Can You Tell Who I Am? Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Online Self-Presentation among young adults

M. Michikyan, Kaveri Subrahmanyam, J. Dennis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The present study examined the link between neuroticism, extraversion, as well as presentation of the real, the ideal, and the false self on Facebook. Self-reports were collected from 261 young adults (ages 18–30) about personality, online self-presentation, and Facebook use. Level of extraversion was positively associated with Facebook activity level. A series of regression analyses revealed that young adults high in neuroticism reported presenting their ideal and false self on Facebook to a greater extent whereas those low in extraversion reported engaging in greater online self-exploratory behaviors. Findings suggest that young adults who are experiencing emotional instability may be strategic in their online self-presentation perhaps to seek reassurance, and those who have self-doubt further explore their self online.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)179-183
Number of pages5
JournalComputers in Human Behavior
Volume33
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Self-presentation
  • personality
  • neuroticism
  • extraversion
  • Facebook
  • social networking sites

Disciplines

  • Psychology

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