Who prefers anonymous self-expression online? A survey-based study of Finns aged 15-30 years

: Teo Keipi , Atte Oksanen, Pekka Räsänen

Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

: 2015

: Information, Communication and Society

: INFORMATION COMMUNICATION & SOCIETY

: INFORM COMMUN SOC

: 18

: 6

: 717

: 732

: 16

: 1369-118X

: 1468-4462

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2014.991342

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.