Rich Get Richer: Extraversion Statistically Predicts Reduced Internet Addiction through Less Online Anonymity Preference and Extraversion Compensation

Abstract

Internet addiction may arise from multiple factors and personality tendencies have been previously implicated. Prior studies have found that extraversion may be a protective factor mitigating against internet addiction, yielding a “rich-get-richer” effect. However, few studies have explored how extraversion may influence internet addiction from the perspective of online-offline integration. Drawing on a sample of 428 college students, the current study examined a serial mediation model exploring the underlying mechanisms of how extraversion may statistically predict internet addiction through online-offline integration and antecedent factors. The serial mediation model analyses indicated that extraverted internet users exhibited a weaker preference for online anonymity and less online extraversion compensation, thus formulating a higher level of online-offline integration than introverted individuals, which, in turn, appeared to reduce the risk of internet addiction. In contrast, with regard to specific components of online-offline integration, introverted internet users preferred online anonymity, which reduced their relationship integration and increased their likelihood of internet addiction; similarly, the introverted individuals were also more likely to exhibit an extraversion compensation effect. That is, they were more extraverted on the internet than in general; hence, they had a lower level of self-identity integration, resulting in a greater likelihood of experiencing internet addiction. These results highlight the importance of online-offline integration that may account for personality variations in social and psychological outcomes related to internet use, and suggest a role for online anonymity preference and extraversion compensation in influencing specific components of integration.

Does the Internet Bring People Closer Together or Further Apart? The Impact of Internet Usage on Interpersonal Communications

“…Regionally, Internet addiction has a greater impact on Internet users in developed areas, such as in Europe and the United States [ 48 , 49 ]. Studies also found that those with greater neuroticism are more likely to become addicted to the Internet [ 50 , 51 ]. Heterogeneity also exists in terms of gender, age, and social class.…”

Need for Distinctiveness Leads to Pathological Internet Use? The Perspective of Cognitive Behavioral Model

“…According to the anonymity, convenience, escape model (ACE model), the three features of the Internet including anonymity, convenience and escape, contribute to PIU [ 16 ]. This model has also been demonstrated by copious empirical studies [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Therefore, we assumed that individuals high in need for distinctiveness are more likely than individuals low in need for distinctiveness to satisfy their needs on the Internet, which may lead to PIU.…”

Path analysis reveals intercultural differences between Czech and Chinese university students in technology addiction, mental health, and personality traits on academic achievement

“…A student with high engagement on these platforms might be better adapted socially and academically, as these platforms serve multifunctional purposes, from social communication to academic collaboration. Studies have shown that WeChat use was associated with improved mental health outcomes, including lower psychiatric symptoms, lower depression, higher functioning, better recovery, and higher quality of life 2022), the positive effect of extraversion may be explained by better online-o ine personality integration [74]. Agreeableness was signi cant only for Chinese students.…”