Status updates are one of the most popular features of Facebook, but few studies have examined the traits
and motives that influence the topics that people choose to update about. In this study, 555 Facebook
users completed measures of the Big Five, self-esteem, narcissism, motives for using Facebook, and frequency
of updating about a range of topics. Results revealed that extraverts more frequently updated
about their social activities and everyday life, which was motivated by their use of Facebook to communicate
and connect with others. People high in openness were more likely to update about intellectual
topics, consistent with their use of Facebook for sharing information. Participants who were low in
self-esteem were more likely to update about romantic partners, whereas those who were high in conscientiousness
were more likely to update about their children. Narcissists’ use of Facebook for attention-seeking
and validation explained their greater likelihood of updating about their
accomplishments and their diet and exercise routine. Furthermore, narcissists’ tendency to update about
their accomplishments explained the greater number of likes and comments that they reported receiving
to their updates