Crystal Garcia, Corbin Standley, Kaitlin Staker and Lyndsi Drysdale, Weber State University
Social and Behavioral Sciences
The extant research suggests that there are relationships between differing personality types and Internet and Facebook usage (e.g., Buffardi and Campbell, 2008; Ross, et al., 2009). To that end, the present study aims to determine which personality traits, including narcissistic traits, predict Internet and Facebook usage. In addition, it examines specific motivations for continued and consistent use of the social media site, including the types of activities one engages in while using Facebook. Participants completed a survey measuring narcissism, the Big 5 personality dimensions, Facebook usage, specific activities (e.g., unfriending, blocking others), and motivations (including emotional motivations) for using Facebook. It is predicted that different personality types will differ in the amount of time spent on Facebook. Moreover, motivational reasons as to why participants first joined Facebook, and why they continue to use Facebook will also differ in relation to personality dimensions. More specifically, we anticipate that those scoring higher on the narcissism scale will report higher Facebook usage. Furthermore, we anticipate that those scoring higher on the narcissism scale will be more motivated to use Facebook for self-esteem and personal-related reasons as opposed to professional or more social reasons. The results of this study will lead to a better understanding of the factors that contribute to the need and compulsion to actively interact, know, and inform others of what one is currently doing, feeling, and thinking through social media sites, specifically Facebook.