Research Article

University Students' Viewing Trends Towards Supernatural/Mystery Content in Popular Media

Volume: 15 Number: 1 October 27, 2026
TR EN

University Students' Viewing Trends Towards Supernatural/Mystery Content in Popular Media

Abstract

This research aims to describe the general viewing habits of university students for popular media content and to examine in depth the reasons why participants who follow supernatural/mystery productions are drawn to this content. In the study, a qualitative descriptive research model, supported by descriptive quantitative data, was employed. The data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 303 students studying at the Faculties of Education and Communication, and through unstructured interviews with 16 participants who watched supernatural/mystery content. Quantitative findings show that comedy, drama, and action are the most preferred genres; paid digital platforms and video sites stand out in accessing supernatural/mystery content. According to the qualitative findings, the participants' experiences of watching supernatural/mystery content are shaped around five main themes: search for meaning, curiosity, entertainment, socialization tool, and critical awareness of commodification. As a result, it has been clearly demonstrated that students' interest in supernatural/mystery content cannot be reduced to paranormal beliefs alone. It is understood that this interest is a highly multidimensional and effective media-consumption practice that encompasses narrative structure, social interaction, fictional curiosity, shared viewing culture, and personal meaning-making processes.

Keywords

References

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  6. Edwards, E. D. (2005). Metaphysical media: The occult experience in popular culture. Southern Illinois University Press.
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Values ​​education, Development of Media and Communication Education and Programs

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

October 27, 2026

Submission Date

July 29, 2026

Acceptance Date

October 22, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 1

APA
Apaydın, C., Ceylan Apaydın, Ş., & Ersöz, A. R. (2026). University Students’ Viewing Trends Towards Supernatural/Mystery Content in Popular Media. Cumhuriyet Uluslararası Eğitim Dergisi, 15(1), 1019-1039. https://doi.org/10.30703/cije.2005839
AMA
1.Apaydın C, Ceylan Apaydın Ş, Ersöz AR. University Students’ Viewing Trends Towards Supernatural/Mystery Content in Popular Media. CIJE. 2026;15(1):1019-1039. doi:10.30703/cije.2005839
Chicago
Apaydın, Cengiz, Şebnem Ceylan Apaydın, and Abdullah Ragıp Ersöz. 2026. “University Students’ Viewing Trends Towards Supernatural Mystery Content in Popular Media”. Cumhuriyet Uluslararası Eğitim Dergisi 15 (1): 1019-39. https://doi.org/10.30703/cije.2005839.
EndNote
Apaydın C, Ceylan Apaydın Ş, Ersöz AR (October 1, 2026) University Students’ Viewing Trends Towards Supernatural/Mystery Content in Popular Media. Cumhuriyet Uluslararası Eğitim Dergisi 15 1 1019–1039.
IEEE
[1]C. Apaydın, Ş. Ceylan Apaydın, and A. R. Ersöz, “University Students’ Viewing Trends Towards Supernatural/Mystery Content in Popular Media”, CIJE, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 1019–1039, Oct. 2026, doi: 10.30703/cije.2005839.
ISNAD
Apaydın, Cengiz - Ceylan Apaydın, Şebnem - Ersöz, Abdullah Ragıp. “University Students’ Viewing Trends Towards Supernatural Mystery Content in Popular Media”. Cumhuriyet Uluslararası Eğitim Dergisi 15/1 (October 1, 2026): 1019-1039. https://doi.org/10.30703/cije.2005839.
JAMA
1.Apaydın C, Ceylan Apaydın Ş, Ersöz AR. University Students’ Viewing Trends Towards Supernatural/Mystery Content in Popular Media. CIJE. 2026;15:1019–1039.
MLA
Apaydın, Cengiz, et al. “University Students’ Viewing Trends Towards Supernatural Mystery Content in Popular Media”. Cumhuriyet Uluslararası Eğitim Dergisi, vol. 15, no. 1, Oct. 2026, pp. 1019-3, doi:10.30703/cije.2005839.
Vancouver
1.Cengiz Apaydın, Şebnem Ceylan Apaydın, Abdullah Ragıp Ersöz. University Students’ Viewing Trends Towards Supernatural/Mystery Content in Popular Media. CIJE. 2026 Oct. 1;15(1):1019-3. doi:10.30703/cije.2005839

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