The relationships between social isolation and perception of social support, coping with cyber victimization and psychological well-being in university students in COVID-19 period

The first aim of this study is to examine the increase in the frequency of use of internet networks and the increase in the time individuals spend at home within the framework of both restrictions and security measures due to the Covid -19 global epidemic, and the possible impact of this increase on the cyber victimization experienced by young adults. The second aim of this study is to examine the effect of cyber victimization experienced by individuals between coping with cyber victimization and psychological well-being. Another purpose of this study is to examine whether exposure to cyber victimization and the ability to cope with cyber victimization differ according to gender. The sample of the study consists of higher education students aged between 18 and 25 (169 female and 112 male). The data collection tools used in the study are respectively; Informed Consent Form, Demographic Information Form, Social Isolation Measurement, Cyber Bullying Areas Measurement, Psychological Well-Being Scale, Cyber Victim Scale, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, Multidimensional COVID-19 Scale were used. The model created in line with the research hypotheses was tested through the AMOS Program. Analysis results indicate that the hypothesis model is not compatible with the data. For this reason, the alternative model proposed by AMOS Porgam instead of the conceptual model has been examined and reported. In young adults attending higher education, when Covid-19 sensitivity was controlled, it was seen that the increase in social isolation and the decrease in perceived social support increased the time spent on the Internet, and the mediating effect of the time spent on the Internet and cyber victimization and the effect of individuals on coping with cyber victimization and psychological well-being were not significant. However, it has been observed that individuals' perceived social support has a significant effect on the time spent on the Internet and their psychological well-being and It has been determined that the time spent on the internet has a significant effect on exposure to cyber victimization. It shows the importance of the time spent on the internet by young adults who continue their university education, as the time they spend on the internet affects the possibility of their exposure to cyber victimization. The results obtained as a result of the research were discussed in line with the relevant literature.