Online gaming and social media examination of addiction levels in adolescents in terms of self-efficacy and risky behaviors

With the advancement of technology, internet usage has increased far beyond the expected limits. Today, it is very clear how common and common internet use is among children born into technology and who are already in adolescence. Online gaming and social media are known to be frequently used by adolescents, and it is observed that the number of addicted young people is gradually increasing. There are many factors that are thought to cause internet addiction. The aim of this study is to determine the level of online gaming and social media addiction in a certain group of adolescents aged 14-17 and to examine the relationship between the determined addiction level and the risky behaviors and self-efficacy levels that play an important role in adolescence. The sample of the study consists of 80 adolescents between the ages of 14-17 studying at an Anatolian High School in Istanbul. Sociodemographic Information Form, Online Game Addiction Scale, Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents, Self-Efficacy Scale for Children, and Risky Behaviors Scale were applied to the volunteer participants participating in the study. According to the results obtained within the scope of the study; It was determined that there is a statistically positive relationship between online game addiction and social media addiction. It was concluded that while students' online game addiction increased, their social media addiction also increased. Similarly, it was found that as the online gaming and social media addiction levels increased among the students, their risky behavior levels also increased. On the other hand, it was found that as online gaming and social media addiction increased, self-efficacy decreased.