The Effects of Cyber-ostracism and Self-esteem on Online Self-disclosure

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the impact of cyber-ostracism on online self-disclosure and to assess the moderating influence of self-esteem on this causal relationship. Methods: We recruited 204 undergraduates as participants. We firstly measured their self-esteem using the Chinese version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Subsequently, we manipulated cyber-ostracism via online interactive scenario and measured their online self-disclosure. Results: Participants who experienced cyber-ostracism were less inclined to engage in online self-disclosure than those in control group. Furthermore, cyber-ostracism negatively predicted online self-disclosure for high self-esteem participants but not for low-self-esteem participants.