HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DEPENDENCE ON VIRTUAL SOCIAL NETWORKS: DEFINITION AND INDICATORS

Abstract

This article underlines the problem of high school students' dependence on virtual social networks as a result of cybersocialization process uncontrolled impact, the lack of a holistic real self-image and the dominance of the virtual component in their lives. The author aims to formulate the key concept of the research «dependence of high school students on virtual social networks», as well as justification and identification of key indicators that allow to recognize the dependence in a person aged 15-18, studying at high school. To achieve this goal, the following methods were used: analysis and systematization of foreign and domestic sources; analysis of the terms «network», «social network»; clarification and systematization of the following definitions «Internet addiction», «dependence on virtual social networks» and identification of specific social characteristics inherent in high school students prone to a state dependent on virtual social networks. The results of the research are to determine the methodological basis of the concepts of «dependence» and «addiction», including a clear distinction between approaches (prevention and correction) to overcome the relevant conditions. Separately, to conduct the systematic analysis of the terms «network» at the philosophical and «social network» at the intersectoral methodological levels, created a scientific basis for substantive aspects revealing «virtual social networks» and specifying this definition in order to further develop the research terminology. Concretization of the definitions «Internet addiction», «dependence on virtual social networks» and the identification of specific social characteristics inherent in high school students prone to virtual social network status allowed to make an attempt to justify the concept «high school students' dependence on social networks» and to identify the key criteria of 15-18-year-olds social development (cognitive, emotional-volitional, motivational-valuable, behavioral) and the corresponding to them indicators («I-real», «I-virtual»), which allow to recognize the dependent state of high school students. Further scientific research on this problem is considered appropriate in the direction of developing a socio-pedagogical program for the prevention of high school students' dependence on virtual social networks.