The predictive effect of attachment styles on social media stalking tendencies: A study on emerging adults in Istanbul

Abstract

As digital culture has become central to everyday life, social media stalking has emerged as a notable phenomenon, particularly in romantic relationships. This study examines how attachment styles and perceived parental acceptance-rejection affect social media stalking tendencies among emerging adults. Conducted with a correlational survey model, the study analyzed data from 520 participants aged 18–25 living in Istanbul using correlation and regression analyses. Findings showed that secure and avoidant attachment styles were not significantly related to stalking behavior, whereas anxious-ambivalent attachment was a significant predictor of social media stalking tendencies. Relationships between parental acceptance- rejection levels and stalking behavior were not statistically significant. Accordingly, social media stalking appears to be associated primarily with anxious-ambivalent attachment, while the role of perceived parental acceptance-rejection may be more indirect and requires further qualitative investigation. By empirically addressing a relatively under-researched phenomenon, the study contributes to media psychology.