Unravelling fame-seeking motive and narcissism: the roles of problematic internet use and acculturation to Western culture

Chin-Siang Ang

Behaviour and Information Technology, 2025, vol. 44, issue 17, 4170-4182

Abstract: Recent research suggests that narcissism levels among young adults are increasing. Grounded in the Uses and Gratifications Theory and the Theory of Globalization-based Acculturation, this study examines the relationship between fame-seeking motive and narcissism, with problematic internet use as a mediator. It also explores the moderating role of acculturation to Western culture in the mediation model. A sample of 298 young adults (66.1% female, Mage = 20.789, SD = 1.608) completed self-report questionnaires on fame-seeking motive, narcissism, problematic internet use, acculturation, and demographic information. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test the study hypotheses. Results indicated a positive relationship between fame-seeking motive and narcissism, with problematic internet use serving as a partial mediator. However, acculturation to Western culture did not significantly moderate these relationships. These findings highlight the potential role of problematic internet use in understanding the fame-seeking motive and narcissism connection, which could inform strategies to address narcissistic tendencies in young adults.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2025.2462258

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