Abstract
The dominance of computer-mediated communication in the online relational landscape continues to affect millions of users; yet, few studies have identified and analyzed characteristics shared by those specifically valuing its anonymous aspects for self-expression. This article identifies and investigates key characteristics of such users through online survey by two samples of Finnish users of social networking sites aged 15-30 years (n = 1013; 544). Various characteristics espoused by those especially valuing anonymity for self-expression online were identified and analyzed in relation to the users in question. Favoring anonymity was positively correlated with both grandiosity, a component of narcissism, and low self-esteem. In addition, users with stronger anonymity preference tended to be younger, highly trusting, having strong ties to online communities while having few offline friends. Findings emphasize the significance of a deeper understanding of how anonymity effects and attracts users seeking its benefits while also providing new insights into how user characteristics interact depending on motivation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 717-732 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | INFORMATION COMMUNICATION AND SOCIETY |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 3 Jun 2015 |
| MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Keywords
- internet
- social networking
- youth
- anonymity
- SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
- TEENAGERS USE
- RISK-TAKING
- ESTEEM
- INTERNET
- NARCISSISM
- TRUST
- COMMUNICATION
- PERSONALITY