Cyber behaviour and personality nexus: clustering around security attitudes, FoMO, problematic social media use, and cognitive and personality traits?

Abstract – Our research examines whether cyber behaviours can be classified through personality factors. The study involved 642 participants, including 314 from the United Kingdom (UK) and 328 from the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Using conscientiousness, neuroticism and need for cognition (NFC) along with problematic social media use (PSMU), fear of missing out (FoMO) and security attitude (SA), we identified three clusters in each cultural context, which showed broad similarities. To enhance interpretation, clusters were translated into behavioural personas. The UK personas were ‘methodical achievers’, ‘reactive explorers’ and ‘engaged seekers’, while the GCC personas were ‘analytical protectors’, ‘reactive explorers’ and ‘hyper-connected defenders’. Developing these profiles and presenting them as visual personas was a central aim of the research. The clusters revealed consistent relationships between cyber behaviours and personal factors. High NFC and conscientiousness were linked to stronger SAs and lower PSMU and FoMO, whereas higher neuroticism predicted weaker SAs and elevated PSMU and FoMO. These findings underscore the utility of clustering approaches that integrate multiple behaviours rather than isolating one. By connecting personality with cyber tendencies, this study provides a foundation for personalized interventions, promoting cyber safety in a more comprehensive and culturally sensitive manner.