The Pleasure of Facebook Stalking

Title: The Pleasure of Facebook Stalking: A Study on the Motivations of Facebook Stalkers

Abstract:

Facebook stalking may be defined as “a joking term for obsessively monitoring the social information presented on Facebook by friends, acquaintances or even virtual strangers who are Facebook 'friends'” (Lyndon et. al., 2011, p.1). It is essentially believed to be a normal and common activity among netizens. The problem of this study then is what motivations do people have for Facebook stalking?

This study uses the Four Pleasure Framework‟s socio-pleasure to show that the pleasure experienced here is drawn through connecting with and getting to know people. To show how the media and the activity facilitate this pleasure, I used the Uncertainty Reduction Theory and the computer-mediated communication theories, Hyperpersonal Theory and Media Richness Theory.

I conducted a series of interviews to gather the needed information. I learned that many of the respondents found pleasure in getting to know their targets better and feeling closer to them. More than getting to know their targets online, some respondents use the information they gather to create interactions offline. I also found that photos play a large role in stalkers‟ feeling closer to the people they are stalking. Lastly, I found that,contrary to my initial assumptions, there are those who find pleasure in gaining information alone.

Key Words: New Media, Computer-Mediated Communication, Pleasure, Facebook

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