Social Anxiety and Usage of Online Technological Communication Tools among Adolescents

With the growing popularity of Internet communication applications among adolescents, the Internet, online social sites, instant messaging and cell phones have become an important social tool for their development. For adolescents who perceive low friendship quality, Internet use for communication purposes predicted less depression, whereas Internet use for non-communication purposes predicted more depression and more social anxiety. This study examined teens’ use of social interactive technologies and the role that social anxiety plays on how adolescents communicate with others (technology or face-to-face). The questionnaire was prepared to apply in Afyonkarahisar, Manisa and Usak cities in order to measure any relationship between social anxiety and choise of communication options among adolescents. Questionnaire datas were gathered from High School adolescents (ranged from 15-18; freshman, sophomore, junior and senior) included 544. Adolescents almost don’t use messanger sites and mail address. They generally use instant message with their cell phones. They spend 1-2 hours for a day by listening music and avarage 30 minutes during the day by using Facebook. More than half of teens have cell phones that able to call, message and access to Internet. The findings of the current study found that females are using text messaging more than males. However, males are playing games for a long time than females. In addition, females are feeling more uncomfortable talking with others face-to-face than males. And, females also prefer talking with some on computer instead of talking face-to-face than males. Similarly, females prefer making new friends with someone on computer more than males. Keywords: Social Anxiety, Communication Tools, Technology, Adolescents