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Please read through all the chapters to understand the research and write a conclusion and interpretation of the findings, which is in chapter 4.4 and 5.1, approximately 400 words each. (please try to match the writing style and keep it academic but not personal)-Chapter 4.4 is conclusion for Chapter 4 results.-Chapter 5.1 is interpretation of the findings, which has to link back to chapter 2 Lecture review. ( Look at chapter 4.4 and make a link to chapter 2. try to place the results in wider context)Im currently polishing this work as well, so please do ask me if you dont understand something. 😎 highly_sensitive_individuals_and_internet_environment.docx highly_sensitive_individuals_and_internet_environment.docx Unformatted Attachment Preview Highly sensitive individuals and internet environment Chapter 1. Introduction Self-determination theory has suggested that the basic requirements for individuals’ social satisfaction and well-being are competence, autonomy and relatedness (Sheldon & Gunz, 2009; Sheldon et al., 2011). A successful social media platform could improve individual’s psychological needs by providing virtual environments to develop their relationships with other online users, increase their sense of self-worth and motivate them to engage with virtual stimuli. Furthermore, online networking sites have been found as the most common platforms used by young populations to expand their social circles, and to express and communicate their ideas and needs. Numerous researchers have established positive influences of internet platforms among young individuals, such as providing the possibility of “second life” (Lin, 2008), increasing their sense of belonging through online social interactions (Krishen, Hardin, & Latour, 2013), and providing comfort and safety for individuals with poor social skills (AmichaiHamburger & Furnham, 2007). Scholars have been focused on correlation between the Big Five model and social media. They identified extraversion, neuroticism, and openness as main desirable traits for improved interaction on social media platforms (Ross et al., 2009; Zywica & Danowski, 2008). The Big Five model (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness) provides the fundamental framework to explain characteristics of individuals’ responses or behaviours to stimulations (McCrae & Costa, 1997). Individuals’ personality differences are the core influence in dissimilitude of intentions, behaviours, and reactions to virtual stimuli. The Big Five model could be an important part of explaining majority of populations’ behaviour or preferences on online platforms. However, currently there is a lack of research on the relationship between high Sensory Processing Sensitivity Individuals (SPSI) and their behaviour on social media. SPS is a genetically based trait which could be found in humans and over 100 other species, and it is one of the core influences on constructing our personality (Bakker & Moulding 2012; Acevedo et al., 2018). High SPSI often been misunderstood with being introverted, or other mental illnesses or personality disorders, due to the ease with which they are overwhelmed by their environment, being hyperresponsive to incoming stimuli. Furthermore, they can also be socially withdrawn, shy, isolated and anxious (Acevedo et al., 2018). However, SPSI are found to be featuring a significant degree of openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, empathy, creativity and high reflectivity (Listou Grimen et al., 2016). The aim of this research will focus on exploring high SPSI’ social preferences, and the relationship of both negative and positive sides of SPSI when interacting with social media, as well as the benefits of social media for them. The research will look at the common traits that SPS shares with the Big Five model, and where possible explore available statistics from past research together with new datasets to establish expected behaviour of SPSI when using virtual platforms. 1.2 Plan of research The research project is designed to be completed in 16 weeks. The first two weeks are divided in two parts: researching and selecting the main focus of the research topic; then finishing Chapter 1, including introduction, research questions, and plan of the research. Main focus starting from the third week is to read related articles, including journals, books and web sites, etc.; and deliver the first draft of taxonomy by the end of the week. It will continue until the end of the draft report submission by the end of week 9. However, designing questionnaire and interview will be time consuming, so two weeks’ time to design questions is needed on week 5 to 6. Next, research methodology and sampling framework will be done in two weeks and finishing by week 8. In this project, data will be created by survey and interviews, and the result will be analysed in Chapter 5 and will be complete by the end of week 13. The final stage of writing conclusions and preparing the presentation will be done in weeks 14 to 16. Chapter 2. Literature Review This session has been divided into three main parts to discuss: Big five model and its impact on online behaviour (extravert and openness, high level of agreeableness and conscientiousness, introvert and high level of neuroticism), characteristics of Sensory Processing Sensitivity and its relationship with the Big Five model, and follow up with a summary of this lecture (sensory Processing Sensitivity individuals’ expected behaviour on social media). 2.1 Big Five model and its impact on online behaviour 2.1.1Extravert and Openness From the previous research, extraversion in individuals is the best predictor of online platform use. These individuals are outgoing, desire new experiences, are risk takers and act on impulse. (Amichai-Hamburger et al., 2017, Alan et al., 2016). Extroverts also share similar traits with people who have higher level of openness; they have a curious nature, willing to find new information, be creative and imaginative (Rayan and Xenos, 2011). Levenson (1990) suggested individuals who are risk takers have direct relationship with sensation seeking, this personality trait provides them the ability to explore different aspects of the internet and its unlimited resources. Online environment also gives extroverts and individuals with high level of openness many possibilities to explore or experiment with their identities. Ability to fully explore our identity is one of the most important and difficult challenges that people are struggling with. Multiple identities protect us from higher risk of stress. As Linville (1987) argued, for individuals to achieve high level of self-complexity and fulfil their social needs they would have to explore a variety of identities. Social online platforms provide both extraverts and individuals with high level of openness an opportunity to explore their inner self through creating personal websites, communication with others, and finding new experiences. 2.1.2 High level of agreeableness and conscientiousness Individuals who have high score in agreeableness are characterised by kindness, friendliness, politeness, and wholeheartedness (Costa and McCrae, 1992). These personality traits help them to have longer term friendships, as well as less difficulties in finding friends due to their nature of sympathetic and inviting personality. Social media would be beneficial for this type of individuals to expand their social circles, and they could provide other online users comfort in some situations. Previous studies have also related agreeableness to the need of belonging, presenting alternative identity online, and finding acceptance among the others on social media (Seidman, 2013). Virtual environment could positively fulfil these needs and could bring individuals closer due to the freedom of expression, and the ease of finding similar interests’ groups. When it comes to people scoring high in conscientiousness, they share the traits of seeking achievements, orderliness, self-efficiency, and cautiousness (Hughes et al., 2012). People with these types of traits would avoid interacting with social media, as social media might play a role of distraction from their goals and lifestyles (Butt et al., 2008; Ryan et all., 2011). Yet, the results of research into individuals with high level of conscientiousness and their online platform use have been mixed. Some scholars suggest that they engage with these platforms frequently, but use them for news, making professional relationships, and other high achievement goals (Zúñiga et al., 2017). 2.1.3 Introverts and high level of neuroticism Amichai-Hamburger et al. (2002) have suggested introverts and people with high level of neuroticism are more likely to express their “true self” on the internet, as individuals can easily find others with relatable experiences and similar personalities. They are also able to control the information they want to reveal, or the degree of interaction with others. In Rogerian theory he proposed that individual’s desired personality (ideal self) is expressed through a set of characteristics they would like to possess. However, in modern life people have replaced this with a desire for characteristics they believe would bring them the affection of others. Furthermore, interaction in real life seems to be more difficult than in cyberspace, where people tend to express themselves different from how they truly are. This leads to some degree of loneliness and selfisolation from their own deeper self and from other people (Rogers, 1980, pp. 166-7). Cyberspace allows individuals who are introverted and those with high level of neuroticism to express themselves freely and encourages them to share their experiences with other users. McKenna et al. (2002) suggest that virtual environment provides a unique space which brings varying degree of security and encourages individuals to show their “true self” which they find difficult to be expressed in offline environment. 2.2 Characteristics of Sensory Processing Sensitivity and its relationship with the Big Five model Behaviours of species affected by SPS are considered to be part of survival strategy, helping to care for others, garner resources and avoid threats through observation and comparison to past situations. E. Aron & Aron (1997) have suggested that an individual with higher level of responsiveness to a stimulus is more likely to consider their actions before committing, they are also more sensitive to details, and would choose complex strategies to be more effective in challenging situations. Past research indicated that approximately 15-20\% of human population are SPS individuals (SPSIs) (Kagan, 1994); other researchers have also suggested high probability of SPS being a stable personality trait compared with other personality disorders or mental disorders (Aron & Aron, 1997; Dunn. 2001). Moreover, SPSI can also refer to highly sensitive person (HSP). These individuals share a variety of positive characteristics which could be beneficial for their social interaction. For instance, they have greater depth of processing and responding to stimulus, stronger empathy, and greater openness to experiences (Grimen et al., 2016). Likewise, research by Aron (1996a) discussed many advantages of high SPS traits, such as imagination, creativity, kindness, high responsiveness and engagement. However, HSP’s characteristics have also been suggested to correlate with at least two Big Five personality traits - introversion and neuroticism. Grimen & Diseth (2016) have found high SPS individuals to be sensitive to arousals and easily overwhelmed emotionally by external and internal pressures which are related to neuroticism. Consequently, their social behaviour would be more cautious, due to their nature of paying extra attention to environments and avoiding triggers. Here, a connection could be made of high SPS individuals and introverts in how their common traits similarly affect their behaviour. People who exhibit such behaviour are likely to reduce social interaction to achieve comfortable environment for their well-being (Aron & Aron, 1997). Researchers have also discovered high SPSI will have better performance in positive environments, it could provide them with better quality experiences and balance their stresses from internal and external pressures (Acevedo et al., 2018; Aron 2020). Aron (2020) has also suggested 30\% of HSP could be highly sensitive extraverts, sharing the traits of both extraversion and some degree of introversion. This group of people can be highly responsive, curious, and sensation seekers, which is similar with extraverted individuals. On the other hand, similarly to introverts, they could also be highly reflective, empathetic, and creative; sometimes socially withdrawn when needing recovery from the social interactions and overwhelming stimuli. 2.3 Conclusion of sensory Processing Sensitivity individuals’ expected behaviour on social media Social media has both positive and negative information uploaded by the general public. We interact with it depending on our personalities. Among the Big Five model, individuals with extraversion, openness, high level of agreeableness, introversion, and high level of neuroticism could have positive experiences on social media. As SPSI share those traits, we can assume that cyberspace could bring them a similar positive experience. Introverted individuals, and SPSIs with high level of agreeableness and neuroticism are able to express themselves truly and freely in virtual environments. Such environments give them an opportunity to find long term friendships, groups who share similar interests or personality traits, and also give them a sense of security. Openness and extraversion encourage HSP to be sensitive to surroundings, take risks, seek new experiences, use their imagination and curiosity. Social media could be beneficial for them to be creative, to experience new possibilities, and experiment with different identity. Despite all the positive impact they might be able to achieve on internet platforms, there are some negative aspects that might bring struggle to SPSIs. When a stimulation is negative, it could trigger their stress levels and overwhelm them. They might feel anxious and worried about the comments made by other internet users, struggle with their empathetic nature when they are in immoral situations and focus on irrelevant information. Chapter 3. Research Methodology (2334) 3.1Qualitative study The study uses the Big Five model and SPS scales to specify individual’ personality traits and SPS levels. The participants are selected approximant around their early 20’s to end of 40’s, both 20 male and 20 females. Because they are considered to have more understanding with their personality traits, additionally they are also more mature and aware with their behaviour offline environments and in cyberspaces. This project does not include cultural and geographical differences, because we are only discussing their personality traits and their online behaviours. Online questionnaire has been chosen for quantitative method. It has designed to contain gender and age, and three main parts – first to specify their personality traits among the big five model, second to exanimate their SPS rates, and finally to identify their social online behaviours, also well as their intentions. Furthermore, the participants are asked to response their answers from most likely (=10), less likely (=0), because by extending the range of the answer responses, it could provide us more accurate results. The questionnaire will be sent through social media, and some participants might refer it to their friends. 3.2 Quantitative study Interview questions were designed for active social media users, the answers will be taken through phone interviews. Participants are chosen based on the response they give to the last question of the questionnaire, asking if they would like to be a part of the interview. In order to have better results from both genders, 2 males and 2 females were interviewed. They will be asked to answer some basic questions about SPS traits, and if they think they are SPSI. From the interview, we will discuss their behaviour in real life and on social media, they will also specify both positive and negative impacts of social media use, and how they feel without using it. Furthermore, they will discuss what they intend to explore in cyberspaces, if they found it useful to develop their identity. Finally, participants are going to evaluate their online behaviour and provide reflections about their life without interacting or being involved in social media. This question reinforces the importance of cyberspaces in their life. Chapter 4. Results evaluation 4.1 Background research People experiencing SPS are genetically hyperresponsive to their surroundings than non-SPS individuals. SPS is associated with empathy, high reflectivity, openness, conscientiousness, and creativity, attributes that make up the Big Five Model. SPS develops in human beings as a survival tactic mutating to the changes in the environment (Valojää, 2015). Since SPS shows different personalities resulting in various ways to handle situations, some individuals have proven to thrive in variety of difficult situations. However, they could manifest behaviour such as coyness, isolation, anxiety, and withdrawal, demonstrating the possibility of various social interactions to the environment, whether virtually, physically, or emotionally. Furthermore, SPS is affiliated with social anxiety, they would feel uncomfortable around overly stimulated surroundings, and judgments among the society. According to Aron (2018), high SPS individuals exhibit “differential susceptibility,” meaning that they suffer more in bad situations but do exceptionally well in good ones. Aron is a HSP and she explains that people like her respond faster to emotion-charged stimuli. She draws upon existing research on SPS, and she concludes that SPSIs “pay more attention to positive stimuli relative to negative and react more strongly” (Aron, 2018, para. 5). Most people with high SPS have developed mechanisms to cope with their sensitivity, including spending more time in satiety and calmness. Aron’s commentary may help to understand the social and online behaviour of people with high SPS. Generally, HSP would avoid circumstances that might arouse negative emotions, which means they would prefer to spend time alone. The cyberspace is one of the avenues that SPS individuals would use to communicate and interact, due to it provides senses of security and allows them to express themselves freely, and it allows them to have more controls among the environment (Passal, 2016).The invention of chat rooms and social media has offered a safe space where anxious individuals can easily express themselves without worrying triggers. With current arising issues, it has led to increased subsequent SPS associated anxiety. With the difficulties of control reality, it’s more likely for anxious individuals to feel at ease in surreal environments such as online platforms. 4.2 Quantitative Research (1212) 20 males and 20 females had completed the personality and online behaviour questionnaire, making 40 participants in total. From their answers we are able to analyse their SPS levels, Big Five personality traits, and their intentions and behaviour in cyberspace. Age is divided in 3 groups (19-29, 30-40, 41-51), with the majority of participants in group aged 19-29, which is 47.6\% of females and 25\% of males. Second largest group is ages 30-40, which involved 2.5\% of females and 20\% of males. Then finally, the least participants of both genders are in group aged 41-51, which has 0\% of females and 5\% of males (see graph 1). Graph 1. Age groups of participants 4.2.1 Personality traits among the Big Five offline (573) This section focused on comparing the Big Five scores of both males and females who are HSPS and non-HSPS. The differences in numbers point out likely personality traits in each comparison group. From the questionnaire, participants are asked to describe their general behaviour in daily life by answering the questions on the scale of 0-10 (0 is referring to least likely, and 10 is most likely). In terms of the Big Five scores in non-HSPS and HSPS males’ group (see graph 2), HSPS individuals are higher in agreeableness and conscientiousness than non-HSPS individuals, which means HSPS males are more friendly, compassionate, caring. They are also significantly higher in ... Purchase answer to see full attachment