The effect of social media on young people’s self-esteem

Abstract

Young people spend a prolonged amount of time on social media nowadays. It is evident that social media has increased its influence on young people, engaging more users every day and creating questions about its effects on people. There are numerous studies that explore the issue of social media's impact on people. However, in this study, the research question has been narrowed to the effect social media has on self-esteem specifically, and how it will be affected if they decrease usage or even withdraw from social media. Social media on mental health was examined, since self-esteem is part of mental health. The findings can be described as concerning. Young people’s mental health and self-esteem can be negatively affected when social media are used in a prolonged and unhealthy way. Social media usage can contribute to the development of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and distorted self-image leading to the lowering of self-esteem. One of the main contributors to lowered self-esteem is upward social comparison when young people compare themselves with those who are better off than themselves. Social media overflows with images of perfect bodies the same way television, magazines, or billboards do. Users are told what they should look like, and the life they are supposed to live. Social media may also give information about people which does not correspond with reality. People tend to post mainly their best images, the good places they have been, and the good moments they have spent. Thus, persons start comparing themselves negatively to other people’s presented façade, thinking that they cannot reach others’ idealised lifestyle. Idealised body images that are posted online may cause some people dissatisfaction with their own bodies. An important factor that can mitigate the influence of social media on self-esteem is a strong sense of purpose in life and motivation. At the end of this paper, some suggestions are offered as to how young people can be protected from negative consequences on self-esteem and mental health caused by social media. Some of the suggestions are awareness campaigns among students, parental control, and helping young people develop a strong purpose in life so that they are not negatively affected by social media platform usage. Recommendations for future studies are also included.