The Role of Machiavellianism and Loneliness in Predicting Self-Disclosure Online

Abstract

The present study investigated how Machiavellianism and loneliness are related to different aspects of self-disclosure online among young adults, including honesty, amount, intent, and positive valence. A total of 212 university students aged 18-30 completed four self-report questionnaires. The results confirmed the role of Machiavellianism and loneliness as predictors of distinct aspects of self-disclosure online, suggesting that Machiavellianism, but not loneliness, leads to strategic self-disclosures online. Specifically, Machiavellianism neg-atively predicted honesty of self-disclosure online, and loneliness positively predicted its amount and positive valence. No mediating effects of loneliness on the relationship between Machiavellianism and honesty of self-disclosure were found.