The effect of social anxiety on digital media use: A study on young people

This study aims to examine the impact of digital media use on young people, particularly in the context of social anxiety. Problems in interpersonal communication have emerged in different forms with the rise of digital platforms and have left significant traces on the psychosocial development of young individuals. The research is structured around the concepts of communication anxiety and social anxiety disorder, seeking to explain the relationship between an individual's social media usage habits and their anxiety levels. In particular, the digital interaction patterns of adolescents, the reflections of these interactions on academic achievement, and the psychological effects stemming from social media are examined in depth. It has been observed that while the opportunities provided by social media facilitate the individual's communication style, they also bring certain psychological problems. In assessments conducted specifically on young individuals, it has been observed that increasing the time spent on digital platforms can trigger feelings of social isolation, limit face-to-face communication skills, and increase social anxiety. At the same time, the ideal self-image that individuals feel compelled to present in the digital environment creates a conflict between their real identity and their virtual identity, further increasing their anxiety levels. The findings of the study reveal a significant relationship between social media use and social anxiety; this situation indicates that the psychological dimensions of digital media need to be evaluated with a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. The study classified the types of anxiety young people encounter while using social media and analyzed concepts such as social media anxiety, social anxiety disorder, and internet addiction, along with their psychological and cognitive foundations. Quantitative methods were used in the analysis of the data to statistically test the correlations between students' levels of social anxiety and their digital media interactions. In this context, the study contributes to the recognition of the risks young individuals encounter in their use of digital media in the interpersonal communication process and points to the need to guide young people towards healthier digital communication environments. Conducted within the framework of digital media and social anxiety, this research reveals that the relationship established between the developmental needs of young individuals and their digital media practices reshapes the communication culture of modern society.