"Thank you for being there for me": How channel publicness and expression of gratitude shape perceptions of support-seeking messages on social network sites

• Published in: Communication quarterly Vol. 72; no. 5; pp. 439 - 460
• Main Authors: Lee, Daeun G., Buehler, Emily M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: University Park Routledge 19.10.2024; Eastern Communication Association
• Subjects: Channel publicness; gratitude; Messages; seeking support; social network sites; Social networks; Social support; supportive communication
• ISSN: 0146-3373; 1746-4102
• DOI: 10.1080/01463373.2024.2378689

The current study investigates how channel publicness and the expression of gratitude in support-seeking messages on social network sites shape support providers' impressions of a support seeker and likelihood to offer help. Participants (N = 255) completed an online survey in which they were randomly assigned to view one of the eight hypothetical support-seeking messages that varied according to the publicness of the channel, expression of gratitude, and the type of stressor. Results suggest that seeking support in a public channel is viewed as less appropriate and corresponds with less liking and likelihood to provide support than seeking support in a private channel. Contrary to expectations, support providers reported the lowest likelihood to help and lowest appropriateness when the support seeker expressed gratitude while seeking support in a public channel. Findings are discussed in relation to the literature on seeking support and research on the communication of gratitude.