The relationship between body perception and self confidence among young adults using social media

This study aimed to examine the relationship between Body Image and Self-Confidence in young adults using social media. Social Media usage has increased gradually after the rapid spread of the Internet, and people spend most of their time in social media. There are some problems with the use of Social Media they can compare themselves, their lives and their lifestyles with the people they follow and see in. In recent years, the situation of comparing their bodies, which has become widespread among young people, has increased with the influence of the media. Our aim in this study is to examine whether there is a relationship between the body perception and self-confidence of people using social media. METHODS: For this study, the data obtained from the questionnaires answered anonymously by 250 randomly selected participants were analyzed. Measurement tools used for data collection in this study; Descriptive data collection form included in questions about social media use, the Body Image Scale and Self-Confidence Scale. The descriptive data form asks people's age, marital status, having children, education status, income status, the province where they have lived the longest, and in addition, how many hours a day they use social media, which media they use most. Body Perception Scale; It consists of 40 items. The scale is a five-point Likert type. The highest score that people who apply the scale can get is 200. Self Confidence Scale; The scale, which consists of 33 items, is a five-point Likert-type scale. The scale has two sub-dimensions: internal and external self-confidence. The scale measures inner self-confidence and external self-confidence. 17 items of the scale measure inner self-confidence and the remaining 16 items measure external self-confidence.SPSS-22 statistical analysis program was used to analyze the collected data. Parametric analysis methods were used in the analysis of body perception and self-confidence levels of individuals using social media. RESULTS: As a result of the study, it was determined that the body perception of individuals using social media showed a significant difference according to marital status, age group, income level, general mood and the number of followers on social media; there was no significant difference according to education level, social media account used and the average time spent on social media. In addition, a significant difference was determined in the self-confidence levels of individuals using social media according to their educational status and the number of followers on social media; it was determined that there was no significant difference according to marital status, age group, income level, general mood, social media account used and the average time spent on social media. Also, a positive and significant relationship was found between body perception and self-confidence levels of individuals using social media. CONCLUSION: As a result of the data analysis of the study; It has been observed that there is a positive and significant relationship between body perception and self-confidence of young adults using social media. Further studies with larger samples and including different age groups are needed.