The impact of social media addiction on self-esteem and self-perception

Metin Çınaroğlu; Merve Aktarli; Eda Yılmazer

Article Details

The impact of social media addiction on self-esteem and self-perception

Authors:

Metin Çınaroğlu | Merve Aktarli | Eda Yılmazer

Publisher:

Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli University

Main Topics:

Öğrenme | Motivasyon ve Duygu | Sosyal Biliş | Psikopatoloji

Journal:

Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli Üniversitesi SBE Dergisi Vol.15 Issue 2, pp.994-1018

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

6/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001351772

pISSN:

2149-3871

Keywords:

Abstract:

 This study investigates the complex dynamics between social media addiction, self-perception, and self-esteem amidst the pervasive influence of digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X on identity and mental health. Employing a survey methodology with a diverse sample of 388 participants, our research uncovers significant correlations that highlight how excessive engagement with social media correlates with altered self-perceptions and reduced self-esteem. Specifically, findings indicate gender-specific differences in social media addiction, with males exhibiting higher levels of addiction. Additionally, younger users and those with higher educational attainment reported increased psychological distress linked to social media use. These results underscore the dual role of social media, serving both as a tool for enhanced connectivity and a potential source of psychological strain. The study emphasizes the need for targeted educational and policy-based interventions aimed at promoting healthier social media habits among users. Recommendations include developing digital literacy programs that foster critical engagement with social media content and creating support mechanisms for users experiencing negative psychological impacts. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the psychological effects of social media, offering valuable insights for users, policymakers, and mental health professionals to mitigate adverse outcomes and harness the positive potential of digital interactions in our increasingly connected society.

 This study investigates the complex dynamics between social media addiction, self-perception, and self-esteem amidst the pervasive influence of digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X on identity and mental health. Employing a survey methodology with a diverse sample of 388 participants, our research uncovers significant correlations that highlight how excessive engagement with social media correlates with altered self-perceptions and reduced self-esteem. Specifically, findings indicate gender-specific differences in social media addiction, with males exhibiting higher levels of addiction. Additionally, younger users and those with higher educational attainment reported increased psychological distress linked to social media use. These results underscore the dual role of social media, serving both as a tool for enhanced connectivity and a potential source of psychological strain. The study emphasizes the need for targeted educational and policy-based interventions aimed at promoting healthier social media habits among users. Recommendations include developing digital literacy programs that foster critical engagement with social media content and creating support mechanisms for users experiencing negative psychological impacts. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the psychological effects of social media, offering valuable insights for users, policymakers, and mental health professionals to mitigate adverse outcomes and harness the positive potential of digital interactions in our increasingly connected society.

 This study investigates the complex dynamics between social media addiction, self-perception, and self-esteem amidst the pervasive influence of digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X on identity and mental health. Employing a survey methodology with a diverse sample of 388 participants, our research uncovers significant correlations that highlight how excessive engagement with social media correlates with altered self-perceptions and reduced self-esteem. Specifically, findings indicate gender-specific differences in social media addiction, with males exhibiting higher levels of addiction. Additionally, younger users and those with higher educational attainment reported increased psychological distress linked to social media use. These results underscore the dual role of social media, serving both as a tool for enhanced connectivity and a potential source of psychological strain. The study emphasizes the need for targeted educational and policy-based interventions aimed at promoting healthier social media habits among users. Recommendations include developing digital literacy programs that foster critical engagement with social media content and creating support mechanisms for users experiencing negative psychological impacts. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the psychological effects of social media, offering valuable insights for users, policymakers, and mental health professionals to mitigate adverse outcomes and harness the positive potential of digital interactions in our increasingly connected society.

 Bu çalışma, Facebook, Instagram ve X gibi dijital platformların kimlik ve ruh sağlığı üzerindeki yaygın etkisinin ortasında, sosyal medya bağımlılığı, öz-algı ve özsaygı arasındaki karmaşık dinamikleri araştırmaktadır. 388 katılımcının çeşitli bir örneği ile yürütülen anket metodolojimiz, sosyal medya ile aşırı etkileşimin, öz-algıları değiştirdiği ve özsaygıyı azalttığına dair önemli korelasyonlar ortaya koymaktadır. Özellikle, bulgular sosyal medya bağımlılığında cinsiyete özgü farklılıklar göstermektedir, erkekler daha yüksek bağımlılık seviyeleri sergilemektedir. Ayrıca, genç kullanıcılar ve daha yüksek eğitim seviyesine sahip olanlar, sosyal medya kullanımına bağlı olarak artan psikolojik sıkıntı bildirmiştir. Bu sonuçlar, sosyal medyanın hem gelişmiş bağlantı aracı olarak hem de potansiyel psikolojik baskı kaynağı olarak çift rolünü vurgulamaktadır. Çalışma, kullanıcılar arasında daha sağlıklı sosyal medya alışkanlıklarını teşvik etmeyi amaçlayan hedefli eğitim ve politika temelli müdahalelerin gerekliliğini vurgulamaktadır. Öneriler arasında, sosyal medya içeriği ile eleştirel bir şekilde etkileşimi teşvik eden dijital okuryazarlık programlarının geliştirilmesi ve olumsuz psikolojik etkiler yaşayan kullanıcılar için destek mekanizmalarının oluşturulması yer almaktadır. Bu araştırma, sosyal medyanın psikolojik etkileri üzerine devam eden tartışmaya katkıda bulunmakta, kullanıcılar, politika yapıcılar ve ruh sağlığı profesyonellerine olumsuz sonuçları hafifletmek ve giderek daha bağlantılı toplumumuzda dijital etkileşimlerin olumlu potansiyelinden yararlanmak için değerli içgörüler sunmaktadır.

Article Details

The impact of social media addiction on self-esteem and self-perception

Authors:

Metin Çınaroğlu | Merve Aktarli | Eda Yılmazer

Publisher:

Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli University

Main Topics:

Öğrenme | Motivasyon ve Duygu | Sosyal Biliş | Psikopatoloji

Journal:

Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli Üniversitesi SBE Dergisi Vol.15 Issue 2, pp.994-1018

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

6/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001351772

pISSN:

2149-3871

Social Media Addiction

Self-Perception

Self-Esteem

Digital Age

Psychological Well-beingSosyal Medya Bağımlılığı

Öz-Algı

Özsaygı

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Metin Çınaroğlu | Merve Aktarli | Eda Yılmazer

Publisher: Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli University

Main Topics: Öğrenme | Motivasyon ve Duygu | Sosyal Biliş | Psikopatoloji

Journal: Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli Üniversitesi SBE Dergisi Vol.15 Issue 2, pp.994-1018

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 6/2025

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001351772

pISSN: 2149-3871

Issues

Authors:

Metin Çınaroğlu | Merve Aktarli | Eda Yılmazer

Publisher:

Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli University

Main Topics:

Öğrenme | Motivasyon ve Duygu | Sosyal Biliş | Psikopatoloji

Journal:

Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli Üniversitesi SBE Dergisi Vol.15 Issue 2, pp.994-1018

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

6/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001351772

pISSN:

2149-3871