Relationship between Dark Triad and Engagement in Social Networking Sites among University Students

This research examined the Dark Triad Personality factors, namely Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy in the online realm specifically focusing on university students’ participation in Facebook and Instagram. The sample consisted of three hundred and fifty undergraduate students, with ethical considerations ensuring the confidentiality and anonymity of participants and emphasizing the voluntary nature of participation. In this study, the methods employed are correlational and cross-sectional, to understand the association between the dark triad and the use of social networking sites among students aged between 18 and 25 years old. Study subjects were purposively selected using the purposive sampling technique. Participants filled out surveys that included Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy related items and Facebook and Instagram usage involvement. The present study reported that Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism, Narcissism and Psychopathy) have a considerable contribution in social networking site (SNS) activities and adverse online activities. Demographic factors were also analyzed as important variables in usage of Facebook and Instagram, as well as the level of Psychopathy among users. The evidence shows that the intensity of the three traits, dark triads of personality, is directly related to the degree of engaging in manipulative and self-promoting activities online. The study also analyzed the discrepancies in SNS engagement and Dark Triad traits in relation to gender.