The Impact of Social Media Use on Adolescent Self-Esteem and Mood Regulation

Thesis Abstract

The pervasive use of social media among adolescents has raised critical concerns regarding its influence on psychological well-being, specifically concerning self-esteem and mood regulation. Despite the proliferation of digital platforms and their integration into everyday adolescent life, there remains a paucity of empirical evidence elucidating the nature and extent of their impact on adolescents’ self-perceptions and emotional stability. This study aims to investigate the relationship between social media engagement and variations in self-esteem and mood regulation among adolescents aged 13 to 19 years. The specific objectives are (1) to examine the correlation between social media usage intensity and self-esteem levels; (2) to assess the influence of social media content and types of engagement on adolescents’ mood regulation strategies; and (3) to explore moderating variables such as gender, socio-economic status, and personality traits. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative research design, the study was conducted within a metropolitan school district encompassing 15 secondary schools. The target population comprised adolescents enrolled in these schools, from which a stratified random sample of 600 students was selected to ensure representation across grade levels and demographic backgrounds. Data collection was facilitated through validated instruments, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale to measure self-esteem, the Mood Regulation Questionnaire to assess emotional regulation strategies, and a Social Media Usage Questionnaire developed for this study to quantify frequency, duration, and content engagement. Additional demographic and psychological variables were collected via self-report questionnaires. The reliability and validity of instruments were established through pilot testing and confirmatory factor analysis, ensuring robustness of the data collection process. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to characterize the sample, followed by multiple regression analyses to evaluate the predictive relationships between social media use and self-esteem and mood regulation outcomes. Hierarchical regression models were employed to explore moderating effects of demographic variables, while structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the hypothesized mediational pathways based on Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory and Self-Determination Theory, linking social media interactions to psychological adjustments. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, with data handling performed using SPSS version 28 and AMOS for SEM. Expected findings suggest a nuanced relationship whereby high-duration social media engagement correlates with decreased self-esteem, mediated by exposure to idealized images and peer comparison. Conversely, active, content-creating engagement may facilitate better mood regulation through increased social support, contingent on individual personality traits. Gender differences are anticipated, with females potentially more susceptible to negative self-comparative feedback. The study also hypothesizes that socio-economic background moderates these relationships, with adolescents from higher socio-economic strata exhibiting more resilient mood regulation strategies. This research contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive, empirically validated model of social media's psychological impact on adolescents, integrating both positive and negative pathways. It advances understanding within developmental and cyberpsychology frameworks, offering data-driven insights that underscore the importance of targeted interventions and digital literacy programs tailored to adolescent needs. The findings will inform policymakers, educators, and mental health practitioners about fostering healthier social media practices and emotional resilience among youth. It is recommended that future studies consider longitudinal designs to ascertain causal effects, incorporate qualitative approaches for nuanced insights, and evaluate intervention efficacy in mitigating adverse psychological outcomes associated with social media use.