Moral values reflected by eighth grade students in social media

The purpose of this study is to investigate which moral values are reflected by eighth grade students in social media. It is also aimed at determining whether there are moral values confused or violated by students while using social networking sites. Besides, it is tried to clarify why students use social media and what kind of content they share most. This research is conducted by using case study, which is one of the qualitative research patterns and 30 eighth grade students are included in this study. During the data collection process, the content shared by students on Facebook for 4 years are examined on the basis of the moral values in primary education curriculum determined by Turkish Education Board, and then a document archive is created. In the light of the data obtained from the document analysis, interviews are held with three students selected from the study group to get information in depth about subjects of the research. The findings obtained from the document review and interviews are analysed using qualitative content analysis. As a result of the research, it is found that there are different kinds of shares of students reflecting moral values in social media except the value of "democratic consciousness" and "simplicity". In addition, moral values such as "love", "respect", "sensitivity", "self confidence", "care for others", "having responsibility" and "friendship" are stated more by students via their shares on Facebook. It is also noticed that students reflect the values such as "caring for animals" and "courage" through their shares that they can not express in a way in daily life. In the research, it is realized a few students have some shares conflicting with each other on the values of " being satisfied what you have" and " being against saying bad words or swearing". Another finding of the research is that some students have conceptual confusion about the values such as "patience", "sensitivity to social events" and "solidarity". In addition, some students violate some values through their shares deliberately or unintentionally. "Having fun", "football fanaticism", "attracting attention" and "prejudice" are the most basic reasons for some students to violate various moral values. The results of the research also indicate "socialization", "need for others approval" "communication", "entertainment", "access to information" and "sharing about the lessons" are the main factors for students to use Facebook. In the light of the research findings, some suggestions are offered for using social media in values education and protecting students against negative effects of social media.