Journal of Psychology & Behavioral Science

An Empirical Test of the Social Media User Typology Framework
Jamal J. Al-Menayes

Abstract
This study examined the differences between social media user types on a host of independent variables. User types were based on the Media-User Typology which explicates user types into five categories based on their media usage patterns. Several predictors of user type were included in logistic regression analysis to see the differences between each of the five categories of user type. Results indicate that significant differences in the "sporadic" and "advanced" user groups, but very little differences exist among the "lurker", "socializer", and "debater" groups. Members of the "advanced" group spend more time using social media, have a large number of followers. They are also more likely to meet someone they came across online in a face-to-face situation and drive while using social media. Limitations in this study include the cross-sectional data employed in the study do not warrant a claim of any causal relationships between the independent and dependent variables. Moreover, the sample which had female to male ratio of 2:1 which could skew the results by showing more variance in the former compared to the latter. Finally, all variables were based on self-reports. For example, the independent variable "time spent using social media" was measured by asking participants how much time they spend using social media on a typical day. Even though this question measures usage time accurately, uncertainty remains as to whether users are active all the time they are logged on to a specific application.

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