Title |
The “Facebook-self”: characteristics and psychological predictors of false self-presentation on Facebook
|
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Published in |
Frontiers in Psychology, February 2015
|
DOI | 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00099 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Oren Gil-Or, Yossi Levi-Belz, Ofir Turel |
Abstract |
In this study we present and empirically examine a new phenomenon related to social networking sites, such as Facebook, the "false Facebook-self." Arguably false self-presentation on Facebook is a growing phenomenon, and in extreme cases; i.e., when ones Facebook image substantially deviates from their true image, it may serve as a gateway behavior to more problematic behaviors which may lead to psychological problems and even pathologies. In this study we show that certain users are more vulnerable to such false self-presentation than others. The study involved 258 Facebook users. Applying ANOVA and SEM analyses we show that users with low self-esteem and low trait authenticity are more likely than others to present a Facebook-self which deviates from their true selves. These social-interaction-related traits are influenced by one's upbringing and the anxious and avoidant attachment styles he or she has developed. Several cases (7.5%) with large gaps between the true and false Facebook-self were detected, which implies that future research should consider the adverse consequences and treatments of high levels of false Facebook-self. |
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Canada | 1 | 2% |
Mexico | 1 | 2% |
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Mendeley readers
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Netherlands | 1 | <1% |
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Student > Bachelor | 58 | 22% |
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Student > Master | 31 | 12% |
Student > Postgraduate | 14 | 5% |
Lecturer | 8 | 3% |
Other | 32 | 12% |
Unknown | 84 | 32% |
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Other | 23 | 9% |
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