Determination of digital obesity and digital literacy levels of social studies teacher candidates

In this study, the levels of digital obesity and digital literacy of social studies teacher candidates were aimed to be determined and examined according to various demographic characteristics. The study, which utilized the survey model as a quantitative research method, was conducted with 142 participants selected through convenience sampling among teacher candidates studying in the Social Studies Education department in various locations in Turkey during the 2022-2023 academic year. A primary data collection tool consisting of demographic questions, the Digital Literacy Scale, and the Digital Obesity Scale was used in the study. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS v26 software. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to examine the participants' demographic characteristics and their levels of digital obesity and digital literacy. Additionally, t-tests were used for binary variables, and ANOVA analysis was employed for variables with more than two categories to examine the levels of digital obesity and digital literacy according to participants' demographic characteristics. The findings of the study revealed that social studies teacher candidates had a high level of digital literacy and a moderate level of digital obesity. Furthermore, it was determined that participants' levels of digital literacy did not show significant differences according to gender, age, grade, daily internet usage time, and daily social media usage time. On the other hand, while participants' levels of digital obesity did not significantly differ according to gender, age, and grade, it was found that those who spent more time on the internet and social media daily had significantly higher levels of digital obesity. Finally, it was seen that there was no significant relationship between social studies teacher candidates' digital literacy levels and digital obesity levels.