Me, Myselfie, and I: Individual and Platform Differences in Selfie Taking and Sharing Behaviour

Abstract

Although there is research on selfie-related behaviour via social media, many questions remain about the relationships between traditional mass media and new media use, creating and sharing selfies, and using selfies for relationship maintenance. In this study, we outline links between traditional media consumption and new media use, and explicate specific dimensions of the selfie including aesthetic appeal and picture composition. Individual differences - including contingencies of self-worth, attachment insecurity levels, and life satisfaction- were used to explain taking and sharing behaviour. Results show that the appearance-based contingency of self-worth, whereby individuals peg their self-esteem to their looks, explains individual focus on image and selfies. In addition, Snapchat is a significantly more popular platform for sharing selfies, as opposed to Facebook. Surprisingly, men take and share more selfies, compared to women. Results are discussed in terms of online self-disclosure, and suggestions for future research are offered.