EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TECHNOLOGICAL SPORTS PRODUCT ADDICTION AND BODY APPRECIATION IN ATHLETES

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between technological sports product appreciation and body appreciation among athletes. The research was conducted using a descriptive relational survey model. The population consists of athletes, while the sample comprises 245 actively participating athletes selected through a random sampling method. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Technological Sports Product Addiction Scale, and the Body Appreciation Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. Variables such as gender, artificial intelligence application usage, and type of sport were examined using t-test, ANOVA, Tukey, and Pearson correlation tests. The findings revealed that addiction levels to technological sports products were significantly higher among male athletes and those using AI applications, whereas body appreciation was notably higher among athletes engaged in individual sports. No significant differences were found based on age or income level. The study highlights the impact of technology use on athletes' psychology and body perception and suggests the development of strategies to promote the conscious and balanced use of digital tools in sports.