The effect of social networking websites on positive self-views: An experimental investigation

Millions of people use social networking sites (SNSs), but it is unclear how these sites shape personality traits and identity. In Experiment 1, college students were randomly assigned to either edit their MySpace page or complete a control task online (interacting with Google Maps). Those who focused on their MySpace page scored significantly higher on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) than a control group. In Experiment 2, those who focused on their Facebook page scored significantly higher in general self-esteem, but not narcissism, than a control group. Thus, spending time on SNSs profiles causes young people to endorse more positive self-views, although the specific form this takes depends on the site. Consistent with previous research, narcissism was associated with a larger number of SNSs “friends” in both experiments.

► We examine the effect of social networking site interaction on positive self-views.
► Participants who interacted with their Myspace page showed increased narcissism.
► Participants who interacted with their Facebook page showed increased self-esteem.
► Interaction with Facebook was not related to higher narcissism levels.