Social interactions mediated by the Internet and the Big-Five: a cross-country analysis

TL;DR

This cross-country study investigates how Big Five personality traits influence digital social interactions and help-seeking behaviors among university students across diverse cultural contexts.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence linking personality traits to online social participation, highlighting their importance in improving matching algorithms for help requests.

Findings

Personality traits affect social interaction levels.

Active participation varies with Big Five traits.

Cultural context influences digital social behaviors.

Abstract

This study analyzes the possible relationship between personality traits, in terms of Big Five (extraversion, agreeableness, responsibility, emotional stability and openness to experience), and social interactions mediated by digital platforms in different socioeconomic and cultural contexts. We considered data from a questionnaire and the experience of using a chatbot, as a mean of requesting and offering help, with students from 4 universities: University of Trento (Italy), the National University of Mongolia, the School of Economics of London (United Kingdom) and the Universidad Cat\'olica Nuestra Se\~nora de la Asunci\'on (Paraguay). The main findings confirm that personality traits may influence social interactions and active participation in groups. Therefore, they should be taken into account to enrich the recommendation of matching algorithms between people who ask for help and people who could respond not only on the basis of their knowledge and skills.