Abstract:

After reviewing the effect of individual characteristics on social network, we found that little research has been conducted on: (1) the underlying mechanism of individual characteristics on social network, the moderation effect of context variables and the interaction effect of individual characteristics on social network; (2) the dynamic and covariant relationship between individual characteristics and social network; (3) the unique individual characteristics in Chinese context, especially characteristics about Chinese personalities and “Quan-Zi”. Due to the importance of localized personality theory and social network research, future research should focus on localization and covariant relationship between individual characteristics and social network.

Key words: Social network, Individual characteristics, ‘Big Five&rdquo, personality, Quan-Zi, Chinese personality