Examining the loneliness levels of secondary school teachers in terms of social media use

The aim of this study is to examine the loneliness levels of secondary school teachers working in schools in the Ministry of National Education in terms of social media use. It is to determine how much the use of social media affects the social life of teachers and how much it isolates secondary school teachers from other social individuals in terms of social relations and loneliness. It is aimed to determine the social media use and loneliness levels of teachers and to reveal the differentiation status according to various demographic variables. In addition, the effect of social media use on loneliness was evaluated. This research is a descriptive study and relational screening model was used in the conduct of the research. The research group consists of 408 secondary education teachers working in Elazığ province. The data obtained in the research were analysed using SPSS 25 statistical software and p<0.05 level was sought for statistical significance in the analyses. It was determined that the scales used in the research did not show normal distribution. Nanparametric analyses were used. Correlation analysis was used to reveal the relationships between variables and simple regression (effect) analysis was used to test the hypotheses. It was determined that 96% of the teachers participating in the research use social media and that they prefer mobile phones the most among these tools. It was determined that they use whatsapp and facebook with the highest rates, and that they use them for communication purposes as well as obtaining news and information. It was determined that teachers' loneliness and social media addiction levels were at low levels, male teachers had higher loneliness levels than female teachers and single teachers had higher loneliness levels than married teachers. It was determined that the level of education did not make a difference in teachers' perceptions of loneliness. It was determined that teachers' perceptions of loneliness and social media addiction were lower in the sports group than in the non-sports group. A positive moderate relationship was found between teachers' loneliness level and social media addiction. In our study, a moderate relationship was found between internet addiction and loneliness. Based on the review of the literature on the relationship between internet use and loneliness, it was concluded that the internet is a valuable tool to reduce loneliness when used to improve existing social relationships and establish new social connections, but it can increase feelings of loneliness when used to escape from the social world and withdraw from social interactions. Keywords: Teacher, Loneliness, Social Media, Social media addiction.