The Dark Triad Traits and Problematic Internet Use:
Their Structure and Relations Cover Image

The Dark Triad Traits and Problematic Internet Use: Their Structure and Relations
The Dark Triad Traits and Problematic Internet Use: Their Structure and Relations

Author(s): Marta R. Jabłońska, Radosław Zajdel
Subject(s): Sociology
Published by: Polskie Towarzystwo Socjologiczne
Keywords: online behavior; Dark Triad; problematic Internet use; psychological traits; narcissism; Machiavellianism; psychopathy; personality

Summary/Abstract: The term “problematic Internet use” (PIU) refers to excessive online activities and is a major socialconcern. Despite various sociological, psychological, and interdisciplinary studies, the risk factors related to PIUremain unclear. As psychological traits are associated with online behavior, they are often seen as potential riskfactors of PIU. However, the dark personality traits (which include narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy)and their relation to problematic Internet use are only partially recognized. These traits are commonly knownas the Dark Triad, and even though they have been widely researched their structure is still under discussion. Thisstudy investigates both the structure of the Dark Triad and the triad’s relation to PIU. A total of 384 participantswere surveyed by online questionnaire. Our results suggest that the 3-component structure of the dark traits maybe more suitable for research into online activity than a dark dyad. Moreover, the Dark Triad traits are related tohigh PIU levels

  • Issue Year: 212/2020
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 477-496
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: English