MYERS-BRIGGS PERSONALITY INDICATOR AND SOCIAL INTERACTION AMONG CHINA’S GEN Z: INSIGHTS FROM ANN MODELING IN SPORTS CONTEXTS

Abstract

Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is actively seeking identity, recognition, and social belonging through various interactive platforms. Social activities, particularly on digital platforms, play a vital role in shaping this cohort’s group identity and fostering connections. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), originally developed as a psychological assessment, has resurfaced as a popular social tool among Generation Z, serving as a framework for self-discovery and social engagement. This study explores the rise of MBTI as a digital social trend, analyzing user interactions on major social media platforms through consumer sociology and the Barnum Effect framework. An artificial neural network (ANN) model was employed to assess how social media interactions and MBTI engagement influence self-discovery, socialization, and the popularity of MBTI-based content. Findings indicate that increased social media interaction significantly boosts MBTI popularity, with socialization showing notable growth at minimal or maximal interaction levels. ANN modeling confirmed a direct correlation between social media engagement and MBTI-driven identity exploration, with acceptable prediction accuracy. By adopting a mixed-methods approach, this study provides an in-depth analysis of how Generation Z uses MBTI as a dynamic tool for self-expression and social bonding. The findings suggest that leveraging interactive personality-based content can enhance team dynamics, social collaboration, and personal development in sports, physical activities, and broader social contexts.