"Purging My Friends List. Good Luck Making the Cut": Perceptions of Narcissism On Facebook

Authors

Rebecca L. Kauten, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Joyce H.L. Lui, University of Southern Mississippi
Amanda K. Stary, University of Southern Mississippi
Christopher T. Barry, University of Southern MississippiFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2015

School

Psychology

Abstract

Social media sites such as Facebook are thought to act as a platform for narcissistic behavior, such as posting self-promoting status updates or attractive photos. Narcissism is identifiable via social media, and it has been associated with negative peer appraisals. This article presents three studies with undergraduate students that examined the interpersonal implications of narcissism on Facebook in light of gender and perceiver narcissism. Results indicated that hypothetical targets who posted narcissistic status updates were perceived as less likeable, less successful, and less worthy of friendship than those who posted neutral status updates. Across the three studies, perceiver narcissism and target gender had some apparent influences on ratings. Implications regarding social media behavior and the interpersonal consequences of narcissism are discussed.

Publication Title

Computers in Human Behavior

Volume

51

Issue

PA

First Page

244

Last Page

254

Recommended Citation

Kauten, R., Lui, J., Stary, A., Barry, C. (2015). "Purging My Friends List. Good Luck Making the Cut": Perceptions of Narcissism On Facebook. Computers in Human Behavior, 51(PA), 244-254.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/18593