Artificial Intelligence, Social Media, and Academic Outcomes Among Nutrition and Dietetics Students in Türkiye

Aim: This study aims to address this gap by focusing on a population where digital integration and mental health challenges are prominent yet underexplored. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted on University students in Türkiye, between November 2024-January 2025. An online questionnaire including demographic characteristics, General Attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence Scale (GAAIS), Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale Short Form were administered. Additionally, height and body weight were taken with the declaration of the participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0. Results: A total of 353 university students (93.5% female, mean age 21.79 ± 2.78 years) completed the study. 97.5% of them used social media, and the most used social media was Instagram with 97.5%. GPA showed a weak positive correlation with GAAIS positive score (r: 0.126, p< 0.05), whereas it showed a weak negative correlation with SMAS score (r: -0.115, p< 0.005). SMAS scores showed a moderate positive correlation with stress (r: 0.454, p< 0.001), anxiety (r: 0.428, p< 0.001), and depression (r: 0.482, p< 0.001). Furthermore, body mass index showed a negative weak correlation with SMAS scores (r: -0.166, p< 0.005), and depression score (r: -0.134, p< 0.005). According to the multiple linear regression analysis, increased GAAIS positive subscale scores (β: 0.006, p: 0.006) and decreased SMAS scores (β: -0.064, p: 0.043) predicted an increase in GPA, and these results accounted for 21% of the variance. Conclusion: These findings underline the need for balanced and informed approaches to the adoption of digital technology. Further research on the subject is needed.