Title: Social networking: a matter of character?

Authors: Marius N. Vieth; Piet Kommers

Addresses: Faculty of Behavioral Science, University of Twente, Faculty GW, Box 217, 7500 AE, Netherlands ' Faculty of Behavioral Science, University of Twente, Faculty GW, Box 217, 7500 AE, Netherlands

Abstract: Over the last couple of years, online social networks such as Facebook have tremendously grown in popularity, especially among students. The technological advancements proceed faster than the understanding of the psychological factors behind this development. While motivations and gratifications related to Facebook usage have been investigated thoroughly, this study additionally focuses on the influence of underlying personality factors. However, instead of the commonly used Big Five, the characteristics narcissism, shyness and loneliness are investigated among undergraduate and graduate students. The results indicate that a high score on narcissism causes a higher Facebook usage and that the sub construct uniqueness/entitlement is the most important. The results also indicate a negative influence of loneliness on Facebook usage, while shyness seems irrelevant.

Keywords: Facebook comparison; Facebook usage; Facebook personality; social networks; Facebook attitude; Facebook narcissism; Facebook shyness; Facebook loneliness; graduate students; undergraduate students.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2014.058389

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2014 Vol.10 No.1, pp.115 - 125

Published online: 17 May 2014 *

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