The Effects of Social Media on Self-esteem Among High School Students

Abstract ―​

This study examined how social media use affects self-esteem among high school students. A sample of 23 students in grades 9–12 completed an anonymous survey measuring daily social media use, usage style (active vs. passive), social comparison tendencies, online validation, and self-esteem. Results showed that higher social comparison was moderately associated with lower self-esteem (r = −0.46), and more daily hours on social media were weakly associated with lower self-esteem (r = −0.31). Students who reported mostly passive use tended to have lower self-esteem than those who used social media more actively. Online validation dependence was weakly positively related to self-esteem (r = 0.22). These findings suggest that how students use social media, especially the extent of passive scrolling and social comparison, may be more important than total time spent. Encouraging more active, supportive, and mindful use may help protect adolescents’ self-esteem.