Personality Traits, Self-Esteem, Life Satisfaction and Problematic Social Media Use Among Young Adults

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between personality traits, self-esteem, life satisfaction, and problematic social media use (PSMU) among young adults. The research was conducted among 616 young adults (70.3% females, 22.8±3.8 years). The measures used were the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Self-Liking/Self-Competence Scale, Personal Wellbeing Index, International Personality Item Pool short version, and Social Media Use scale. 94% of participants used social media for more than an hour on average daily. The estimated prevalence of PSMU was 1.6%. PSMU was positively correlated with gender and neuroticism, and negatively with age, extraversion, conscientiousness, intellect, self-liking, self-competence, and life satisfaction. Younger age, female gender, higher neuroticism, and lower personal well-being were significant predictors of PSMU.