Investigation of the relationship between the level of depression and social anxiety and social media use in individuals

In the study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between depression, social anxiety and social media use of individuals. The sample of the study, which was carried out based on the relational screening model, which is one of the quantitative research methods, consisted of a total of 352 individuals, 241 women and 111 men, who were determined based on the convenience sampling method. Personal Information Form, Beck Depression Inventory, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and Social Media Usage Scale were used in the data collection process in the study. Data collection tools were prepared on the online survey platform and a survey link was sent to individuals through various communication channels (Whatsapp, messenger, email, etc.). SPSS 20 statistical program was used to analyze the data of the study. Pearson Correlation and multiple linear regression were used in the analysis of the collected data. Independent Groups t-test and One-Way Analysis of Variance were used to test the differentiation hypotheses between variables. As a result of the research, there was a positive correlation between the depression levels, social anxiety levels and social avoidance levels of the participants; positive direction between social anxiety levels and continuity and competence levels; A positive relationship was found between social avoidance behaviors and continuity. Anxiety, avoidance and depression explain approximately 4% of the variance in attitudes towards social media use.