A study out from Brunel University claims that Facebook posters habits tend to give away some of their personality traits. Which seems logical, I know I can get a vibe from the way a person elaborates about themselves, and when that vibe is picked up on it’s usually a bad indicator. Not always though, the internet being what it is can leave one wondering if someone is just an asshole or if maybe they forgot an emoticon.
Anyway, the article makes sense in its conclusions, at least to me. For instance people who tend to post a lot of status updates tend to be suffering from low esteem. And people who post about their children tend to be conscientious, okay then I can see that. Then it goes on to discuss the narcissist, and I quote:
- Narcissists more frequently updated about their achievements, which was motivated by their need for attention and validation from the Facebook community. These updates also received a greater number of ‘likes’ and comments, indicating that narcissists’ boasting may be reinforced by the attention they crave.
- Narcissists also wrote more status updates about their diet and exercise routine, suggesting that they use Facebook to broadcast the effort they put into their physical appearance.
Okay, that all kinda makes sense too…
But the thing is then, what about bloggers? Is our drive to post some sort of window into our personalities? Are we the ultimate narcissists? Looking for likes and appreciation from our blogging peers?
I know I have asked myself that question on more than one occaision. Especially when I’ve been in a posting drought. Next thing I know I start feeling guilty, then tell myself “hey man, you have been busy, the blog will still be there tomorrow.” Then I begin to wonder about my inherent duty to the blog. I’ll tell myself “If you are going to have a blog, you damn well better post something before the end of the decade!” And then the question. The one I dread, even though I’m pretty sure the answer is no “Do I really need the likes and the comments so badly I have to post something?”
At least I think the answer is no. If the answer is yes then someone needs to tell me “Well yes, but in a good way!”
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150521213743.htm
Evidence Based Reality 
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Lol! Thanks JZ, I feel so much better now 🙂
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I don’t see why one can’t have both selfish reasons and unselfish ones. It doesn’t seem like that’s a bad thing. I mean we are a social species. We bond with people and we do so ultimately by putting ourselves out there hoping that someone sees us and says to themselves “yes I like what I see there”. It makes us feel good. But I can also feel equally good, in fact more good, that whatever part of myself I’ve chosen to put out there has had an impact on someone. Given them a positive emotional reaction. Even if it’s just for a short time. I think most people are like that. The narcissist doesn’t really care about how you feel, but only about their own feelings.
Great thoughts Shell and good questions to ask one’s self.
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What Swarn has said
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Thank you Swarn.
First this piece was written half tongue in cheek, and half serious. I hope that came through, but it’s hard to tell sometimes. 🙂
I know that whatever narcisssim we, that is the people I know and whos blogs I visit regularly possess, isn’t really what I’d consider narcissistic behavior. I feel like at least for my part, blogging and visiting other blogs is the best way to actually have some sort of intelligent dialogue with people I sort of know. Trust me the deep end of the pool is vacant here in W. Tennessee. And the spot between the shallows and the deep end have very few that won’t need a lifeguard soon. Fortunately I have a floaty.
But yeah it’s always good to have a moment of introspect once in a while.
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Interesting read. I always find it odd when someone posts a lot on FB. Most of the stuff they post is irrelevant and really not interesting, but just a way to say, “look at me!”
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I agree 100%. My stint on FB lasted exactly 3 days. So I hear ya ! 🙂
My family kept saying “get a FB account so we can stay in touch.” So I did. Then when I saw the shit my family was doing on FB I soon realized I much preferred seeing them every once in while, rather than putting up with their memes, politics, religious nonsense, etc. etc. Yes much better not knowing all of the silly crap they are doing @ FB, and giving them a call every once in a while. I like that much better.
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