Dear Participant,



We are seeking people over the age of 18 years to participate in a study conducted by Adam McGrath, an Honours in Psychology student, under the supervision of Associate Professor Kate Moore at Federation University Australia.



We invite you to participate in this study that has been designed to investigate factors that influence how people present themselves on Facebook. The findings from the research will contribute towards existing knowledge about what factors influence people’s online presentations.



If you decide to participate in this study you will be required to complete an online questionnaire, which will take approximately 20 minutes of your time. You will be asked to provide some demographic information about yourself, such as your age, gender, and education level. In addition, the questionnaire will contain questions designed to measure Facebook use, (e.g. “How often do you use Facebook?”), presentation of the self on Facebook (e.g. “I say what I think on Facebook even if it is different to the opinions of others”), as well as questions related to your thoughts and feelings (e.g., “I often compare myself with others on Facebook; “On the whole, I am satisfied with myself”). It is important that you answer each question as honestly as possible, so that the research is of significant value.



Your participation in the survey is voluntary and the data you provide are anonymous. You may withdraw from the study at any time without explanation or penalty by closing your web browser. It is important to note that submission of the completed questionnaire will be deemed to be your informed consent to participate in the study, and once submitted it will not be possible to identify and remove your data. The named researchers will be the only individuals to have access to the data and only group data will be reported. Data will be securely stored for a minimum of five years. If publication of the research findings arises, no identifying information will be used.



It is unlikely that you will experience any discomfort or distress as a result of completing this questionnaire, however if you do experience any adverse feelings, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36, or your medical practitioner.



A summary of the results will be made available in November 2017. Participants interested in receiving a summary of the results are asked to contact Dr Moore and these will be posted out to you.





Your consideration of this study is appreciated.





If you have any questions, or you would like further information regarding the project titled The relationship between social comparison, self-esteem, authenticity and self-presentation on Facebook please contact the Principal Researcher, Dr Kathleen Moore of the School of Health:



EMAIL: k.moore@federation.edu



PH: 03 5122 8922