THE ROLE OF TIKTOK ADDICTION ON LONELINESS WITH PARASOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AS A MODERATING VARIABLE

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationship between TikTok addiction and loneliness, by reviewing the role of parasocial relationships as a moderating variable. This study used a quantitative approach involving 221 participants who actively used TikTok. Data were collected through a questionnaire measuring the level of TikTok addiction, loneliness, and parasocial relationships using validated scales. The results of the analysis showed a significant relationship between TikTok addiction and loneliness, where higher levels of TikTok addiction contributed to increased loneliness. In addition, parasocial relationships were found to moderate the relationship between TikTok addiction and loneliness, with the moderating effect being negative. That is, as parasocial relationships increase, the impact of TikTok addiction on loneliness tends to decrease. This study concludes that TikTok addiction can exacerbate loneliness, but the presence of parasocial relationships can reduce this impact. The findings provide theoretical and practical insights into the interaction between social media use, addiction, and individual emotional well-being, and their relevance in the context of digital psychology.