Extended Self Questionnaire

We request your cooperation and participation in taking this survey on the Extended Self and Social Media, a part of
a joint research project of Prof. Shweta Kushal and Prof. Rajendra Nargundkar, IIM Indore. The questionnaire will
take about 10 – 12 minutes to fill. All information you provide will be kept confidential. Your name or other details
will not appear on any study report. The data will be reported as statistical summaries only.

Please mark the below mentioned questions on a scale (5 being Strongly agree to 1 being strongly disagree) with your
agreement or disagreement based on the importance you give to each of the following items. Your response to each
question is valuable to us. Please spare 10 minutes to record your responses.

S.No. Items Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly

Agree (4) (3) (2) Disagree
(5) (1)
1 The books I read express who I am
2 My mobile phone brand is part of who I am
3 Travelling to exotic destinations helps me express myself
4 My academic achievements are a part of self-expression
5 I express myself through the sports I play
6 Watching a sport gives me a chance to freely express myself
7 I identify with the characters in the TV shows I watch
8 I watch TV shows that I can identify with
9 Facebook posts are a part of self-expression for me
10 Pictures of myself on Facebook are the real me
11 I think selfies are a good way to express oneself.
12 The music I listen to is a part of my identity.
13 My choice of brands for clothes/shoes/makeup is a way to
express my identity.
14 I am trying to fit in with my friends online.
15 I try to stand out as a different person from others when I am
on social media.
16 I am looking for positive comments on social media.
17 I actively post content to be appreciated on social media.
18 I am more stylish on Facebook than in real life.
19 I try to be witty on Facebook/Twitter.
20 I think it is Ok to be praised for your new bike on Facebook.
21 I think it is ok to be praised for good looks on social media.
22 I try to modify my persona on social media to be liked by
more people.
23 I feel good when I get more friends/followers on social
media.
24 I have gained self-confidence from being on social media.
25 Social media are more democratic than real life.
 26 I am recognized for my real qualities on social media.
27 Social media can help people transcend real life problems.
28 Social media can help people overcome a disadvantage in
real life, such as low social status, dark skin colour.
29 I have deliberately created a second identity on social media.
30 I am true to my identity on social media.
31 I use social media to impress people of the opposite sex.
32 I use social media for doing good, by sharing useful
information.
33 I am able to construct a much larger self-presence through
social media.
34 Social media allows me to project a positive self-image.
35 Without social media, I would be unable to express my
identity at such a large scale.
36 Social media allows me to form bonds with people from
diverse backgrounds.
37 I have been able to find like-minded people through social
media.
38 Social media is responsible for a positive reaffirmation of
identity.
39 Social media has helped me cope with difficult situations.
40 I feel more desirable if I get more likes on my photographs.
41 Posts on social media increase my social currency in my peer
group.
42 The identity I project on social media is distinct from my real
self.
43 I change my virtual self, depending on my mood.
44 The films I watch are a part of my identity.
45 I identify and empathise with the characters in the movie.
46 Social media allows me express my creativity better.
47 I’m more politically engaged on social media than in real life.
48 I’m more socially engaged on social media than in real life.
49 I’m bolder on social media than in real life.
50 I’m more philosophical and self-aware on social media than
in real life
51 I recommend brands/products to friends on social media

Demographic and other Details:

1 Your gender?
Male Female
2 What is your age?
15 to 20
21 to 30
31 to 45
Above 45
3 What is your marital status?
Single Married Divorced
4 What is the highest level of education you acquired?
Secondary Graduate Post Graduate
Above Post Graduation
5 What is your present occupation?
Employee Self-employed
Student Housewife

6 What is your monthly household income (In Rupees)?

0-20000 20001-35000 35001-50000
50001-70000 70001-100000 Above 100000
7 I belong to a socially disadvantaged/backward class Yes No