Narcissism and Active Use of Social Networking Sites by Adolescents

Abstract

Both narcissism and the use of social networking sites (SNS) seem to have increased in the past decade. The main aim of the current study was to investigate whether there is a bi-directional relationship between narcissism and active SNS use. As longitudinal research on this topic is scarce, the current study contributes to existing knowledge. A longitudinal design with two measurements was used to investigate this bi-directional relationship as well as the roles of downward social comparison regarding the number of likes on SNS and self-esteem within this relationship. The data of the current study were derived from the Digital Youth Project of Utrecht University. There were 1,419 adolescents aged 11 to 16 that participated in two measurements. The results show that a higher level of narcissism predicts more active SNS use over time, and not the other way around. This relationship can be partially explained by making more downward social comparisons regarding the number of likes on SNS. Furthermore, self-esteem does not seem to play a role in the relationship. In conclusion, it seems that narcissistic adolescents use SNS more actively over time rather than adolescents becoming more narcissistic because of their active SNS use.