Narcissism, loneliness and social networking site use: relationships and differences

ABSTRACT

Background: The last decade had witnessed an unprecedented growth in social networking sites. To some it seems a boon when it comes to belongingness, while, to others it is a cause of concern because of many psychological issues related to them. Aims: This study was designed to find whether the facebook variables are associated to narcissism and loneliness. Also, age and gender differences are studied with respect to narcissism, loneliness and facebook variables.] Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire based online survey was carried out on facebook users who, reported questions regarding their demographics, use of facebook and completed NPI-16 and a three-item loneliness scale. Results: Facebook users (N=107), aged 18 to 45 years voluntary participated and completed the survey. Results found that facebook profile features (self rating of profile picture, status updates and number of photos) predicted Narcissism while status updates, number of friends and time predicted loneliness. Also age and gender brought significant differences among facebook users on the scores of narcissism, loneliness and facebook variables. Conclusion: Narcissism and loneliness are found to be associated with facebook variables after controlling age and gender. It may be concluded that facebook might be serving as a platform to narcissists where they can present idealized images of themselves. Also indulging in certain facebook activities might be helping the users to elevate their loneliness. Also differences in narcissism, loneliness and facebook variables are accounted to age and gender. Key message As facebook variables have been found to be associated with narcissism, awareness must be raised regarding this issue especially to the users who are most active online. One can also gain new knowledge on how one can be more responsible in informing the children and others regarding the use of the social networking sites like facebook.