Examining the Relationship between Teachers Self-Disclosure Behaviors on Social Media and Their Social Anxiety and Need for Social Approval on Social Media

OpenAlex English

This study examines the relationship between teachers’ self-disclosure behaviors on social media and their social anxiety and need for social approval. Using a relational survey model with a quantitative design, data were collected from 467 teachers. Findings indicate that teachers tend to self-disclose on social media at a moderate level, being more cautious when sharing personal emotions and thoughts. Single teachers disclose themselves more than married ones, and female teachers experience higher social anxiety than males. Moreover, self-disclosure increases with greater social media usage but decreases with age. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between the need for social approval and social anxiety. Regression results showed that only the need for social approval and social media daily usage significantly predicted self-disclosure on social media, while age and social anxiety did not. These findings suggest that teachers’ online sharing tendencies are influenced primarily by their need for social approval and frequency of social media engagement.