Social Network Site Usage Among Adults: Social Networking Status and Virtual Loneliness

Year 2018, Volume: 1 Issue: 1, 11 - 18, 31.05.2018

Zihniye Okray , Cemaliye Direktör , Anjelika Huseyinzade Simsek

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between being
members of social network sites (SNS) and the reasons for their use among individuals
who are between 20-66 years of age. Social networking status and virtual
loneliness are examined according to reasons for using SNS of participants.
Researcher did a web-based questionnaire upon Facebook (FB) and reached a
volunteer group of FB users and gave Social Networking Status Scale ( SNSS) and
Virtual Loneliness Scale (VELS) in order to measure participants networking
status and virtual loneliness according to socio-demographical variables. SNSS,
gender, and age are the strongest predictors of virtual loneliness. Also, male
participants, SNSS scores are significantly higher than female participants
which indicates that male participants are more dependent on SNS. When time
spent online increases individuals get convergence to usual habits in the
virtual world. Individuals SNS usage habits effects their normal lives and make
them escape to the virtual world.

Keywords

Adult, facebook, dependency, social networking, loneliness, status

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