Exploring Narcissistic Technology Usage: The Role of Developmental Phases in Moral Judgments

• In Event: 46.086 - Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: 46.086-24 - Moral Development and Education SIG Roundtable on Moral Reasoning

Abstract

Saculla, Derryberry, and Thoma (2013) found a relationship between narcissistic technology usage and moral judgment development. The present study looks at this relationship more closely by investigating patterns of consolidation and transition in moral judgment development (Rest, Narvaez, Bebeau, & Thoma, 1999) where narcissistic technology usage is concerned. Results revealed that transitional individuals indicated higher rates of narcissistic technology usage, as compared to consolidated individuals. For the transitional individual, the utility of moral judgment information is low and, in turn, s/he is more likely to be affected by extraneous factors (Thoma & Rest, 1999), like narcissism – atleast to the extent that it is manifested in technology usage. Practical implications, such as technology interventions in college communities, are discussed.

Author

• Meghan Marie Saculla, University of Alabama