The impact of social media use on the self-esteem levels of its users

Research on the impact of social media has focused most of its attention on body esteem and not self-esteem. The objective of this study was to research the impact social media has on the self-esteem levels of it male and female users to discover if male and females are equally impacted. In addition, to investigate the variables that possible contribute to that impact such as age, time spent on social media daily and social media site used most. This study had a convenience sample of 59 individuals. The data was collected through online surveys, which included a demographic questionnaire, social media addiction scale and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. There was a significant medium negative correlation between self-esteem levels and social media use which indicates as social media addiction increases, self-esteem decreases. There was no significant found between gender scores. Although there was a significant difference in self-esteem levels of those who spend more time on Facebook. All other variables were analyzed in relation to social media addiction and self-esteem and were discussed. The results of this study supported two out of five hypotheses. Males and females self-esteem were negatively impacted by social media use, with no significant difference in their scores. Suggesting male and female’s self-esteem are equally influenced by social media. Spending more time on Facebook was also seen to negatively impact self-esteem levels and increase social media addiction scores. Although not all hypotheses were supported results from this study still add to existing literature