Keywords

Social Networking Sites, personality traits, attitudes, motivations, internet self-efficacy

Abstract

Few studies have considered the personal characteristics that may predict the use of Social Networking Sites (SNSs). We examined the prediction of SNS use from distinct personality traits (i.e., sociability and shyness), attitudes toward SNS use, motivations for SNS use and Internet self-efficacy. Participants were 352 Chinese college students who used the QQ zone. Results indicated that sociability, shyness, attitudes, motivations and self-efficacy predicted SNS use, prediction depending on the function of SNS use. Specifically, sociability, attitudes, social interaction motivation, entertainment motivation and self-efficacy were significant predictors of SNS’s social function. In contrast, shyness, attitudes, relaxing entertainment motivation and self-efficacy were significant predictors of its recreational function.

Original Publication Citation

Wang, J-L, Jackson, L, Wang H-Z, Gaskin, J. (2015) “Predicting Social Networking Site (SNS) use: Personality, attitudes, motivation and Internet self-efficacy.” Personality and Individual Difference, Volume 80, Pages 119-224.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015

Publisher

Personality and Individual Difference

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Information Systems Management

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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