UNCERTAINTY REDUCTION THEORY

Hunter Allen

Uncertainty reduction theory is a theory that was developed by Berger and Calabrese that tries to explain how two strangers attempt to reduce uncertainty between each other during the first time they meet.

A conversation between two people is the best way for them to get to know one another. This an INTERACTIVE way for people to reduce uncertainty.

Another way of trying to get to know more about a stranger could be asking someone who already knows the stranger what they think of that person. This is an ACTIVE way for people to reduce uncertainty.

“What do you know about Jennifer? I saw her the other day, and she is really cute.”

“She goes to Clemson and she is a very nice girl, you should get to know her.”

Another way of trying to get to know someone is observing them and seeing how they act and what they do. This is a PASSIVE way of reducing uncertainty .

The Uncertainty Reduction Theory is used many ways in everyday life. Some examples of this include trying to gather information about a future professor, meeting someone in a bar, and online dating.

There are many critics of the Uncertainty Reduction Theory, who say that the theory is to assumptive, and biased.

I think it is neat how much college aged students use the Uncertainty Reduction Theory, without ever realizing they are doing so. College is a time where lifelong friendships can be made. We need to be mindful not to always assume things about people due to social media and other things before we actually meet them.