Previous research has highlighted the effects of network
size on privacy behaviors. In our baseline model, we
replicated these findings, indicating a positive relationship
between network size and having a friends-only profile.
Descriptive analysis highlighted the focused natured of tie
composition in our sample (Figure 1). Outsiders are
generally not part of the Facebook audience of our sample.
This has meaningful implications for organizations and
"social networkers" who wish to use social network sites to
engage new audiences. Groups that engage as outsider ties
may not produce harmful expectancy violations, but they
may have trouble connecting with users. Therefore, the
creation of interfaces that facilitate conversation without the
establishment of ties may be a meaningful middle ground.
Although communication in virtual settings is governed by
norms of reciprocity [2], the establishment of interfaces that
allow for unidirectional connection may facilitate
interaction.