Impacts on Individual’s Self-Esteem from the Use of Social Media

Abstract

Social media has been growing in popularity over the past few years. Many activities done in social media platforms, and some of those activities may affect individual’s perception and self-esteem. Changes in self-esteem can affect the way people approaching their lives. This study aims to identify the correlation between some factors related to the use of social media and individual’s self-esteem. Data were collected through survey-questionnaire which was distributed through Google Form. It is found that social comparisons influences individual’s self-esteem. However, this effect differs between males and females. Correlational analysis also show that social comparison’s impacts and behaviors are prominent mainly in females. As well, females who score: higher in Neuroticism tend to socially compare more and are prone to lower self-perception; higher in Extraversion are likely to do social comparison behaviors; and higher in Conscientiousness are likely to have better self-esteem. Overall, time spent on social media, narcissism, and age generally do not influence social comparison, but engagement in life may affect it.