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<p>In August 2024, access to Instagram was restricted in Türkiye. Although social media bans have drawn increasing attention, their psychological impact on users remains largely unexplored. This study examines the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) during the ban, with a specific focus on the psychosocial profiles of Instagram users. A total of 280 participants (ages 18–45) from 55 provinces in Türkiye were categorized into high- and low-risk groups through cluster analysis based on their levels of excessive social media use, FoMO, loneliness, and well-being. Chi-square tests showed that high-risk males were significantly more likely to use VPNs. The findings suggest that male and female users responded differently to the restrictions. These differences may be linked to underlying psychological factors such as FoMO, loneliness, and well-being.</p>

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VPN Usage in Türkiye During the August 2024 Instagram Ban: A Cluster Analysis Based on Excessive Social Media Use, FoMO, Loneliness, Well-Being, and Gender

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月13日

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  • Adem Kantar,
  • Gökçe Dik,
  • İlknur Yaşar

摘要

In August 2024, access to Instagram was restricted in Türkiye. Although social media bans have drawn increasing attention, their psychological impact on users remains largely unexplored. This study examines the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) during the ban, with a specific focus on the psychosocial profiles of Instagram users. A total of 280 participants (ages 18–45) from 55 provinces in Türkiye were categorized into high- and low-risk groups through cluster analysis based on their levels of excessive social media use, FoMO, loneliness, and well-being. Chi-square tests showed that high-risk males were significantly more likely to use VPNs. The findings suggest that male and female users responded differently to the restrictions. These differences may be linked to underlying psychological factors such as FoMO, loneliness, and well-being.