The association between problematic social networking site use, dark triad traits, and emotion dysregulation

Zaheer Hussain,Elisa Wegmann,Mark D Griffiths

doi:10.1186/s40359-021-00668-6

Zaheer Hussain, Elisa Wegmann + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-021-00668-6

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Abstract

BackgroundSocial networking sites (SNSs) allow people to socially connect with each other, collaborate, and share information. However, problematic SNS use (PSNSU) may be associated with negative personality traits. The present study investigated the associations between PSNSU, dark triad personality traits, and emotion dysregulation.MethodIn the present study, 555 SNS users (Mage = 33.32 years, SD = 10.88) completed an online survey comprising measures of PSNSU, dark triad personality traits, and emotion dysregulation.ResultsBivariate correlations showed that PSNSU was significantly associated with dark triad traits as well as emotion dysregulation. Structural equation modelling (where the effect of the dark triad traits on PSNSU was mediated by emotion dysregulation) showed that 33.5% of the variance of PSNSU was explained by Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism.ConclusionThe findings provide suggestive evidence of why PSNSU may occur as a function of the presence of dark triad traits and emotion dysregulation. The study also highlighted the important role that emotion regulation plays in the association between dark triad traits and PSNSU.

Highlights

Social networking sites (SNSs) allow people to socially connect with each other, collaborate, and share information
Structural equation modelling showed that 33.5% of the variance of problematic social networking sites (SNSs) use (PSNSU) was explained by Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism
The results showed that PSNSU overall score was significantly associated with dark triad traits and emotion dysregulation

Summary

Introduction

Social networking sites (SNSs) allow people to socially connect with each other, collaborate, and share information. Problematic SNS use (PSNSU) may be associated with negative personality traits. Billions of people have multiple international social connections courtesy of social networking sites (SNSs). There are many benefits of using SNSs. There are many benefits of using SNSs They (1) elevate the ease in which individuals may form and create online communities [2], (2) improve collaboration and sharing of information [3], (3) can lead to the creation of new job roles [4], (4) allow users to be constantly connected to friends, (5) allow for ease of communication, information transfer, and (6) help break down social boundaries [5]. Problematic social networking site use (PSNSU, and in extreme cases ‘SNS addiction’) are examples of such negative consequences. Unlike other addictive disorders, such as gaming disorder [7], PSNSU has not yet been recognized as a clinical disorder and researchers recommend discussing the problematic behaviour against the background of guidelines such as (1) the presentation of clinical relevance, (2) a theoretical embedding, and (3) a better understanding of underlying

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