Uncertainty Reduction Theory

When first meeting someone new, there is an amount of uncertainty. Berger and Calbrese came up with several axioms to explain the situation and how the level of uncertainty will either increase or decrease.
When I first met my roommate freshman year of college, the more we talked about our lives and exchanging information, my uncertainty level went down (Axiom 1). I agree and disagree with Axiom 1. For the most part, you become more comfortable after talking to someone, but if this stranger is disclosing strange or scary information, the uncertainty level may increase instead of decrease.
Along with verbal communication, nonverbal communication can be just as helpful. When my roommate started displaying pictures and revealing things about herself, without speaking, I became more comfortable (Axiom 2). Axiom 2 states that the more nonverbal communication, the uncertainty level decreases. I agree with this Axiom as well, but I think it also depends on the situation. If someone you just met is giving you a strange look, you may feel less comfortable.
When forced to do a group assignment with a bunch of strangers, I decided to Facebook them to find out a little more about them. One guy posted that he was looking for random play and so forth, when he had a girlfriend. He also had a random, inappropriate picture displayed. I became uncomfortable around him in our group (Axiom 3). When try to find more information on an individual, your uncertainty level is high. I agree, but after seeking info, I think the uncertainty level can also decrease.
Axiom 4 claims that if you are unsure about a stranger, the level of information provided is low.
Axiom 5 claims that the more you feel uncertain about someone, the more you'll repeat. So if someone says "I'm an education major" you may reply with "I'm a communications major" and share my side for each answer they disclose.
When I see someone around campus with a "Medina" shirt on, I get excited because that's where I'm from too. I can easily strike up a conversation with someone in a Medina shirt. If I talk to any stranger and realize we have similarities, I feel more comfortable in the situation. I couldn't find any problems with Axiom 6, believing entirely that if you have similarities, you feel more comfortable in a situation.
Axiom 7 claims that if you uncertain about a new person, you like the person less.
During a class, a girl stated she was in a co-ed fraternity, and I realized that was same fraternity my two roommates are involved in, so I was able to talk to her and see if she knew my roommates. Axiom 8 is the comfort when you realize you have people in common or possibly the same career.
I agree with mostly all the Axioms, with a few acceptions to each.



References:
Griffin, E. (2006). A first look at communication theory (6th ed.). Boston: McGraw Hill.