Human Behavior in Online Social Networks

The emergence of Online Social Networks (OSNs) has led to a change in the method of how communication occurs; from one user being a content creator with other users making the audience, to now allowing all OSN users to be both content creators and audience members. However, the effects of OSN usage on the communication behaviors of people in today's society are yet to be fully understood. This is of concern for society as advancements are being created in portable technologies leading to increased access to OSNs. The introduction of new OSNs may increase the influence OSNs have on human behavior in society. This paper provides a systematic review of the literature on this change in behavior from the perspectives of trust and decision-making. The results of this study show trust as a key component within decision-making and personality to play a role in how OSNs are used.