The effect of social media use on depression and loneliness in adolescents

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of social media use on depression and loneliness in adolescents. Material and Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2019 and January 2020 in Mardin city center. The sample of the study was determined as 599 students with the power analysis. In the collection of data; Descriptive Characteristics Form, UCLA Loneliness Scala, Social Media Addiction Scala in Adolescent and Reynolds Depression Scale in Adolescents were used. In the Analysis of Data; percentage distribution, mean, independent samples t test, kruskall wallis, variance analysis and regression analysis were used. Results: The total mean score of social media dependency of adolescents was 6.21 ± 2.50, the total mean score of depression was 67.60 ± 15.59, and the total mean score of loneliness was 58.65 ± 9.90. Social media addiction of adolescents in there search has a statistical significance in explaining depression and loneliness (p<.05). Conclusion: It was determined that social media addiction affects depression and loneliness in adolescents. It may be suggested that guidance teachers in schools should be educated on the positive and negative effects of using social media to adolescents and the methods of coping with depression and loneliness. Key Words: Adolescent, Depression, Nursing, Social Media Addiction, Loneliness