The Relationship Between Sports Volunteers’ Authenticity, Social Media Attitudes And Commitment

Kaya A., Yurtseven C. N., Keskin B.

Yalova Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, cilt.5, sa.2, ss.497-513, 2026 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

This study aims to examine the relationships between sports volunteers’ authenticity, social media attitudes, and career commitment, and to investigate whether these variables differ according to demographic characteristics such as gender, age, and social media usage duration. A correlational research design based on a quantitative approach was employed. The sample consisted of 304 sports volunteers selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Emotional Authenticity Scale, the Social Media Attitude Scale, and the Career Commitment Scale. The data were analysed using parametric statistical methods, including t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis.The findings indicate that participants demonstrated moderate to high levels of authenticity, social media attitudes, and career commitment. No significant relationship was found between authenticity and either social media attitudes or career commitment. However, a weak but significant positive relationship was observed between emotional avoidance and the need for sharing on social media. Additionally, several dimensions of social media attitudes, including social competence, social isolation, and teacher-related interaction, were significantly associated with career commitment. Demographic analyses revealed no significant gender differences across the variables, while age showed a significant effect only on career commitment. Social media usage duration did not produce statistically significant differences.Overall, the findings suggest that authenticity is primarily an internal psychological construct, whereas social media attitudes are more strongly associated with career-related outcomes. These results highlight the potential role of social media as a supportive factor in the career development processes of sports volunteers.