The Association Between Technology Use and Aggression in Turkish Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction The widespread integration of digital technologies into adolescents' daily lives has raised concerns about potential behavioral correlates, including aggression. Although prior research suggests a relationship between technology use and aggressive behavior, results are mixed and often context-dependent. This study aimed to examine the association between information technology use and aggression among Turkish adolescents. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 841 adolescents aged 11-14 years recruited from three public secondary schools in southeastern Turkey between February 3, 2025, and February 14, 2025. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Information Technologies Usage Scale, and the Aggression Scale. Pearson correlation analyses and hierarchical multiple linear regression models were performed to examine associations between technology use and aggression, both before and after controlling for demographic and familial variables. Results Technology use was positively associated with aggression (r = 0.296, p < 0.001). In regression analyses, information technology use remained a significant predictor of aggression after adjustment for covariates (beta = 0.235, p < 0.001), explaining a small proportion of variance. Among technology sub-dimensions, digital game playing and use of technological devices and applications were significantly associated with higher aggression scores, whereas virtual life preference was not. Longer daily technology use was also associated with higher aggression levels. Conclusion Higher levels of technology engagement, particularly digital gaming and device use, were associated with increased aggression scores among adolescents, although the magnitude of these associations was small. Given the cross-sectional design, causal inferences cannot be drawn. The results highlight the importance of considering both the type and duration of technology use in adolescent behavioral research and underscore the need for longitudinal studies to clarify temporal relationships and underlying mechanisms.