Personality, networks, and heterogeneous discussion on Facebook

We use survey data collected in 2021 in four countries (Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States) to examine the role of extraversion and open-mindedness in predicting discussion on Facebook. We focus on discussions with people holding different views about politics and COVID-19. Using a preregistered analysis plan, we find extraversion predicts participation in heterogeneous discussions on Facebook; this finding is replicated across four countries and two topics of discussion. Openness does not have a significant role in engagement in heterogeneous discussions. This research sheds light on the role of platform algorithms in generating echo chambers.