A recent survey has shown a strong link between regular Facebook fitness updates and narcissism.
Facebook posts featuring exercise regimes, dinner pictures and gym selfies have become so common that we don’t even bat an eyelid anymore.
But new research, conducted by Brunel University, suggests that there may be more to these updates than meets the eye.
Psychologists at the university surveyed 555 Facebook users and found that those who post fitness selfies and gym check-ins regularly have a strong tendency towards narcissism and self-obsession.
The survey measured the “Big 5” personality traits as extroversion, neuroticism, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness.
Those who showed narcissistic tendencies were more likely to frequently update about their fitness achievements, with their updates being motivated by a stronger need for attention and validation.
Dr. Tara Marshall reported that “people who receive more likes and comments tend to experience the benefits of social inclusion, whereas those who receive none feel ostracised.”
The survey noted that, because fitness posts typically generate more likes and comments than other posts, people with narcissistic tendencies receive a high level of gratification from them.
However, Dr. Marshall added that “although our results suggest that narcissists’ bragging pays off because they receive more likes and comments to their status updates, it could be that their Facebook friends politely offer support while secretly disliking such egotistical displays.”
The survey also found that Facebook users who post frequent updates about their romantic partners have lower self-esteem and that those who are more conscientious tend to post more updates about their children.
