According to uncertainty reduction theory, what is the primary goal when strangers first meet?

The primary goal when strangers first meet, according to uncertainty reduction theory, is to reduce uncertainty in the situation. This theory posits that individuals have a natural drive to gain knowledge about others and their environment, especially when they find themselves in unfamiliar contexts or interactions. When two people encounter each other for the first time, they often experience heightened uncertainty regarding the other person's behavior, attitudes, and intentions. To manage this anxiety, they engage in communication that allows them to gather information, ask questions, and observe cues to better predict how to interact moving forward.

Reducing uncertainty is crucial because it helps establish a framework for the relationship moving ahead. Through initial conversations and interactions, individuals work to understand each other's social cues and norms, which ultimately guides their future communication. While building lasting friendships and sharing personal information may be goals that develop later in the relationship, the immediate aim is to clarify uncertainties and establish a comfortable basis for further interaction.