The Need for Recognition and Its Relationship with Digital Behavioral Deviations among University Students

Abstract

This study aims to examine the level of need for recognition and digital behavioral deviations among university students, identify gender-based differences, and explore the correlational relationship between the two variables and its variation by gender. The research population consisted of students from Al-Mustansiriyah University during the academic year 2025–2026. To achieve the study objectives, two scales were developed based on Honneth’s Theory of Recognition (1995): the Need for Recognition Scale (30 items across emotional, legal, and social recognition dimensions) and the Digital Behavioral Deviations Scale (36 items across nine domains). Both scales demonstrated acceptable reliability. The findings revealed high levels of need for recognition and digital behavioral deviations, with statistically significant differences favoring males. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between the two variables, with a stronger association observed among male students. Based on these findings, the study presents several recommendations and suggestions