Exploring the relationship between self-esteem and e-participation in the context of Twitter

In this research, the relationship between the self-esteem of academics and the political participation behaviors that they performed on the Twitter platform were discussed. In the study, relational screening model was used and the application was carried out on 503 academicians. The data were collected and analyzed with the Personal Information Form (PIF), Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Political Participation Scale on Twitter (PPST). The Political Participation Scale (PPTS) on Twitter was developed within the scope of this research. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to analyze the relationships between participants' RSES and PPTS cases. Differences in demographic factors and RSES / PPST cases were analyzed by ANOVA and Independent Samples T Tests. Descriptive statistics were evaluated by performing Frequency Analysis. According to the findings of the research, the self-esteem of academicians and their political participation status on Twitter, there is a negative correlation between "political expression", "participation in political discussions" and "participation in local government". On the other hand, it has been concluded that the participation of the academicians in political expression, their "participation in political discussions" and their "participation in the local government" have increased with the increase in their dreamer side. According to the findings, another dimension of the RSES, which positively correlates with the PPST, is the variable named "participation in discussions". In this context, it was determined that the participation level of political participation on Twitter increased positively as their score to participate in the discussions increased. It was found that the political participation activities of the academicians in Twitter platform were very low and that they were hesitant to express their opinions on political issues. However, it was found that their "self-esteem", "self-concept continuity" and "happiness in terms of depressive affect dimension" were quite high. In this context, the research findings support the thesis that self-esteem will increase with the increase in the education level in the literature and research findings contradict the opinion claiming that political participation will increase with the increase of the education level. The data obtained are important for the literature because the research model is a pioneer. Self-esteem and political participation behavior on the Twitter platform were put together for the first time in a research model. As a matter of fact, the relevant studies in the literature focus on the role of social media on political participation behavior, and the concept of self-esteem is not included in the process. For this reason, the research is a pioneer work for literature. On the other hand, it is assumed that the Political Participation Scale (TSKÖ) on Twitter which was developed within the scope of the study will shed light on further researchs.