The relationship between self-monitoring and online self-presentation

Social media networking sites now offer new ways for individuals to present themselves online that may differ from their offline selves. The study aimed to investigate whether self-monitoring tendency is related to online self- presentation. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was implemented in an online survey. Two measures were used, the presentation of online self-scale (POSS) which is comprised of four subscales, ideal self (ID), multiple selves (MS), online presentation preference (OPP) and consistent self (CS), and the revised self-monitoring scale (RSMS). Data from 157 participants (23.4% male, 74.7% female, 1.9% other) was used in a multiple regression analysis. The model was not significant, meaning the four sub scales within the POSS, did not predict individuals’ levels of self-monitoring. The findings were discussed in relation to previous theories and research, strengths and limitations and future research into the complex area of the human behaviours within online environments.