Self-presentation and belonging on Facebook: How personality influences social media use and motivations

The present study examined the relationship between the Big Five and the use of Facebook to fulfill belonging and self-presentational needs. One hundred and eighty four undergraduates completed a survey assessing personality and Facebook behaviors and motivations. High agreeableness and neuroticism were the best predictors of belongingness-related behaviors and motivations. Extraversion was associated with more frequent use of Facebook to communicate with others. Self-presentational behaviors and motivations were best predicted by low conscientiousness and high neuroticism. Results suggest that conscientious individuals are cautious in their online self-presentation. Neuroticism, agreeableness, and extraversion were positively associated with the tendency to express one’s actual self. Neuroticism was positively associated with the expression of ideal and hidden self-aspects. The motivation to express these self-aspects mediated the relationship between neuroticism and self-disclosure.

► Belonging and self-presentation were used to link the Big Five and Facebook use.
► Belonging was best predicted by high agreeableness and high neuroticism.
► Self-presentation was best predicted by low conscientiousness and high neuroticism.
► Neuroticism was positively related to expression of ideal and hidden self aspects.
► Expression of self-aspects mediated the relation between neuroticism and behavior.