Do you try to build relationships, share yourself, or stick to the news? Your online personality has a type.
Many of us spend at least a bit of time on Facebook, each day. Some spend a lot. You may feel confident in what you post and read, but could you easily describe why you turn to Facebook and what kind of social media user you are?
Researchers from Brigham Young University were curious to know the answers. Why does everyone flock to social media and how are they using it? Apparently, Facebook users can be categorized into 4 groups. Check it out and see which one is you.
1) Relationship Builders
Do you use Facebook as an extension of your real life? Are you only in contact with friends you know in person and family? Then you, my friend, are a relationship builder.
2) Town Criers
This group loves to get up on a hilltop and spread the word. And it’s not about themselves or their family- in fact, personal photos are rarely posted by this group. For town criers, it’s all about the ideas and issues currently making the rounds. These guys post events and news stories online, and update their family and friends about their lives in other ways, such as in person or over the phone.
3) Selfies
It’s all about you, isn’t it? When it comes to a personal profile online, selfies see it this way, which actually kind of makes sense. Is it a personal profile, right? Selfies like to promote themselves and often seek attention online, looking for likes and comments.
Related: Constantly Checking Your Mobile Phone Lowers Your Attention Span
4) Window Shoppers
Last but not least, there are the window shoppers. If you feel a social obligation to use Facebook, but prefer to hang out on the sidelines reading and watching rather than participating actively, this is you.
No worries, we still love you. Everyone is curious about what’s going on in your hidden life, but we don’t hold it against you. Maybe you’re part of the secret service or an actual foreign celebrity in hiding, who knows? And that makes it all that much more exciting to have you as a Facebook friend.
Kind of like Facebook data, researchers didn’t have any direct use for this information yet, but they were happy to know that they’re spreading awareness, and maybe a bit of self-reflection.
Photo credits: Rustle/Bigstock; porover/Bigstock
