Self-presentation on social network sites: Development of a self-identity expression scale and its relationship with social competence.

The current study explores dimensions of self-identity on social network sites (SNSs) and their relationships with social competence. Data were collected through an online survey among young SNS users that had a profile on Facebook and/or MySpace. Results shows that self-identity expression on SNSs is multidimensional made up of interest/activity, roles and memberships, and opinion expression. Individuals who were found to actively use SNSs to express views on social and political issues tended to exhibit high social competence and an ability to form and manage offline real-world relationships. Results also indicate that SNS users selectively use self-identity expression dimensions for relevant social competence components.