friendships are even more important to the social
support perceived by older adults than familial relationships (Larson et al., 1986; Matt &
Dean, 1993; Potts, 1997). While there are likely a number of reasons for the importance
of friendship to older adults, it may be because friends are more likely than family
members to share common activities, histories, and interests. It may also be because the
nature of friendships is uniquely voluntary (as opposed to familial or professional
relationships).
Indications of friendship formation
One key indication that a relationship is forming is the frequency of social
contacts (Perlman & Fehr, 1987). We tend to engage more frequently with those whom
we are building relationships. Further, what we talk about is important. Most friendships
start with self-disclosure behaviors. “Self disclosure is communication that offers
information about oneself” (Canary, Cody, & Manusov, 2000, p. 135). As friends
disclose aspects of themselves to each other, the relationship is allowed to either grow
together or grow apart. Many theorists have discussed the very complex nature of self
disclosure in interpersonal relationships (Cozby, 1973; Delarga, Metts, Petronio, &
Convention