The effect of social media addiction on family privacy

In this study, the impact of social media tools on intra-family privacy was examined. The research was designed using the relational screening model. Data were collected from a total of 1,016 participants across the seven regions of Türkiye. The survey instrument consisted of three sections: a Personal Information Form (PIF), the Digital Media Addiction Scale (DMAS), and the Digital Privacy Scale (DPS). In addition, the research data were analyzed through regression analysis, while differences related to demographic factors and DMAS/DPS scores were examined using Independent Samples t-tests and One-Way ANOVA. Descriptive statistics were evaluated through frequency analysis. According to the findings, social media addiction was found to have an effect on intra-family privacy. Moreover, individuals using anonymous accounts (x = 3.8) displayed higher levels of social media addiction compared to those who did not use anonymous accounts (x = 3.3). It was also observed that individuals who share publicly on digital platforms have higher levels of digital platform dependency than those who do not. Similarly, individuals who make publicly accessible posts were found to violate intra-family privacy on digital platforms more frequently compared to others. The study further revealed that women (x = 3.6) have higher levels of social media addiction than men (x = 3.5). Additionally, as the frequency of checking digital platforms (social media browsing frequency) increases, both digital media addiction and intra-family privacy violations tend to rise. Likewise, the greater the number of platforms used, the higher the levels of digital addiction and intra-family privacy violations. It is recommended that users with high levels of digital addiction become more conscious and careful regarding digital privacy. The current situation indicates that individuals with high digital addiction are at increased risk in terms of privacy.