Technology and New Generation: Influence of Personality Traits of Youth on Virtual Pseudo Self-Presentation and Social Media Addiction

Abstract

This research aimed to bring to light the patterns of virtual pseudo self-presentation on social networking sites (SNSs) and social media addiction among youth in connection with their personality types and various demographic variables in a developing country perspective like Pakistan. It is hypothesized that youth often indulge in deceptive self-presentation over SNSs. The sample including male and female students and young professionals was collected from public and private universities of the capital city of Pakistan, focusing their activities on social networking. The measures for collecting data included an indigenous demographic information sheet, ten item personality inventory sheet, social media usage and addiction information sheet. The data was analyzed through SPSS version 22. The analysis reveals that personality differences influence the self-promotional content as users present themselves according to their idealized image on social network, which might be termed as a pseudo presentation of self. The research is a contribution to the effects of computer mediated communication on human behavior. Other than extraversion personality type, all the other four personality types i.e. Neuroticism, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and Openness to experience showed significant correlation with pseudo self-presentation of youth on social media. The demographic variables were not found too much associated with self-presentation. Some personality types showed positive relationship with addiction of social media while other did not. So, study provides an impetus for future research. It is suggested for future researches to explore phenomenon of false identities, false self-projection and inter-gender patterns of communication with impact on mental health.