The tendency toward last-minute cancellations (“social zapping”) is mainly predicted by Machiavellianism & narcissism; attentional impulsivity & timeliness procrastination are additional predictors

Predictors of social-zapping behavior: Dark Triad, impulsivity, and procrastination facets contribute to the tendency toward last-minute cancellations. Silke M. Müller, Dario Stolze, Matthias Brand. Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 168, 1 January 2021, 110334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.110334

Highlights

• Investigation of the tendency toward last-minute cancellations (“social zapping”).

• Dark Triad, maximizing, procrastination, and social zapping correlate positively.

• Social zapping is mainly predicted by Machiavellianism and narcissism.

• Attentional impulsivity and timeliness procrastination are additional predictors.

• Social zappers tend to self-serving, short-sighted decisions at the expense of others.

Abstract: The tendency to cancel appointments at short notice in favor of supposedly better alternatives is referred to as “social zapping”. Social zapping is positively associated with maximizing tendencies and problematic social networks use. However, empirical investigations on which additional personality characteristics predict social-zapping behavior are yet missing. In this study, a sample of N = 190 adults performed a questionnaire-based survey assessing different personality facets and social zapping tendency. Measures included the Dark Triad - Dirty Dozen scale, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Maximization scale, Pure Procrastination Scale, Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) scale, and the Social Zapping Scale. On a bivariate level, social zapping correlated positively with all other measures except for trait FoMO. The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that social zapping was mainly predicted by two dimensions of the Dark Triad, i.e. Machiavellianism and narcissism, as well as attentional impulsivity and the timeliness dimension of procrastination. Based on the results, social zappers can be characterized as individuals who tend to make self-serving and/or impulsive short-sighted decisions at the expense of others. Social zapping is a phenomenon of inherent self-interest, where individuals cancel appointments spontaneously (at the last minute) with others to pursue options they deem best for themselves.

Keywords:  Social zappingDark TriadFear of Missing OutMachiavellianismNarcissismPsychopathyMaximizationProcrastination