Communication Network in Reducing Uncertainty

Abstract

Individuals experience a condition of uncertainty when they are entering a new environment. In this study, the individuals will refer to freshmen or first-semester university students. When freshmen enter the university for the first time, they haven’t recognised each other, hence the condition of uncertainty will arise within them. These uncertainties are reduced by creating online and offline networks in which the members share the same experience. Networking will help individuals to decide whether they should end or continue their relationship with other members. This research point out a problem regarding how freshmen use network communication not only to reduce uncertainty but also the roles of actor within them. In the Uncertainty Reduction Theory, Charles Berger introduced the axiom of shared networks in developing relationship to reduce uncertainty. Individuals recognized each other, and decide whether they will maintain their relationship based on the communication network. By using qualitative approach combined with network analysis and interview method, the current research discovered the importance of dominant/central actor’s role in reducing the uncertainty in a network. The dominant actor will have the goal to distribute information, remind the urgency of an information, and help the implementation of the information. The research also concludes the importance of friendship in a smaller group in reducing uncertainty.