Lynne Kelly, et al, recently tackled the question whether online sharing is being more about openness or narcissism.
Key takeaways for me:
Persons with an unrealistically large number of friends may be using the platform for reasons of narcissism. (It is a key tell that they maybe more of a drain on the community than an asset.) 1, 2
Those who accept strangers as friends may exhibit more detrimental tendencies such as seeking social support but not giving it, manipulation, and self aggrandizement. 2
Those who share may not be bragging but looking for bonding. (Knowing this may change one’s perspective about certain members of the community, until one has a chance to verify.) 1
1. While “Narcissism or Openness?: College Students’ Use of Facebook and Twitter” is behind a paywall, Lynne Kelly gives some details to the New York Times.
2. “Narcissism on Facebook: Self-promotional and Anti-social Behavior” by Christopher Carpenter has a nice write up and links.
