Social media's effect on sexual literacy and healthy life skills in young adults

Abstract

Background The rapid proliferation of social media has reshaped how young adults access and engage with health information. This study investigates the relationship between social media usage, sexual health literacy, and healthy lifestyle skills among university students. The aim is to explore whether social media serves as a facilitator or barrier to health-promoting behaviors in this population. Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive design was employed. The study population included 4,500 students from faculties of health sciences and social sciences at a Turkish university. Using the known population sampling formula, the minimum sample was calculated as 350; however, 598 university students voluntarily participated. Data were collected via an online questionnaire comprising a socio-demographic form, the Social Media Usage Scale, the Sexual Health Literacy Scale, and the Healthy Lifestyle Skills Scale. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 24.0. Normality was tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Parametric tests (t-test, ANOVA) and Pearson correlation analysis were used. Reliability of instruments was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha. Results Participants reported good levels of sexual health literacy (mean score: 51.26 +/- 9.03) and moderate levels of healthy lifestyle skills (63.13 +/- 11.62). A significant positive correlation was found between sexual health literacy and both social media usage and healthy lifestyle skills (p < 0.01). Participants with prior education in sexual health or media literacy scored significantly higher in both outcome measures. Demographic factors such as gender, income, and urban residence were also associated with healthier lifestyle behaviors. Conclusions The findings indicate that responsible social media use may contribute positively to young adults' sexual health literacy and health-promoting behaviors. These results highlight the importance of integrating media literacy and sexual health education into public health policies and university curricula. Developing targeted, evidence-based digital interventions could empower youth to navigate health information critically and foster long-term improvements in individual and public health outcomes. Trial registration Not applicable.