The Polarization of NFTs: Association between Personality Traits and Perceived Value

Abstract

The rise of Internet 3.0, the metaverse, and virtual realities is accelerating the shift from a physical economy to one that is digital, decentralized, and globally accessible. While the benefits and detriments of virtual assets like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have received attention, individuals’ opinions about them remain polarized. This study investigates how personality traits shape users’ perceived value of NFTs. Using survey data from 805 respondents, we examine how the Big Five traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) are associated with 14 value dimensions spanning technology, art, and product aspects. The findings indicate that perceptions of NFTs vary among users. Of note, individuals high in agreeableness and conscientiousness perceive NFTs more favorably across the spectrum of value dimensions, whereas those high in neuroticism exhibit opposite tendencies. Extraverted individuals are drawn to the subjective norms and financial gains related to NFTs, while those high in openness value their information transparency.