Relationship between personality and social networking behaviors in undergraduates

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relationship between social network behaviors and personality. Methods Both questionnaires including self-reported Renren questionnaire and the simplified Chinese version of NEO five-factor inventory(NEO-FFI) were completed in university students (n=509). Results (1) Individuals with higher score of Extraversion used Renren applications more frequently, such as using Wall (2.26±0.51, 2.10±0.40, t=3.163, P=0.002), Status Update (2.58±0.71, 2.33±0.62, t=3.268, P=0.001), Image (2.05±0.88, 1.81±0.72, t=2.628, P=0.009), and Photo (2.17±0.49, 1.96±0.33, t=4.409, P<0.01). (2) Individuals with higher score of Openness of Experience were more likely to use Gift (2.01±0.49, 1.83±0.59, t=2.870, P=0.005). (3) Individuals who were willing to use Blacklist (41.93±4.41, 43.07±4.72, t=2.207, P=0.028) and who were willing to send private messages (42.23±4.79, 43.27±4.55, t=2.476, P=0.014) have higher score of Agreeableness. (4) Individuals who checked messages more often had higher score of Conscientiousness (41.59±6.33, 40.72±5.67, 37.56±8.33, F=7.170, P=0.001). (5) Individuals with higher score of Neuroticism were more likely to be dependent to Renren (2.91±1.01, 2.48±1.02, t=3.815, P<0.01). Individuals who were more likely to express their emotions on SNS had higher score of Neuroticism (33.10±6.78, 32.19±6.16, 31.36±5.77, F=3.594, P=0.010). Conclusion The data suggest that the usage of social networking sites are related to personality factors.Personality can be used to predict university students' social networking behaviors. Key words: University students; Social networking sites; Renren; Personality; Big Five