A lifestyle exposure perspective of victimization through Facebook among university students. Do individual differences matter?

The purpose of the study was to investigate the associations between risky Facebook (FB) lifestyles (indiscreet FB content, time spent on FB, number of FB friends, knowledge and use of FB privacy settings), individual differences (personality, self-esteem and self-disclosure), risk factors (loneliness and depression), and victimization through FB, among 240 Greek university students. Based on the Lifestyle-exposure theory, results show that the role of an active victim should be taken into consideration when victimization through FB is studied, as the victim's behavior may enhance the chances of getting victimized. Depression was the strongest predictor followed by indiscreet FB content and self-disclosure, of victimization through FB, indicating that individual differences, risk factors and risky FB lifestyles are likely to contribute to victimization through FB. Findings are discussed in terms of FB victimization prevention and intervention strategies.