Social penetration theory

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The social penetration theory (SPT) proposes that interpersonal communication moves from relatively shallow, non-intimate levels to deeper, more intimate ones as relationships develop. Social penetration theory uses the onion metaphor to show how we reveal deeper parts of ourselves as a relationship grows. Intimacy mostly depends on what we choose to share and how we think our partner responds. Recent studies show these patterns also happen online, where people are selective about what they post on social media. The theory was formulated by psychologists Irwin Altman of the University of Utah and Dalmas Taylor of the University of Delaware in 1973 to understand the development of relationships between individuals. Altman and Taylor noted that relationships "involve different levels of intimacy of exchange or degree of social penetration". Thinking about how relationships typically become closer, modern researchers are using SPT to understand how people connect and build relationships online...

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