SELF-PRESENTATION ON SOCIAL NETWORK SITES, BIG FIVE AND DARK TRIAD PERSONALITY TRAITS

Abstract

The spread of social networks as a new environment allows representing self-image and psychological characteristics more or less different from reality. The studies of social network sites (SNS) confirm that self-presentation on the SNS is characterized by using specific strategies to display and regulate information about oneself. Self-monitoring and perfectionistic self-presentation can be considered essential characteristics of self-presentation on a social network site profile. Various connections between personality traits and characteristics of self-presentation on the SNS are revealed. Many studies replicate the relations between extraversion, neuroticism, and narcissism with social network activity and self-image representation. In the current study, we examined the relationship between the characteristics of self-presentation on a social network (realistic demonstrative self and fake deceiving self) with the Big Five and the Dark Triad traits. The characteristics of self-presentation and personality traits were assessed on a sample of 478 undergraduate students. Generally, a realistic demonstrative self is associated with the desire to show the best side of self (self-monitoring), avoidance of self-discussion, while a fake deceiving self reveals connections focusing on others' reactions to self-presentation. Consciousness, neuroticism, openness, and narcissism are predictors for realistic, demonstrative self-presentation, and conscientiousness and Machiavellianism are predictors for false, deceptive self-presentation. Thus, realistic demonstrative self-presentation is associated with controlling the information posted in the network and the desire to arouse admiration, and false self-presentation manifesting as a purposeful strategy for creating an unrealistic image.