Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Matthew Fearrington

Abstract

Several psychological processes motivate the use of Facebook. The correlation between subclinical narcissistic traits and Facebook use has been examined, but the results have been inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Facebook use and the exhibition of subclinical narcissistic traits. The method for this study was meant to improve upon previous studies that used self-reported data by providing researchers with a technique to collect Facebook data from the personal pages of participants, with informed consent. Social learning theory provided the theoretical foundation for this study. This theory posits that new patterns of behavior can be acquired through direct experience or by observing the behavior of others. This theory could explain why a billion people choose to post pictures, share news articles, add friends, and engage in other Facebook activities. Using a quantitative approach, approximately 3 months of Facebook activity from 93 participants were analyzed and correlated with Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) scores. A multiple regression analysis was then used to examine the data in relation to the research questions and hypotheses. There were no statistically significant findings for Facebook activity and NPI scores. These findings may challenge the popular notion that Facebook and other social media represent a platform for narcissistic self-promotion. This study has potential to promote social change, in that the negative connotation may be removed from social media use, allowing more people to communicate openly without the fear of being perceived as narcissistic.

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