Psychosocial profiles of users in virtual environments: Motivations, behaviors, and consequences

Abstract

This study aims at identifying the main profiles of habitual users in virtual environments based on motivational dimensions, behavioral characteristics, and consequences. Data were gathered through a questionnaire from 332 users of online platforms and processed using factorial analysis, ANOVAs, cluster analyses and multiple regressions. Results suggest five types of motivations in online interaction: Intellectual stimulation, power, instrumental motives, anonymity/freedom, affection, and evasion. Five significant user-profiles groups around these factors, named: The Logical, the Anonymous, the Interested, the Evasive, and the Powerful. The results suggest two main dimensions explaining virtual behavior: One concerning the positive search for intellectual stimulation, creativity and knowledge and a second dimension more centered on affective-emotional characteristics, more related to vulnerabilities and risks.