Differential identity components predict dimensions of problematic facebook use

Abstract

Whilst limited previous work has detailed the influence of personal and social identities on the development and maintenance of a number of addictive behaviours, fewer still have determined whether specific aspects of group identification are more or less predictive of ongoing (problematic) behaviour. Using Leach et al. (2008) hierarchical model of in-group identification, we examined the relationship between components of self-definition (individual self-stereotyping, in-group homogeneity) and components of self-investment (satisfaction, solidarity, and centrality) on problematic Facebook use (adapted from Caplan’s (2010) Generalised Problematic Internet Use Scale 2) in 73 current Facebook users. Results showed that (i) in-group-based identities are important in predicting levels of Facebook use; (ii) aspects of group membership identity associated with how invested an individual is with the in-group (centrality and solidarity) are particularly important whereas those aspects which reflect self-definition (self-stereotyping, in-group homogeneity) are not; (iii) perceptions associated with a sense of belonging and attachment to other group members (solidarity) and, most importantly, how chronically salient one’s group membership is for the self (centrality) are fundamental aspects of this self-investment mechanism; and (iv) aspects of problematic Facebook use associated specially with cognitive preoccupation and behavioural compulsivity are not influenced by identity-based factors.

Keywords

• Problematic facebook use
• In-group identification
• Centrality
• Solidarity
• Self-investment
• Self-definition