Being in the Social: a cross-cultural and cross-generational study on identity processes related to Facebook use

Facebook (FB) is a social network allowing people to express their own identity. We propose that the frequency of use of FB can be explained in part by two identity processes: identity motives satisfaction (esteem, continuity, belonging and efficacy) and identity exploration. We tested the importance of these two identity processes as predictors of individual differences in FB use in two different generations (adolescents and adults) and in two different countries (Italy and Chile). A self-report questionnaire was administered in Italy and Chile. A linear regression showed that identity motives satisfaction significantly predicted FB use, whereas the path between identity exploration and FB use was non-significant. These findings were not significantly moderated by country of residence or generation. We conclude that when using FB people are entering a shared - and predefined - cultural world to which they tend to adapt.