Study: 'Soooo In Love' On Facebook? Maybe You're Just Insecure
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – If you've ever found yourself inwardly gagging over a Facebook "friend's" relationship posts, take a deep breath and repeat this: They're just insecure.
Yes, a new study finds that those who frequently gush about their significant other on social media are – surprise, surprise -- more likely to have low self-esteem.
The research, which assessed 555 Facebook users who answered survey questions on the 'Big 5' personality traits (extroversion, neuroticism, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness) as well as on narcissism and self-esteem, claims that those with low self-esteem were more likely to post status updates about their significant other. On the other hand, those who were extroverted and social posted more frequently about social gatherings and events, and those who were conscientious posted about their kids.
Another interesting finding? The people posting hundreds of selfies, bragging about their latest marathon or cross fit class and talking about their healthy gluten-free diet scored highest for narcissism. Narcissists were the most likely to brag about their achievements and post about diet and exercise. What's more, those people also received the most "likes" and comments on their posts, "indicating that narcissists' boasting may be reinforced by the attention they crave."
So, what's the takeaway?
"Greater awareness of how one's status updates might be perceived by friends could help people to avoid topics that annoy more than they entertain," the researchers conclude.
Um, yeah.