This uncertainty usually comes from questioning new acquaintances in an attempt to gather information about them. From this point, the information can then be used to attempt to predict the outcome of a new relationship with a person or to attempt to predict their behavior. The information-seeking process goes through expected developmental stages, signaling changes in the type (and amount) of information shared between individuals. People are highly motivated, according to this theory, to use communication to reduce their uncertainty. This occurs through verbal output, information seeking (done by asking questions), and self-disclosure. Self-disclosure encourages the other person to be more open and reduces uncertainty, but requires vulnerability in the person disclosing information about