Current Perspectives on Personality and Internet Use

Abstract

The Internet provides a means to take part in various online activities, for example, leisure activities (e.g., online gaming), social activities (e.g., online chat), and information activities (e.g., online newspapers). Patterns of Internet consumption tend to vary greatly and this is said to be a possible function of personality. Therefore, knowing something about the personalities of those who favor specific activities online may provide a better insight into the motivational factors behind use. This article combines and reviews current literature regarding personality and Internet use, using Eysenck’s three-factor personality theory as a framework of convergence. Although the Internet allows us to play with our identities, it would still seem that online behavior tends to somewhat mimic the behavior expected by one’s off-line personality.