Facebook Profiles Reflect Self-Esteem, Study

How people use social networking sites like Facebook reveals a lot about their personality.

According to a new study, people with low self-esteem are more concerned about what others post about them while those with high self-esteem tend to post more information about their work, friends and family.

Previous research has shown that Facebook is addictive, sometimes even more than sex. Other studies have pointed out that not being on the site was seen as being a threat to the society. Various researches have associated Facebook use with anxiety, debt and even higher weight.  A recent study from Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences had shown that a person's Facebook profile can reveal his/her personality.  A related study also showed that using Facebook can even boost self-esteem.

"The types of actions users take and the kinds of information they are adding to their Facebook walls and profiles are a reflection of their identities. You are your Facebook, basically, and despite all its socialness, Facebook is a deeply personal medium," said S. Shyam Sundar, from Penn State.

According to Sundar, people with low or high self-esteem spend a lot of time creating their Facebook profiles, but use different ways. People with high self-esteem like to add information about their work experience and education. Those with low self-esteem constantly check their timelines to remove any post that looks too personal.

The study was based on data from 225 students from a South Korean university. Researchers looked at how these students edited information on their Facebook pages. They assessed the students' self-esteem via questionnaires, according to a news release.

Researchers added that the study findings might help online advertisers market their products in a more efficient way by targeting people with certain personalities. Previous research has shown that targeting people based on their personality is a better way of promoting products.

The study findings are being reported at INTERACT 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa.