The evaluation of the relationship between social media addiction, level of loneliness and suicide probability among students of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social media addiction, level of loneliness, cyber victimization, and suicide probability among students at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University. Materials and Methods: A total of 1208 students studying at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University participated in this study. Participants were administered the Sociodemographic Data Form, Social Media Addiction Scale-Adult Form (SMAS-AF), Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults-Short Form (SELSA-S), Cyber Victimization Scale for University Students Form and Suicide Probability Scale (SPS). Results: Positive relationships were identified among social media addiction, loneliness, cyber victimization, and suicide probability in university students. It was observed that individuals with higher loneliness levels had higher social media addiction scores and an increased risk of cyber victimization. Moreover, as loneliness and cyber victimization increased, suicide probability among students significantly rose. Male gender and a history of previous suicide attempts were found to be risk factors for higher suicide probability. Conclusion: These findings highlight the significance of social media addiction, loneliness, and cyber victimization in relation to suicide probability among university students. Identifying the relationship and underlying causes between social media use, perception of loneliness, and cyber victimization among university students provides a crucial field for suicide prevention efforts.