Personality traits as predictors of Facebook use

Abstract

This study explores the personality factors behind Filipino college students’ social media usage. Using descriptive-correlational design, a random sample of 338 Filipino undergraduate students, between ages of 16 to 22, was employed to generate relationships and understand predictions among factors derived from NEO Personality Inventory and Facebook Intensity Scale. Results indicated that respondents tend to be more neurotic and less agreeable but conscientious. Regression analysis model delineated that among the personality factors, extraversion and neuroticism traits were contributory factors of Facebook use. Pearson’s correlations suggested that the extraversion trait has significant positive associations with Facebook use, number of Facebook friends, and time spent on Facebook while neuroticism trait showed significant negative influence with number of Facebook friends. Thus, findings affirmed the claim that some aspects of personality lead to increase Facebook usage, and that these constructs are largely influenced by their personal characteristics.