The relationship between digital media literacy and cyberchondria in generation X

In an era where digitalization is rapidly advancing, individuals' access to health information has undergone a significant transformation. This study aims to examine the relationship between digital media literacy and cyberchondria levels among Generation X individuals within the context of this transformation. Additionally, it seeks to reveal the impact of digital media usage experiences on health–related behaviors and the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in this process. A mixed–methods approach was employed in the research. In the quantitative phase, a survey was administered to 452 participants selected through convenience sampling, while in the qualitative phase, in–depth semi–structured interviews were conducted with 12 purposefully selected participants, quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 29.0, and qualitative data were evaluated through descriptive analysis. The findings indicated a weak negative correlation between digital media literacy and cyberchondria levels. Gender did not produce a statistically significant difference in either variable. Participants aged 45–49 exhibited the highest levels of digital media literacy, whereas age was not found to have a significant effect on cyberchondria. Lower scores on the "Compulsion" and "Mistrust of Medical Professional" subscales among individuals with postgraduate education suggest that higher education levels are associated with more controlled and selective online health information seeking. Furthermore, the study found that participants developed a critical perspective regarding the reliability of information obtained from digital sources and tended to verify the information.