Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.5559/di.34.1.03

#Challenge Accepted: Adolescents' Perception of Motivation Behind Social Media Challenges

Linda Rajhvajn Bulat orcid.org/0000-0002-4875-1327 ; Faculty of Law, Department for Social Work, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia *
Sara Dželalija ; Faculty of Law, Department for Social Work, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Antonija Kurevija ; Faculty of Law, Department for Social Work, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Kristina Saliu ; Croatian Institute for Social Work, Regional Office Pula, Pula, Croatia
Patricia Sastić ; Croatian Institute for Social Work, Regional Office Požega, Đakovo, Croatia
Paula Svetec ; Croatian Institute for Social Work, Regional Office Ivanec, Ivanec, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Technological progress and the Internet's growing importance
have made social media challenges common among
adolescents. Despite their prevalence, research on this topic
remains scarce. This study explores how adolescents perceive
their peers' motivation for participating in social media
challenges. Forty-three students in six focus groups participated.
The results highlight themes such as the need for (self-)respect,
the need for love and belonging, motives related to emotion
regulation and sensation seeking, and the pursuit of online
identity development. Adolescents emphasise popularity, fun,
and peer pressure as key factors. Raising awareness about the
impact of social media challenges on young people's daily lives
among students, parents, and educators, is crucial.

Keywords

social media challenges; online challenges; adolescents; social media; motivation

Hrčak ID:

329851

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/329851

Publication date:

5.4.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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