In examining the values with the social media usage habits of generation z the importance of media literacy: The case of Sakarya University faculty of communication

Values are criteria, which guide society in understanding good and bad. Individuals are exposed to and affected by different values with the use of social media. Social media and practices reflected in life transform values. Universal values reflected in social media may be incompatible with the individual's own values. In this case, questioning mind should step in. Generation Z has to be a good media reader. The aim of the research is to reveal whether the social media usages of the Z generation also protect the human, moral, cultural and ethical values. The research was handled with focus group interview and quantitative analysis method. The research population is the Z generation born after 1995. The research sample consists of Sakarya University students consisting of 265 people. Focus group discussion was held for the qualitative method 5 students representing the Z generation were selected from Sakarya University Faculty of Communication students. Focus group interview, and quantitative analysis method, whether Generation Z can protect their values against the effects of social media with conscious media literacy were discussed. As a result of the study, the positive and negative effects of social media habits on Generation Z were determined with the participation of Sakarya University Faculty of Communication students. The tendency of Generation Z to carry its values to social media has been observed. According to the results of the research, social media usage habits of the students do not have a negative effect. Media literacy education increases students' respect values.