The role of personality and motivational factors in using Facebook

Abstract

Introductoin: Nowadays Facebook is known as one of the most prominent social networking sites. Several factors including the personality and individual motivations can be effective in manner and extent of using this social networking site by users. Method: This study was designed to investigate the role of users' personality and motivational factors in using Facebook. Participants were 540 members of the Facebook users who were selected as sample using voluntary sampling method. All subjects replied to electronic forms of NEO-Five Factor Inventory and motivation measurement questionnaire and performance of Facebook users Semnan. Data were analyzed by Canonical Correlation Method. Results: Results showed that the higher levels of neuroticism and low levels of conscientiousness more than interchangeable/group and communication functions were used. The higher levels of neuroticism and low levels of agreeableness were related to the higher levels of motivation of escape from reality and habit. The higher levels of self-expression, communicational motivations and escape from reality were related to communicational, interchangeable, group and news functions and getting information. Discussion and Conclusion: Motivation and personality characteristics of Iranian users can be raised as the predictive factors of their performances on Facebook.

Keywords

• Personality
• Motivation
• Facebook.