Self disclosure on computer forms

Abstract

Do people disclose more on a computer form than they do in an interview or on a paper form? We report a statistical meta-analysis of the literature from 1969 to 1994. Across 39 studies using I00 measures, computer administration increased self-disclosure. Effect sizes were larger comparing computer administration with face-to-face interviews, when forms solicited sensitive information, and when medical or psychiatric patients were the subjects. Effect sizes were smaller but had not disappeared in recent studies, which we attribute in part to changes in computer interfaces. We discuss research, ethical, policy, and design implications.