The relati̇onshi̇p between internet addi̇cti̇on and soci̇al anxi̇ety i̇n young adults

This study aimed to examine the relationship between internet addiction and social anxiety in young adults. For this purpose, the research was conducted using a relational survey method. The study group of the research consisted of 406 young adult individuals aged between 18 and 30. In collecting the research data, the 'Demographic Information Form,' 'Internet Addiction Test,' and 'Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale' were used. SPSS 28 software was used for the analysis of the obtained data. In the relevant analyses, descriptive statistics, normality checks, and reliability analyses of the scales were performed. Relationships between variables were examined using Pearson correlation and multiple regression, while group comparisons were evaluated using independent groups t-test and ANOVA. When the research findings are examined, positive relationships were found between total internet addiction, the tendency to engage in online activities instead of daily life, the tendency to prolong time spent online, and problems caused by internet use, and total social anxiety, fear/anxiety, and avoidance. As a result, it was found that among young adult individuals participating in the study, as overall internet addiction, the tendency to turn to online activities instead of daily life, the tendency to extend the time spent online, and the problems caused by internet use increased, the overall social anxiety, fear/anxiety, and avoidance levels also increased. Based on the findings and results obtained in the study, various recommendations have been made.