A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Who prefers anonymous self-expression online? A survey-based study of Finns aged 15-30 years
Authors: Teo Keipi , Atte Oksanen, Pekka Räsänen
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Publication year: 2015
Journal: Information, Communication and Society
Journal name in source: INFORMATION COMMUNICATION & SOCIETY
Journal acronym: INFORM COMMUN SOC
Volume: 18
Issue: 6
First page : 717
Last page: 732
Number of pages: 16
ISSN: 1369-118X
eISSN: 1468-4462
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2014.991342(external)
Abstract
The dominance of computer-mediated communication in the online relational landscape continues to affect millions of users; yet, few studies have identified and analyzed characteristics shared by those specifically valuing its anonymous aspects for self-expression. This article identifies and investigates key characteristics of such users through online survey by two samples of Finnish users of social networking sites aged 15-30 years (n = 1013; 544). Various characteristics espoused by those especially valuing anonymity for self-expression online were identified and analyzed in relation to the users in question. Favoring anonymity was positively correlated with both grandiosity, a component of narcissism, and low self-esteem. In addition, users with stronger anonymity preference tended to be younger, highly trusting, having strong ties to online communities while having few offline friends. Findings emphasize the significance of a deeper understanding of how anonymity effects and attracts users seeking its benefits while also providing new insights into how user characteristics interact depending on motivation.
The dominance of computer-mediated communication in the online relational landscape continues to affect millions of users; yet, few studies have identified and analyzed characteristics shared by those specifically valuing its anonymous aspects for self-expression. This article identifies and investigates key characteristics of such users through online survey by two samples of Finnish users of social networking sites aged 15-30 years (n = 1013; 544). Various characteristics espoused by those especially valuing anonymity for self-expression online were identified and analyzed in relation to the users in question. Favoring anonymity was positively correlated with both grandiosity, a component of narcissism, and low self-esteem. In addition, users with stronger anonymity preference tended to be younger, highly trusting, having strong ties to online communities while having few offline friends. Findings emphasize the significance of a deeper understanding of how anonymity effects and attracts users seeking its benefits while also providing new insights into how user characteristics interact depending on motivation.
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