El uso de redes sociales en la construcción del amor adolescente en estudiantes de 14 a 18 años en la ciudad de Quito en el período 2025-2026.

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify the influence of social media use on the construction of love among adolescents aged 14 to 18 in the city of Quito during the period 2025–2026. The study was conducted under a quantitative approach, with a non-experimental and cross-sectional design. The Scale of Myths of Romantic Love and the Social Media Addiction Questionnaire (ARS) were applied. The results showed high levels in the dimension of idealization of love, as well as a lower but relevant presence of distortions associated with love as sacrifice and suffering. Regarding social media use, medium levels predominated in the dimensions of obsession, lack of personal control, and excessive use, with obsession presenting the highest percentage at the high level. Additionally, a greater acceptance of romantic love myths was identified among male participants, along with a higher risk of problematic social media use among younger adolescents. It is concluded that, within the surveyed group, social media influences the construction of affective expectations during adolescence.