Dijital Gözler Altında: Sosyal Medya Çağında İnsanların Görüşlerinden Korkma (FoPO) Ölçeğinin Geliş
Under Digital Eyes: Developing a Scale for Fear of People's Opinions (FoPO) in the Age of Social Media

Summary/Abstract: The rise of social media has profoundly impacted individuals’ perceptions of themselves and others. These platforms encourage continuous self-presentation and the pursuit of others’ approval, leading to the proliferation of the phenomenon known as "Fear of People's Opinion" (FoPO). FoPO has become a significant determinant of social media behavior, exerting considerable psychological pressure and influencing behavioral outcomes. In this context, investigating the effects of social media on individuals and the role of FoPO in psychological well-being is of critical importance. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive scale to measure individuals’ levels of FoPO. The scale development process followed a two-stage approach. In the first stage, scale items were generated and evaluated by experts to establish content validity. In the second stage, pilot testing was conducted with a large participant sample to assess the scale’s construct validity and reliability. The analysis revealed that the scale demonstrated high internal consistency and proved to be a valid and reliable measurement tool. The developed FoPO Scale comprises three dimensions and a total of 15 items. These dimensions are as follows: Fear of Negative Comments (reflecting individuals’ efforts to avoid negative evaluations in social media environments), Need for Approval and Validation (indicating the desire to receive positive feedback and social acceptance), and Social Support and Interaction (highlighting the drive to strengthen social connections and actively engage with others). The findings of the study reveal that FoPO is closely associated with social media addiction and has significant negative effects on individuals’ self-esteem and identity perception. Specifically, the avoidance of negative comments and the pursuit of approval appear to foster dependency on social media, leading individuals into a perpetual cycle of evaluation and comparison. This dynamic creates tension between their authentic selves and digital identities. In conclusion, this study provides the first comprehensive and reliable scale for assessing FoPO, making a valuable contribution to the literature. The findings underscore the need for awareness initiatives to help individuals manage their social media habits more effectively and highlight the necessity for technology companies to develop policies that mitigate the adverse effects of their platforms on users. Furthermore, the results emphasize the importance of strategies that support individuals’ healthier adaptation to the challenges of the digital age, ensuring a balanced integration of technology into modern life.

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