Prolific social media users are often accused of narcissism. Now a new study claims that rather than causing narcissism, social media may actually be a safe haven for so-called "vulnerable narcissists" who feel insecure during face-to-face interactions.
Vulnerable narcissists, the University of Florence team say, are more likely to have lower self-esteem and higher levels of insecurity. This means social networking, on which they can more easily gain "approval and admiration", is preferable to interacting with people in the "real world".
On the other hand, grandiose narcissists, who are more arrogant and exhibitionist than their vulnerable counterparts, are less likely to seek comfort in social media and would rather seek out real-life interactions.
This suggests social media isn't actively fuelling narcissism, as many claim, but rather is attractive to – and often problematic for – those who already display narcissistic tendencies.
And this problematic use of the internet may also indicate other mental health problems.
"Since online interactions tend to have an indirect effect on an individual's social self-esteem, it is important to assess carefully for comorbid depression in those presenting with problematic internet use," said Brenda K. Wiederhold, who worked on the project.
It's important to note the study has several limitations – it relies on self-reported data, with the team saying further research should use wider measures to "overcome self-presentational biases". And narcissism, though it can be clinically diagnosed, is not a stable trait.
Other studies have also sought to establish the link between social media and narcissism, with mixed results. One study suggested different social networks promote different kinds of narcissistic behaviours, with another claiming that the higher the number of Facebook friends a person has, the more likely they are to display "socially disruptive" traits that are commonly associated with clinical narcissism.
The study has been published in Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
