Social Penetration Theory In The Days Of Summer Film

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Social penetration theory asserts that interpersonal communication shifts from non-intimate levels to intimate levels as relationships improves (Tang, Jih-Hsin and Cheng-Chung 246). The process is likely to expose people’s vulnerabilities, thus forcing them to share their intimate information with individuals they trust. People’s disclosure decisions are based on the related benefits such as understanding, friendship, moral support, and confidentiality among others. People tend to avoid disclosure when it seems that the cost would be greater than the potential benefits (McCarthy 7). Thus, disclosure is a process which emphasizes on human being's innate cautious nature. Everyone feel betrayed when tricked into revealing sensitive information only to realize that costs exceed the benefits. In such a case, people become insecure and vulnerable to attacks from their opponents. The process of social penetration occurs in five stages including orientation, exploratory active, affective, stable, and de-penetration stages (Sheldon 69). In the orientation stage, people tend to be cautious regarding the length and depth of information they share. It is characterized by simple, brief, and simple clichés. People discuss prominent issues as they assess …show more content…
In this film, Tom, one of the lead characters falls in love with his boss's new assistant, Summer Finn. Tom believes that Summer is the lady he should marry. On the other hand, the Summer does not believe in love and put up substantial resistances to Tom’s advances. They develop a friendship which eventually leads to an intimate relationship despite their different perceptions regarding love and relationships. Tom reflects various aspects of their lives including the better and bad days. Therefore, this movie depicts how relationships progress from simple levels to intimate stages following the stability of