Decoding Facebook: How Gender and Personality Shape Your Feed

Mira Elwood in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the hidden influences of narcissism and relational self-construal on men's and women's social media habits, and learn how these traits mold online interactions."

Facebook, a ubiquitous platform in modern society, offers its users diverse avenues for interaction. Whether it's the pursuit of attention, engagement in digital banter, or cultivating bonds of belonging, individuals leverage Facebook in myriad ways. Delving into the nuances of these digital interactions, a recent study sheds light on the intriguing disparities in how men and women utilize Facebook, probing whether these differences stem from varying degrees of narcissism and relational self-construal—the extent to which individuals define themselves through close relationships.

The research, which involved 573 participants from the United States, sought to bridge a gap in understanding by examining the motives behind Facebook use. It distinguished between antisocial motives, such as seeking attention or engaging in online bullying, and prosocial motives, which include fostering belonging and connecting with others. By exploring these facets, the study aimed to uncover whether gender-based differences in Facebook usage could be attributed to variations in narcissism and self-construal.

Understanding these dynamics can potentially lead to more effective strategies for promoting positive online conduct and mitigating negative behaviors. As social media continues to evolve, the insights garnered from this study offer a valuable lens through which to view and shape our digital interactions.

The Narcissism-Antisocial Facebook Connection

Surreal illustration contrasting narcissistic and relational Facebook use.

The study revealed that men are more inclined to use Facebook for antisocial purposes, driven by higher levels of narcissism. Narcissism, characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a need for admiration, often leads to behaviors aimed at self-promotion and attention-seeking. These narcissistic traits can manifest on Facebook through frequent status updates, boasting about achievements, and a general tendency to dominate online conversations.

Narcissists often seek validation from their online circles but may not reciprocate the support they receive. This one-sided approach can lead to negative perceptions from others, potentially resulting in fewer likes and comments on their posts. Additionally, individuals high in narcissism are more likely to react defensively to negative feedback and may even engage in bullying or trolling to assert their dominance and self-esteem.

The link between narcissism and antisocial Facebook use can be better understood through these key traits:

Self-promotion: Narcissists use Facebook as a platform to showcase their achievements and gain admiration.
Attention-seeking: They frequently update their status and share content to elicit reactions from their network.
Lack of reciprocity: Narcissists often seek support without offering the same in return.
Defensive reactions: They tend to react negatively to criticism and may retaliate against negative comments.

In essence, the study underscores that men's greater tendency to use Facebook for antisocial behaviors is partly fueled by their higher levels of narcissism. This insight highlights the importance of addressing narcissistic tendencies to foster more positive online interactions.

Promoting Prosocial Online Behavior

The insights from this study offer a foundation for interventions designed to promote more positive and constructive online interactions. By understanding the motivations behind antisocial and prosocial behaviors on Facebook, we can develop strategies to encourage empathy, relational awareness, and responsible digital citizenship. Ultimately, these efforts can contribute to creating a safer and more supportive online environment for everyone.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.chb.2017.08.033, Alternate LINK

Title: Are Sex Differences In Antisocial And Prosocial Facebook Use Explained By Narcissism And Relational Self-Construal?

Subject: General Psychology

Journal: Computers in Human Behavior

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Nelli Ferenczi, Tara C. Marshall, Kathrine Bejanyan

Published: 2017-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

According to the study, what is the connection between narcissism and antisocial behavior on Facebook, and how does it relate to gender?

The study indicates that men are more likely to use Facebook for antisocial purposes due to higher levels of narcissism. This narcissism manifests as self-promotion, attention-seeking, and a lack of reciprocity in online interactions. Narcissistic individuals often use Facebook to showcase achievements, dominate conversations, and react defensively to criticism, contributing to negative online behaviors.

How does narcissism manifest itself on Facebook, according to the research, and what are its key characteristics in the context of online interactions?

Narcissism is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a need for admiration. On Facebook, this translates to frequent status updates, boasting about accomplishments, and a general tendency to dominate online conversations. Narcissists often seek validation without reciprocating support, react defensively to criticism, and may engage in bullying to assert dominance.

What is relational self-construal, and how was it considered within the context of this Facebook study? What potential future research directions could stem from these findings?

Relational self-construal refers to the extent to which individuals define themselves through close relationships. While this study focused on the connection between narcissism and antisocial behavior on Facebook, relational self-construal was examined in relation to gender differences in Facebook usage. Future studies could explore how relational self-construal directly influences prosocial behaviors and the cultivation of online bonds of belonging.

What are the implications of this research for promoting more prosocial online behavior, and what specific interventions might be considered?

The study suggests that by understanding the motivations behind antisocial and prosocial behaviors on Facebook, strategies can be developed to encourage empathy, relational awareness, and responsible digital citizenship. These strategies can promote positive online conduct and mitigate negative behaviors, contributing to a safer and more supportive online environment. Interventions might target narcissistic tendencies to foster more positive online interactions.

How was the Facebook study conducted, and what were the primary goals and distinctions it aimed to explore regarding user behavior?

The study involved 573 participants from the United States and focused on understanding the motives behind Facebook use, distinguishing between antisocial motives (seeking attention, online bullying) and prosocial motives (fostering belonging, connecting with others). It aimed to uncover whether gender-based differences in Facebook usage could be attributed to variations in narcissism and relational self-construal.