Research Article
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Investigation of the virtual Environment Loneliness Level in Nursing Students

Year 2025, Volume: 13 Issue: 3, 1 - 5, 31.12.2025

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Objective: In this study, it is aimed to investigate the level of virtual environment loneliness among nursing students and the factors affecting it.
Methods: The study group of this research consists of 603 students studying at Ege University nursing faculty in Izmir. the demographic information form and the virtual environment loneliness scale were used as a data collection tool in the study.
Results: According to the results of the study, it was determined that the virtual socialization dimension of nursing students was "medium level", the virtual sharing dimension was "low level", the virtual loneliness dimension was "medium level” and the nursing students experienced a moderate level of virtual environment loneliness. In addition, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the total mean scores of the virtual environment loneliness scale and the mean scores of the virtual sharing sub-dimension according to gender, and that the total mean scores of the virtual environment loneliness scale and the mean scores of the virtual sharing sub-dimension of men were higher than those of women.
Conclusion: In line with our study results, it is recommended that orientation programs be organized for university students and that social activities be organized to reduce the time they spend in the virtual environment. In addition, it is recommended that events be organized within the university on topics such as the negative effects of the virtual environment and time management.

References

  • Aalbers, G., McNally, R. J., Heeren, A., De Wit, S., & Fried, E. I. (2019). Social media and depression symptoms: A network perspective. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 148(8), 1454–1462. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0000528
  • Achterbergh, L., Pitman, A., Birken, M., Pearce, E., Sno, H., & Johnson, S. (2020). The experience of loneliness among young people with depression: A qualitative meta-synthesis of the literature. BMC Psychiatry, 20, 415. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02818-3
  • Ahmad, M., Bakhtawar, M., Haider, S., & Qazi, A. (2024). Relationship of loneliness and social media addiction with gender differences among undergraduate students and psychiatric rehabilitation. Journal of Disability Research, 3(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.57197/JDR-2024-0074
  • Allen, K. A., Ryan, T., Gray, D. L., McInerney, D. M., & Waters, L. (2014). Social media use and social connectedness in adolescents: The positives and the potential pitfalls. The Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist, 31(1), 18–31. https://doi.org/10.1017/edp.2014.2
  • Bevens, W., Stoeckl, S. E., Schueller, S. M., Kim, J., Cha, B. S., Chwa, C., Stadnick, N. A., Best, N. C., & Sorkin, D. H. (2024). Loneliness, online learning and student outcomes in college students living with disabilities: results from the National College Health Assessment Spring 2022. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1408837. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1408837
  • Dhir, A., & Tsai, C. C. (2017). Understanding the relationship between intensity and gratifications of Facebook use among adolescents and young adults. Telematics and Informatics, 34, 350–364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2016.08.017
  • Favotto, L., Michaelson, V., Pickett, W., & Davison, C. (2019). The role of family and computer-mediated communication in adolescent loneliness. PLOS ONE, 14(6), e0214617. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214617
  • Genel, M. G. (2021). Öğrencilerin sosyal medya tutumları ve yalnızlık algıları: Lise ve ön lisans öğrencileri üzerine bir araştırma. MANAS Sosyal Araştırmalar Dergisi, 10(4), 2148–2159.
  • Hamburger-Amichai, Y., & Ben-Artzi, E. (2003). Loneliness and internet use. Computers in Human Behavior, 19(1), 71–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0747-5632(02)00014-6
  • Kabaklı Çimen, L. (2018). Üniversite öğrencilerinin internet bağımlılığı ile sanal ortam yalnızlık düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi. Elektronik Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 17(68), 1431–1452. https://doi.org/10.17755/esosder.382773
  • Korkmaz, Ö., Usta, E., & Kurt, İ. (2014). Sanal ortam yalnızlık ölçeği geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışması. Hacettepe Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 29(2), 144–159.
  • Korucu, A. T., & Kara, S. (2019). Öğretmen adaylarının derslerde akıllı telefon siber aylaklık düzeyleri ile sanal ortam yalnızlık düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi. Bilgi ve İletişim Teknolojileri Dergisi, 1(1), 41–56.
  • Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Social networking sites and addiction: Ten lessons learned. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14030311
  • Lahti M., Haapaniemi Kahala H., & Salminen L. (2017). Use of social media by nurse educator students: an exploratory survey. Open Nursing Journal, 11, 26–33.
  • Ma, M., & Alhabash, S. (2016). Motivations and uses of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat: Which platform wins the challenge among college students? New Media & Society, 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444816664904
  • Naslund, J. A., Bondre, A., Torous, J., & Aschbrenner, K. A. (2020). Social media and mental health: Benefits, risks, and opportunities for research and practice. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, 5(3), 245–257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-020-00134-x
  • Nowland, R., Necka, E. A., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2018). Loneliness and social Internet use: Pathways to reconnection in a digital world? Perspectives on Psychological Science, 13(1), 70–87. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617713052
  • Ostic, D., Qalati, S. A., Barbosa, B., Shah, S. M. M., Vela, E. G., Herzallah, A. M., et al. (2021). Effects of social media use on psychological well-being: A mediated model. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 678766. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.678766
  • Özdemir, S., Akçakanat, T., & İzgüden, D. (2017). İnternet çağında sanal ortam yalnızlığı: Üniversite öğrencileri üzerine bir araştırma. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Vizyoner Dergisi, 8(19), 125–136.
  • Shi, X., Wu, Y., Cao, F., Wang, X., Du, K., & Zang, S. (2024). The effect of loneliness on interpersonal sensitivity among nursing undergraduates: A chain mediation role of problematic internet use and bedtime procrastination. BMC Nursing, 23, Article 642. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02321-0
  • Taylor-Jackson, J., & Moustafa, A. A. (2021). The relationships between social media use and factors relating to depression. The Nature of Depression, 2021:171–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-817676-4.00010-9
  • Tuominen, R., Stolt, M., & Salminen, L. (2014). Social media in nursing education: The view of the students. Education Research International, 2014, 929245. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/929245
  • Turan, N., Durgun, H., Kaya, H., Aştı, T., Yilmaz, Y., Gündüz, G., et al. (2020). Relationship between nursing students' levels of internet addiction, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 56(3), 598–604. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12474
  • Twenge J. M. (2020). Increases in Depression, Self-Harm, and Suicide Among U.S. Adolescents After 2012 and Links to Technology Use: Possible Mechanisms. Psychiatric research and clinical practice, 2(1), 19–25. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.prcp.20190015
  • Ünver, H., & Koç, Z. (2017). Siber zorbalık ile problemli internet kullanımı ve riskli internet davranışı arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi. Türk Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi, 15(2), 117–140.
  • Varchetta, M., Tagliaferri, G., Mari, E., Quaglieri, A., Cricenti, C., Giannini, A. M., & Martí-Vilar, M. (2024). Exploring Gender Differences in Internet Addiction and Psychological Factors: A Study in a Spanish Sample. Brain Sciences, 14(10), 1037. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101037
  • Wang, P., Wang, X., Gao, T., Yuan, X., Xing, Q., Cheng, X., Ming, Y., & Tian, M. (2023). Problematic Internet Use in Early Adolescents: Gender and Loneliness Differences in a Latent Growth Model. Psychology research and behavior management, 16, 3583–3596. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S428422
  • Yeşildal, M., & Ertaş, H. (2020). Sanal ortam yalnızlığı ve özgüven üzerine bir araştırma. Sinop Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 4(2), 513–526. https://doi.org/10.30561/sinopusd.741893

Hemşirelik Öğrencilerinde Sanal Ortam Yalnızlık Düzeyinin İncelenmesi

Year 2025, Volume: 13 Issue: 3, 1 - 5, 31.12.2025

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Objective: In this study, it is aimed to investigate the level of virtual environment loneliness among nursing students and the factors affecting it.
Methods: The study group of this research consists of 603 students studying at Ege University nursing faculty in Izmir. the demographic information form and the virtual environment loneliness scale were used as a data collection tool in the study.
Results: According to the results of the study, it was determined that the virtual socialization dimension of nursing students was "medium level", the virtual sharing dimension was "low level", the virtual loneliness dimension was "medium level” and the nursing students experienced a moderate level of virtual environment loneliness. In addition, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the total mean scores of the virtual environment loneliness scale and the mean scores of the virtual sharing sub-dimension according to gender, and that the total mean scores of the virtual environment loneliness scale and the mean scores of the virtual sharing sub-dimension of men were higher than those of women.
Conclusion: In line with our study results, it is recommended that orientation programs be organized for university students and that social activities be organized to reduce the time they spend in the virtual environment. In addition, it is recommended that events be organized within the university on topics such as the negative effects of the virtual environment and time management.

References

  • Aalbers, G., McNally, R. J., Heeren, A., De Wit, S., & Fried, E. I. (2019). Social media and depression symptoms: A network perspective. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 148(8), 1454–1462. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0000528
  • Achterbergh, L., Pitman, A., Birken, M., Pearce, E., Sno, H., & Johnson, S. (2020). The experience of loneliness among young people with depression: A qualitative meta-synthesis of the literature. BMC Psychiatry, 20, 415. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02818-3
  • Ahmad, M., Bakhtawar, M., Haider, S., & Qazi, A. (2024). Relationship of loneliness and social media addiction with gender differences among undergraduate students and psychiatric rehabilitation. Journal of Disability Research, 3(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.57197/JDR-2024-0074
  • Allen, K. A., Ryan, T., Gray, D. L., McInerney, D. M., & Waters, L. (2014). Social media use and social connectedness in adolescents: The positives and the potential pitfalls. The Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist, 31(1), 18–31. https://doi.org/10.1017/edp.2014.2
  • Bevens, W., Stoeckl, S. E., Schueller, S. M., Kim, J., Cha, B. S., Chwa, C., Stadnick, N. A., Best, N. C., & Sorkin, D. H. (2024). Loneliness, online learning and student outcomes in college students living with disabilities: results from the National College Health Assessment Spring 2022. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1408837. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1408837
  • Dhir, A., & Tsai, C. C. (2017). Understanding the relationship between intensity and gratifications of Facebook use among adolescents and young adults. Telematics and Informatics, 34, 350–364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2016.08.017
  • Favotto, L., Michaelson, V., Pickett, W., & Davison, C. (2019). The role of family and computer-mediated communication in adolescent loneliness. PLOS ONE, 14(6), e0214617. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214617
  • Genel, M. G. (2021). Öğrencilerin sosyal medya tutumları ve yalnızlık algıları: Lise ve ön lisans öğrencileri üzerine bir araştırma. MANAS Sosyal Araştırmalar Dergisi, 10(4), 2148–2159.
  • Hamburger-Amichai, Y., & Ben-Artzi, E. (2003). Loneliness and internet use. Computers in Human Behavior, 19(1), 71–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0747-5632(02)00014-6
  • Kabaklı Çimen, L. (2018). Üniversite öğrencilerinin internet bağımlılığı ile sanal ortam yalnızlık düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi. Elektronik Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 17(68), 1431–1452. https://doi.org/10.17755/esosder.382773
  • Korkmaz, Ö., Usta, E., & Kurt, İ. (2014). Sanal ortam yalnızlık ölçeği geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışması. Hacettepe Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 29(2), 144–159.
  • Korucu, A. T., & Kara, S. (2019). Öğretmen adaylarının derslerde akıllı telefon siber aylaklık düzeyleri ile sanal ortam yalnızlık düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi. Bilgi ve İletişim Teknolojileri Dergisi, 1(1), 41–56.
  • Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Social networking sites and addiction: Ten lessons learned. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14030311
  • Lahti M., Haapaniemi Kahala H., & Salminen L. (2017). Use of social media by nurse educator students: an exploratory survey. Open Nursing Journal, 11, 26–33.
  • Ma, M., & Alhabash, S. (2016). Motivations and uses of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat: Which platform wins the challenge among college students? New Media & Society, 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444816664904
  • Naslund, J. A., Bondre, A., Torous, J., & Aschbrenner, K. A. (2020). Social media and mental health: Benefits, risks, and opportunities for research and practice. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, 5(3), 245–257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-020-00134-x
  • Nowland, R., Necka, E. A., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2018). Loneliness and social Internet use: Pathways to reconnection in a digital world? Perspectives on Psychological Science, 13(1), 70–87. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617713052
  • Ostic, D., Qalati, S. A., Barbosa, B., Shah, S. M. M., Vela, E. G., Herzallah, A. M., et al. (2021). Effects of social media use on psychological well-being: A mediated model. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 678766. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.678766
  • Özdemir, S., Akçakanat, T., & İzgüden, D. (2017). İnternet çağında sanal ortam yalnızlığı: Üniversite öğrencileri üzerine bir araştırma. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Vizyoner Dergisi, 8(19), 125–136.
  • Shi, X., Wu, Y., Cao, F., Wang, X., Du, K., & Zang, S. (2024). The effect of loneliness on interpersonal sensitivity among nursing undergraduates: A chain mediation role of problematic internet use and bedtime procrastination. BMC Nursing, 23, Article 642. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02321-0
  • Taylor-Jackson, J., & Moustafa, A. A. (2021). The relationships between social media use and factors relating to depression. The Nature of Depression, 2021:171–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-817676-4.00010-9
  • Tuominen, R., Stolt, M., & Salminen, L. (2014). Social media in nursing education: The view of the students. Education Research International, 2014, 929245. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/929245
  • Turan, N., Durgun, H., Kaya, H., Aştı, T., Yilmaz, Y., Gündüz, G., et al. (2020). Relationship between nursing students' levels of internet addiction, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 56(3), 598–604. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12474
  • Twenge J. M. (2020). Increases in Depression, Self-Harm, and Suicide Among U.S. Adolescents After 2012 and Links to Technology Use: Possible Mechanisms. Psychiatric research and clinical practice, 2(1), 19–25. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.prcp.20190015
  • Ünver, H., & Koç, Z. (2017). Siber zorbalık ile problemli internet kullanımı ve riskli internet davranışı arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi. Türk Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi, 15(2), 117–140.
  • Varchetta, M., Tagliaferri, G., Mari, E., Quaglieri, A., Cricenti, C., Giannini, A. M., & Martí-Vilar, M. (2024). Exploring Gender Differences in Internet Addiction and Psychological Factors: A Study in a Spanish Sample. Brain Sciences, 14(10), 1037. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101037
  • Wang, P., Wang, X., Gao, T., Yuan, X., Xing, Q., Cheng, X., Ming, Y., & Tian, M. (2023). Problematic Internet Use in Early Adolescents: Gender and Loneliness Differences in a Latent Growth Model. Psychology research and behavior management, 16, 3583–3596. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S428422
  • Yeşildal, M., & Ertaş, H. (2020). Sanal ortam yalnızlığı ve özgüven üzerine bir araştırma. Sinop Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 4(2), 513–526. https://doi.org/10.30561/sinopusd.741893
There are 28 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Nurse Education, Nursing (Other)
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Merve İnce 0000-0003-0426-441X

Hülya Yılmaz 0000-0003-4729-1987

Leyla Khorshid 0000-0001-7101-9014

Submission Date May 27, 2025
Acceptance Date November 1, 2025
Publication Date December 31, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 13 Issue: 3

Cite

APA İnce, M., Yılmaz, H., & Khorshid, L. (2025). Investigation of the virtual Environment Loneliness Level in Nursing Students. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Health Sciences Institute, 13(3), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.24998/maeusabed.1706416
AMA İnce M, Yılmaz H, Khorshid L. Investigation of the virtual Environment Loneliness Level in Nursing Students. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Health Sciences Institute. December 2025;13(3):1-5. doi:10.24998/maeusabed.1706416
Chicago İnce, Merve, Hülya Yılmaz, and Leyla Khorshid. “Investigation of the Virtual Environment Loneliness Level in Nursing Students”. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Health Sciences Institute 13, no. 3 (December 2025): 1-5. https://doi.org/10.24998/maeusabed.1706416.
EndNote İnce M, Yılmaz H, Khorshid L (December 1, 2025) Investigation of the virtual Environment Loneliness Level in Nursing Students. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Health Sciences Institute 13 3 1–5.
IEEE M. İnce, H. Yılmaz, and L. Khorshid, “Investigation of the virtual Environment Loneliness Level in Nursing Students”, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Health Sciences Institute, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 1–5, 2025, doi: 10.24998/maeusabed.1706416.
ISNAD İnce, Merve et al. “Investigation of the Virtual Environment Loneliness Level in Nursing Students”. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Health Sciences Institute 13/3 (December2025), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.24998/maeusabed.1706416.
JAMA İnce M, Yılmaz H, Khorshid L. Investigation of the virtual Environment Loneliness Level in Nursing Students. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Health Sciences Institute. 2025;13:1–5.
MLA İnce, Merve et al. “Investigation of the Virtual Environment Loneliness Level in Nursing Students”. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Health Sciences Institute, vol. 13, no. 3, 2025, pp. 1-5, doi:10.24998/maeusabed.1706416.
Vancouver İnce M, Yılmaz H, Khorshid L. Investigation of the virtual Environment Loneliness Level in Nursing Students. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Health Sciences Institute. 2025;13(3):1-5.

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