Analysis of social media opinions and knowledge levels on ergogenic aid use among men between the ages of 18 - 40 performing fitness exercises in the city center of Batman

This study was conducted in the city center of Batman to examine the social media opinions and knowledge levels of male individuals between the ages of 18 - 40 who perform fitness exercises with ergogenic aids. To support the research, a detailed literature review was conducted. The present study employed a qualitative research method. The participants of the study consisted of 10 volunteer male individuals between the ages of 18 - 40 who are members of different fitness centers in the city center of Batman. To collect the data, the study employed the "semi-structured interview" method. Descriptive and content analysis were used to analyze the data. The data obtained during the interviews was subjected to analysis, resulting in the identification of various codes that were subsequently classified under different themes. The analysis of social media opinions and knowledge levels of male individuals between the ages of 18 - 40 who perform fitness exercises with ergogenic aids in the city center of Batman is presented under four main themes. These themes, namely fitness, ergogenic aids, social media, and fitness and social media interaction, have been presented with their respective sub-layers. The findings of this research have indicated that the meaning which participants gave to fitness created subjective motivations for their purpose of starting fitness exercises. Social media was identified as the primary source of information that participants utilised for ergogenic aids. Furthermore, it was observed that the participants' knowledge levels were found to be partially sufficient, and it was determined that individuals did not receive professional support in the use of ergogenic aids. Moreover, it was revealed that social media was a source of motivation for fitness in individuals and that they benefited from content producers in their product preferences. Additionally, individuals who did not use social media did not use ergogenic aids.