Document Type

Article

Publication Title

CyberPsychology & Behavior

Publication Date

6-5-2009

Volume

12

Issue

3

First Page

340

Last Page

337

Keywords

shyness, online social networks, Facebook, undergraduates

DOI

10.1089/cpb.2008.0214

Abstract

Researchers have suggested that individual differences will help to determine which online communication tools appeal to and are used by different individuals. With respect to the domain of computer-mediated communication, shyness is a particular personality trait of interest, as forums provide opportunities for social interactions that shy individuals might otherwise avoid. The present study investigated the personality trait of shyness and its relation with certain features of an online communication tool (Facebook). We hypothesized that shyness would be significantly related to the quantity of time spent on Facebook, the number of contacts added to one’s Facebook profile, and attitudes toward Facebook. Our findings supported that shyness was significantly positively correlated with the time spent on Facebook and having favorable attitudes toward the social networking site. Furthermore, shyness was significantly negatively correlated with the number of Facebook “Friends.” Limitations of the present study and suggestions for future research are addressed.

Comments

This is a copy of an article published in the Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking © 2009 copyright Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.; Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking is available online at: http://online.liebertpub.com.

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