Ergen Bireylerde Sosyal Medya Bağımlılığının, Aile Aidiyeti ve Kimlik Gelişimi Sorunları İle İlişkisinin İncelenmesi

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between social media addiction, family belonging, and identity development among adolescents, and to reveal the role of demographic and familial variables in these relationships. The study population consists of adolescents aged 14-18 in Turkey who use social media, while the sample comprises 303 students currently enrolled in various schools. Data were collected online via Google Forms, utilizing the Personal Information Form, Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents, Family Belonging Scale, and Dimensions of Identity Development Scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses. The findings indicate significant negative relationships between social media addiction and both family belonging and self-belonging. Most dimensions of identity development were also negatively associated with social media addiction, while the obsessive exploration dimension showed a positive association. Additionally, factors such as family and parental unity, democratic parenting styles, and high socioeconomic status had positive effects on both belonging and identity development, whereas an indifferent or fragmented family structure showed negative effects. Regression analysis revealed that family belonging and obsessive exploration are significant predictors of social media addiction. The results highlight the importance of strengthening family support, the sense of belonging, and healthy identity development processes in combating social media addiction. This research provides a comprehensive framework to guide practitioners and policy-makers working with adolescents in designing family- and school-based preventive programs to reduce digital risks.