Investigating the Relationship Between Social Media Usage, Self-Esteem and Body Image Dissatisfaction; Gender Differences

Aims: The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between social media usage, self-esteem (SE), and body image dissatisfaction (BID), while also inspecting gender differences within self-esteem and body image dissatisfaction variables. Method: A total of 143 participants over the age of 18 completed a questionnaire which was distributed through social media. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to social media addiction, using the Bergan Social Media Addiction scale, self-esteem (SE) using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, and body esteem (BE) using the Body Esteem scale. Results: It was determined from a linear regression analysis that social media scores did significantly predict self-esteem scores but did not significantly predict body esteem scores. Secondly, a Mann U Witney test was conducted to compare body esteem scores among males and females. The results concluded that there was no significant difference between males and females body esteem scores. Finally, an independent t-test was conducted to compare self-esteem scores among males and females. In addition to the body esteem scores, no significant difference was found among males and females self-esteem scores. Limitations and implications for this study are later discussed