The Narcissistic Millennial Generation: A Study of Personality Traits and Online Behavior on Facebook

The aim of the present study was to investigate differences between late (born: 1991-2000) and early (born: 1977-1990) Millennials regarding the personality traits narcissism, sensation seeking, self-esteem, and Facebook use. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between personality traits and Facebook use, in both groups. Data of 254 Millennial Facebook users were collected. Results of regression discontinuity analyses including age as covariate indicate that late Millennials on average score significantly higher on narcissism, sensation seeking, self-presentation, and social interaction on Facebook than early Millennials. These cohort effects occur beyond age effects. In both groups, narcissism, sensation seeking, self-esteem, and online behavior were positively related. Interpretation of the results focuses on technological innovation and cultural change which affect the development of early and late Millennials differently. It is concluded that late and early Millennials differ substantially regarding personality traits and online behavior.