The Social Media Disorder and Ostracism in Adolescents: (OSTRACA- SM Study)

OBJECTIVE: Social media disorder (SMD) is defined as a behavioral addiction and has been associated with depression, loneliness, narcissism, low self-esteem, poor sleep quality, and low academic performance. Ostracism is a term defined as being ignored or excluded by others. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the predictors of ostracism in adolescents and test the effect of SMD on ostracism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed as a survey study. Adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age were administered a structured questionnaire to assess socio demographic properties, SMD, and ostracism. The SMD Scale and Ostracism Experience Scale for Adolescents (OES-A) were used. Between January and June 2018, 864 university students ≤18 years of age were invited to the study and 684 (79.1%) of them participated. RESULTS: We found a positive correlation between OES-A and SMD scores (r=0.52, p<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, male gender, absence of a hobby, not being successful in the university, and high SMD scores were associated with high OES-A scores. CONCLUSION: This is the first data obtained proving an association between SMD and ostracism. The impact of SMD and ostracism on psychosocial issues should be further evaluated.