This uncertainty usually comes from questioning new acquaintances in order to gather information about them. From this point, the information can then be used to try to predict the outcome of a new relationship with a person, or to try 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. According to this theory, people are highly motivated to use communication to reduce their uncertainty. This is done through verbal production, information seeking (by asking questions), and self-disclosure. Self-disclosure encourages the other person to be more open and reduces uncertainty, but it requires vulnerability in the person disclosing information about