Introduction / Rationale: Social media addiction is increasing among adolescents, causing them physical, mental and social difficulties. Many studies have looked at body image in adolescents, but not enough focus on how social media affects body image and circulation. These studies are important for teenagers' social life.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of social media addiction on body image and occupational balance in adolescents.
Methods / Approach: The study included 102 adolescents aged 12-24 years. Demographic Information Form, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Body Image Scale and RADA- Role Activity Balance Questionnaire were applied to these individuals. Data were analysed with statistical methods.
Results / Practice Implications: As the participants' social media addiction increases, their views on their body image decrease/negative. Social media addiction explains 20% of the total variance in participants' perceptions of body image (p ≤ .00).
Social media addiction is a moderately and negatively significant predictor of participants' occupational balance. Accordingly, as the social media addiction of the participants increases, their views on the occupational balance decrease/are negative. Social media addiction explains 13% of the total variance in participants' perceptions of occupational balance (p ≤ .00).
Conclusion / Significance to the Occupational Therapy profession: This study highlights the impact of social media addiction during adolescence, which is considered a difficult, variable and stressful period. Occupational therapy science needs to research and develop interventions for the changing conditions and needs in the social media age.