The impact of media literacy, self-assertiveness, and horizontal individualism of Generation Z nursing students on their adaptation to college life

This study was conducted to provide basic data that can improve the college life adaptation of Generation Z nursing students by confirming the effects of media literacy, assertive behavior, and horizontal individualism on college life adaptation of Generation Z nursing students. Data were collected from June to July 2024 from 155 nursing students in City C, and data from 148 people were ultimately used for analysis. The data collected using the media literacy tool, assertive behavior tool, horizontal individualism tool, and college life adaptation scale questionnaire were analyzed using the SPSS WIN 28.0 Program, descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The research results showed that the factors affecting the college life adaptation of Generation Z nursing students were media literacy (β=.26, ρ=.004), horizontal individualism (β=.22, ρ=.004), and aptitude for admission rather than degree acquisition (β=.20, ρ=.036), in that order. Among the motives for admission, employment (β=.14, ρ=.200), assertive behavior (β=.09, ρ=.260), and religion (β=.14, ρ=.063) did not have a significant effect. Therefore, this study suggests that in order to improve the college life adaptation of Generation Z nursing students, it is necessary to develop a program for active use of media literacy, horizontal individualism, and aptitude for admission.