Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2016;30:90-101.

Abstract

Social networking sites (SNS) is not only used as a platform for online interaction, but also for emotional purposes. In SNS, users tend to like or watch visual that is shared by other users as video sharing because it is similar to the sharing of a documentary related meaningful event. Furthermore, the use of SNS associated with personality that enables the users to hide their own emotions from the knowledge of other users. The dominant personality in the field of communication is Extroverts. The question is, to what extent the visual exposure will stimulate and affect the emotional changes in Extroverts? The study was conducted online (online experiment) by using Post-test Group Design. A total of 30 Extroverts were selected through convenience sampling and has been added into Facebook group ‘Emosi dan EPQ’. They were requested to answer a questionnaire before and after watching the provocative visual. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon-Signed Rank Test. The results showed that provocative visual stimulation in Facebook left a significant emotional changes in Extroverts (Z=-2,099, p= 0.036). Majority Extroverts became more stable in their emotion and they were actively giving comments regarding the visual. SNS like Facebook acts as a channel that allow users to share variety of stimulation until their current emotion affected the social interaction. The message in the provocative visual also plays a role in emotional changes in Extroverts to become more stable or unstable.