Correlating Social Media Engagement and Self-Esteem

among Private University Students

Yazhemei F. Tongco123Angel Franceine D. Bernal123Antonette A. Fostanes123Haifa A. Guiamaloddin123Sydrine Mae P.

Ocate123Eloisa A. Villaos123Vladimir Marc A. Batayan234

1
Humanities and Social Sciences Strand

2
The K12 Program Grade 12

3
Our Lady of Fatima University

4
Research Adviser
CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
INTRODUCTION
In today’s era, social media platforms have become a part of our interconnected world
shaping how we communicate, share our lives, and build relationships. This emphasizes the role
that social media plays in society influencing how we interact digitally and impacting the mental
and emotional well-being of young individuals. It is crucial to understand the correlation between
media engagement and self-esteem among students attending universities as it can provide
insights into the potential effects of these digital interactions on their overall well-being (Nucleus
AI, 2023). The usage of social media is prevalent in modern society, it is part of people's daily
lives as people use it to connect with each other (Robinson, 2023). Social media is used in various
ways, to communicate with people, share content, post information, etc. Those are primarily the
use of social media, but as the demographic of social media platforms deviate to younger
audiences, a lot of social media platforms have begun to rise in popularity. TikTok, Snapchat,
Instagram, and Twitter are the popular platforms for younger audiences, Facebook still holds the
highest out of all social media platforms (Barnhart, 2023).

There are increased risks to mental health for people who use social media frequently
(Auld, 2019). In this context, there may be some cases of social media overload. Due to the non-
ending use of it. It can also increase anxiety and affect people's self-image. Those are some of the
impacts that social media can leave to their users if the nonstop usage of these interactive
platforms are not intervened. Social media have revolutionized how children and teens interact,
with many of them using these platforms extensively (Anderson, 2018). This raises critical
questions about the potential effects of excessive social media usage on young individuals' self-
perception and self-esteem.

The objective of this study is to investigate whether there is a correlation between the
amount of time spent on social media platforms and levels of Self-esteem of students in Private
University. While previous studies focused solely on Facebook, they haven't fully explored other
social media platforms. This study aims to explore other social media platforms and delve into
the interactions and engagements within them. Social media apps like TikTok, Instagram,
Snapchat, and Twitter have a younger demographic, unlike other social media.
The researchers will investigate the primary objective of the study. The crucial part of
conducting this study is the advancement or innovation of knowledge that this study will result in
and how it can be applied. It is in this context that the researchers would like to undertake this
study to find out the impact of social media engagement on the self-esteem of students in private
universities as well as to raise awareness about the correlation between the two.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Social media has become a part of the daily lives of students in Private Universities,
offering opportunities for connectivity, information sharing, and self-expression. However,
concerns have arisen regarding the potential impact of social media engagement on the self-
esteem of these students. This study seeks to answer the following questions:
1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:
1.1. Age
1.2. Strand or Year
1.3. Frequency of Social Media use
1.4. Time spent on Social Media platforms
2. What is the relationship between social media engagement and self-esteem among Private
Universities students?
3. Is there a correlation between the amount of time spent on social media platforms and the
levels of self-esteem among Private University students?
4. What is the impact of different aspects of social media engagement on the self-esteem of
Private Universities students in terms of:
4.1. Social Comparison
4.2. Social Validation
5. What recommendation can be made to help Private University students mitigate the impact of
social media engagement on their self-esteem?

HYPOTHESIS
In line with the research questions, the following hypotheses will be tested:
H0: There is no significant correlation between social media engagement and the self-esteem of
Private university students.

H1: There is a significant correlation between social media platforms and the self-esteem of
Private university students.
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION
 The primary focus of this research is to investigate the relationship between social media
engagement and self-esteem among students enrolled in private universities, both in the senior
high school (SHS) and college levels. The study aims to gain insights into how the use of social
media platforms influences the self-esteem levels of private university students. This research
will have a specific scope, concentrating solely on private university students and their
behaviours on social media platforms in relation to their self-esteem.

This research is delimited to private university students in senior high school and college,
totalling 100 respondents. The specific focus on private university students restricts the
generalizability of the findings to other universities or student populations. The study will not
consider students from different educational institutions or individuals outside of the private
university community. Furthermore, while this research provides insights into the correlation
between social media engagement and self-esteem, it may not explore other potential factors that
can influence self-esteem, which fall outside the defined scope of this study

To conduct this investigation, a quantitative research design will be employed. Data

collection will be carried out through the distribution of self-report survey questionnaires to a
randomly selected sample of private university students. Subsequently, the collected data will be
subjected to statistical analysis methods.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research aimed to investigate the Correlation between Social Media Engagement
and Self-Esteem among Private University Students. Furthermore, the outcomes of this study
have the potential to provide insights and beneficial to the following:

Educational Institutions and Administrators – Private Universities and Educational

Administrators can benefit from insights into how social media effects the self-esteem of their
students. Hence, Educational institutions can use this information to develop educational and
support programs for these students. For example, the institution could offer workshops on how
to use social media in a healthy and responsible way, or provide counselling services to students
who are struggling with their self-esteem.

Future Researchers – The current study significantly adds to the growing body of knowledge by
shedding light on the connection between self-esteem and social media engagement. The study
offers important insights that can guide future research attempts by offering a thorough and
comprehensive evaluation of this complicated connection. Future researchers can build upon this
study to deepen our understanding of the relationship between social media engagement and self-
esteem.

Parents – This study can serve as an essential tool to raise parental awareness regarding the
potential self-esteem challenges their children might face as a result of their social media
engagement. By offering insights into the digital age's impact on self-esteem, it empowers parents
to better understand and provide emotional support for their children's well-being. This study can
help parents become more conscious and supportive and has the potential to significantly impact
how they perceive and address their children’s emotional well-being in the digital age.
Students – The research findings can be valuable guide for students, offering them a deeper
understanding of how their online activities can influence their self-esteem. This knowledge
fosters self-awareness, enabling students to recognize the potential impact of social media on
their self-perception. It empowers them to make informed decisions about their online
interactions, encouraging them to engage with social media more mindfully and responsibly.
Students can also learn about the importance of adopting healthier online etiquette, being
considerate of the content they post and the way they interact with others on social media to
promote a more positive digital environment.

Teachers – This study can offer significant benefits to educators by providing valuable insights
into the potential self-esteem issues that students may encounter in the classroom as a result of
their experiences on social media. This study is crucial for Educators so they can be aware of the
impact of social media on self-esteem and can be more attuned to signs of distress or changes in
student behaviour. The insights gained from this study can empower educators to foster a more
supportive and empathetic learning environment. By addressing the potential self-esteem
challenges students face due to social media, educators can play a vital role in their students'
overall well-being and personal growth.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. Anxiety
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and
physical changes like increased blood pressure. (American Psychological Association,
2022)
 Anxiety will be measured using self-report surveys assessing feelings of uneasiness and
nervousness related to social media use.

2. Mental Health
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects
how we think, feel, and act. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

Mental health will be evaluated using established measures that assess factors like stress,
depression, and overall well-being.

3. Self-esteem
Self-esteem is the overall subjective emotional evaluation of one’s worth and sense of
self in regard to their competence and worthiness, whether or not they feel loved and
accepted. (Positive Psychology, 2018)

Self-esteem will be measured through self-report scales, assessing participants' self-

evaluations and beliefs about their abilities.

4. Social Comparison
Social comparison refers to a behaviour where we compare certain aspects of ourselves
(e.g., our behaviour, opinions, status, and success) to other people so that we have a
better assessment of ourselves (Buunk & Gibbons, 2007).

In this study, researchers will measure "Comparison with Others" by asking participants
how often they compare themselves to their peers or others on social media platforms
using a frequency scale and assessing the emotional impact of these comparisons on their
self-esteem.

5. Social Media Engagement

Social Media engagement is a measure of how people are interacting with your social
media accounts and content. (Eckstein, 2022)
 Social Media engagement will be quantified by analysing participants' activities,
including posting, sharing, commenting, and liking content on social media platforms.

6. Social Media Overload

Social media overload refers to the negative consequences associated with excessive and
overwhelming use of social media platforms, leading to adverse effects on mental and
emotional well-being, including increased anxiety and negative self-image. (Abako,
2023)

In this study social media overload will be determined by participants' self-reported

feelings of excessive use and its negative impact on mental and emotional well-being.

7. Social Validation
Social validation is a psychological phenomenon where on or more people follow or
conform to the actions of others within a group. (Schenk, L., 2020)

In this study, researchers will measure the social validation by asking people how much
they rely on getting feedback and approval from others on social media. This helps
understand if people change their behavior or feel better about themselves based on how
others react to their posts and interactions on social media platform.

8. Well-being
The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. (Dictionary)

Well-being will be assessed through self-reported surveys, covering various aspects of

health, happiness, and life satisfaction, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-
being.

CHAPTER 2
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

LOCAL LITERATURE
According to the study conducted by Baloca, et al., (2019) titled, "Effects Of Facebook
To The Formation Of Self-esteem Of Selected Grade 12 Students," the significance of
communication and socialization in today’s world, particularly among young adults. They noted
that these individuals frequently engage in social comparisons within digital social environments,
with platforms like Facebook. It highlights the negative impact of social media, such as
Facebook, on self-esteem. It also referred to earlier research highlighting the potential for
Facebook usage to lead to psychological distress and a decline in self-esteem. The research also
delves into Facebook usage, emphasizing its role in maintaining social connections and self-
promotion. However, it raises concerns about excessive use, especially among students, which
can result in anti-social behaviors, decreased participation in school activities, and potential
mental health issues. The researchers aim to examine how Facebook affects the self-esteem of
grade 12 students, using the Facebook Intensity Scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Their
objective was to establish a theoretical framework and provide practical guidance to help students
critically assess their social media usage and understand the potential consequences on their self-
esteem.

In the study of Lazaro-Zamora, N.C. (2022) titled, "Epekto Ng Social Media Sa Mental
Health Ng Bata, Anu-ano Nga Ba?" social media has proven that as a global society, we have
become more connected than ever before. However, it has also become evident that being
constantly "online" can affect our mental well-being. It can lead to increased feelings of
depression and disconnection over time. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the effects of social
media on mental health. When it comes to mental well-being, young people are particularly
vulnerable. The most popular social media apps among them include Snapchat, Instagram,
Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Among active users, 78% are aged 18-24 and use Snapchat,
71% use Instagram, and 68% use Facebook. Additionally, 94% of those aged 18-24 use
YouTube, and 45% use Twitter. The effects of social media on mental health are significant and
multifaceted. It often leads to attention-seeking behavior, where individuals seek validation
through likes and may engage in risky actions. Self-esteem is impacted as people compare
themselves to others and experience cyberbullying. Interpersonal relationships can suffer due to
online interactions, privacy issues arise, and face-to-face communication is reduced.
Additionally, excessive screen time contributes to sleep deprivation and can lead to mental health
problems like anxiety and depression. While complete disconnection is not necessary, setting
boundaries, such as limiting daily screen time, is advisable to mitigate these potential negative
consequences on mental well-being. According to Estrada et al., (2019) titled, "Social Media Use
and Its Impact on the Emotional and Social Well-being of Nursing Students in a Selected Private
University in Metro Manila," Social media use has a significant positive correlation with the
emotional and social well-being of nursing students in a selected private university in Metro
Manila. This means that the more frequently nursing students used social media, the higher their
levels of emotional and social well-being. There are several possible explanations for this
relationship. First, social media can help nursing students to connect with friends and family
members, which can provide them with emotional support. Second, social media can help nursing
students to learn about and connect with other nursing students, which can provide them with a
sense of community and belonging. Third, social media can be a source of information and
support for nursing students, which can help them to manage the stress of their studies and their
clinical rotations. Of course, social media use is not without its risks. For example, nursing
students who spend too much time on social media may be more likely to experience anxiety,
depression, and sleep problems. Additionally, nursing students who use social media to compare
themselves to others may be more likely to experience negative emotions such as envy and
insecurity. Overall, the findings of Estrada et al. (2019) suggest that social media use can have a
positive impact on the emotional and social well-being of nursing students. However, it is
important for nursing students to use social media in a healthy way, and to be aware of the
potential risks associated with social media use.

As stated by Osorio (2019) in the article "What Social Media Does to Your Self-Esteem,"
social media is a source of information about news and people’s lives as it keeps the users
connected. The Philippines has small-scale research regarding this issue, although there is a lot of
international research that has been conducted that correlates to the usage of social media and
self-esteem issues that users have by using too much social media. Issues of self-esteem have
been long affecting people but the spike of usage of social media platforms has impacted the
demographic who uses it frequently. The filters that alter face features, influencers who rely
heavily on plastic surgery, and along with other trends, these types of content heavily affect the
users, particularly young adults as they consume a great number of media. A study done by the
University of Iowa, Ohio University, and the University of Strathclyde found through a survey
that people’s posted images, selfies in particular, affects the self-image of young women and they
tend to compare it negatively to themselves. The selfie of people they know affects more than
celebrities. This study has concluded that the more time is spent on social media the
dissatisfaction in one's appearance will surge. Global Digital Overview, the Philippines is one of
the general users of social media, as the overview shows that Filipinos spend more than four
hours online, and the most used platform is Facebook (The Digital, 2019).

According to Gonzales, A. (2020) in the article "3 Epekto Ng Labis Na Pagse-Selfie Sa

Pag-iisip Ng Dalaga Mo". This article discusses the impact of excessive selfie-taking on the self-
esteem and self-image of teenage girls. The three finding are: Firstly, the excessive pursuit of the
"perfect" selfie can lead to self-objectification, where individuals perceive themselves as objects
for external admiration. This self-objectification can result in feelings of body shame, anxiety,
and a negative self-image. Secondly, social media platforms often project idealized beauty
standards, making it challenging for young people to feel content with their natural appearance.
Filters and retouching further contribute to these unrealistic beauty ideals, leaving many feelings
inadequate without these digital enhancements. Lastly, the constant comparisons that stem from
excessive selfie-taking can harm self-esteem. The pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards,
along with the continuous comparison with others, can lead to heightened anxiety, diminished
self-esteem, and concerns about body weight. The article acknowledges that selfies themselves
are not inherently harmful. However, it becomes problematic when individuals spend an
excessive amount of time editing and posing. The emphasis on achieving perfection in selfies can
negatively impact the self-worth and self-esteem of young girls. It is important for parents to
teach their children that inner qualities and thoughts are more valuable than external appearances.
In summary, while taking selfies can be a fun and harmless activity, the obsessive pursuit of the
"perfect" selfie can have adverse effects on the mental well-being of young girls.

FOREIGN LITERATURE

According to Dollarhide, M. (2023) “Social Media: Definition, Importance, Top

Websites & Apps”. Social media encompasses various technologies that enable the sharing of
information and ideas among users, more than 4.7 billion people, roughly 60% of the global
population, actively engaging in these platforms. In early 2023, chat and messaging apps and
social platforms were the most accessed digital technologies, with 94.8% and 94.6% of users,
respectively. Social media involves digital tools and networks that facilitate the exchange of
content, including text and visuals, primarily generated by users themselves, fostering
interactions such as likes, shares, comments, and discussions. It serves as both a means to build
communities and a platform for disinformation and hate speech. Moreover, it plays an
increasingly pivotal role in corporate marketing strategies. Well known global social media
platforms include Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and WeChat. Initially designed for
personal connections, social media evolved into a multifaceted phenomenon. In 2004, MySpace
became the first network to reach 1 million monthly active users, followed by Facebook and
Twitter (now X platform), which attracted businesses due to their global reach. 46% of internet
users worldwide obtain news from social media, surpassing traditional news websites at 40%,
with Gen Z and Millennials being the primary consumers of news on social platforms (Global
Web Index, 2023). Social media's importance to businesses is evident, considering the significant
daily time people spend on these platforms. Furthermore, the social media landscape continually
evolves, with newer apps like TikTok, Signal, and Clubhouse joining established networks such
as Facebook, YouTube, X platform, and Instagram. In late 2022, internet users aged 16 to 64
worldwide spent an average of 2 hours and 31 minutes daily on social media. As of January 2023,
the top 10 social media platforms worldwide, as reported by DataReportal, demonstrate the vast
reach and diversity of digital communication platforms. Facebook leads the pack with a
staggering 2.96 billion users, almost 3 billion users, according to one recent estimate.

In the study conducted by Steinsbekk et al., (2021) titled, "The Impact Of Social Media
Use On Appearance Self-esteem From Childhood To Adolescence". They discuss the different
ways that youth use social media and how this can affect their self-esteem. The study found that
other-oriented social media use, such as liking and commenting on other people's posts, can lead
to decreased appearance self-esteem, especially in girls. This is likely because social media
exposes youth to unrealistic and idealized images of others. Adolescents are still developing their
sense of self-image, and they may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of social media.
When they see other people's carefully curated posts, they may start to compare themselves
unfavorably. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. Girls are particularly
susceptible to social media's impact on self-esteem. This is because they are more likely to be
exposed to images of idealized female beauty. Social media often portrays women as being thin,
flawless, and perfectly groomed. This can make girls feel pressured to meet unrealistic standards
of beauty. On the other hand, self-oriented social media use, such as posting updates and photos
on one's own page, did not have a significant impact on appearance self-esteem. The authors
suggest that this may be because self-oriented social media use allows youth to present
themselves in a positive light and receive positive feedback from others. The study's findings are
important because they suggest that social media use may have a negative impact on adolescents'
self-esteem.
 As indicated by Buchanan (2018) in the article "The Impact of Social Media on Self-
Esteem", social media had only been around for a few decades, making it a new concept. Prior to
social media, face to face interactions are mostly the means of communication, these contact with
one another let’s people compare themselves. These comparisons led to self-esteem issues which
were affected through the types of social comparison. People evaluate their social value by basing
it on others, and social media is a major contributor to this as it develops, and its demographic
widens. Accessibility to a variety of types of content is immediately available, exposing the users
of social media platforms which can be fake or exaggerated. The user’s confidence, especially
adolescence, might be influenced by the content they consume. Most of the users of social media
have a high usage, it has become an everyday routine for most people to use it daily. This
excessive use can lead to consuming the fake or exaggerated media, which leads to comparing
themselves. This type of technology that most people use to share ideas and information, makes it
well received by most people although its initial use has digressed into social media platforms
like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. These formats of social media
platforms have become popular over the recent years that the platforms Facebook, Instagram,
Twitter, and Snapchat have amassed 4.5 billion users in total. This statistic demonstrates how
social media takes part in most people’s lives and will have consequences. One of the effects that
could happen to its users is the lack of confidence the users display, mostly by young students.

In the study conducted by Sachdev, G. (2022) titled, "Why Do Some People Need
Constant Validation? An Expert Tells Us All," This article discusses the concept of seeking
constant validation and why some individuals have a strong need for it. Dr. Preeti Kocchar, a
counseling psychologist, explains that emotional validation involves understanding and accepting
another person's feelings, and when people receive this validation, they feel heard and supported.
However, a lack of validation can lead to feelings of isolation and insecurity, potentially turning
individuals into "validation addicts”. This need for constant validation, known as approval
addiction, can stem from various factors, including normal emotional development, low self-
esteem, and, in extreme cases, personality disorders. While seeking some external validation is a
normal part of life, it becomes problematic when it becomes an obsession. Dr. Kocchar
emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between accepting constructive feedback and not
relying entirely on external approval for one's self-worth. The article also highlights that
invalidation, or the refusal to acknowledge another person's feelings, can be a subtle form of
emotional abuse. Attention-seeking behaviors, such as fishing for compliments, being
controversial for attention, or pretending to be unable to do something, are common on social
media. These behaviors can be driven by jealousy, low self-esteem, and loneliness. The need for
attention may provide reassurance and a sense of worth to those exhibiting these behaviors.

According to Laplante, S. (2022) in the article "How Social Media Can Crush Your Self-
esteem," This article explores the impact of social comparisons, especially on social media, on
our well-being. It discusses how comparing ourselves to others can either boost or harm our self-
esteem, depending on whether we perceive ourselves as better or worse off than the people we
compare ourselves to. The optimal level of perceived difference between oneself and others is
said to maximize the motivation for self-improvement. Beyond or below this optimal level,
motivation diminishes, leading to negative emotions, guilt, and lower self-esteem. The rise of
social media has made it easier for people to present idealized versions of themselves,
contributing to unrealistic comparisons. Research shows that spending more time on platforms
like Facebook and Instagram is associated with increased social comparison, which, in turn, leads
to lower self-esteem and higher social anxiety. However, the impact of social comparisons during
stressful situations like the COVID-19 pandemic can vary. Lockdowns led to a shared experience,
reducing the negative effects of social comparisons, fostering connection, and shared feelings.
Different social media platforms have distinct effects on well-being. Facebook and Instagram are
linked to lower well-being due to positive self-presentation, while Twitter, where real opinions
and emotions are shared, is associated with more positive emotions and higher life satisfaction.
The article concludes that social media exposes individuals to various motivations for social
comparison, and the type of content being shared affects self-evaluation. While sharing content
that garners praise can be gratifying, it's crucial to consider the potential impact on others.
Sharing difficulties on social media can still have positive effects and psychological benefits,
fostering connection and support. Overall, the article underscores the complex relationship
between social comparisons, social media, and well-being.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Social comparison theory explores people's innate desire to judge themselves by

comparing themselves to others. This theory, introduced by psychologist Leon Festinger (1954),
provides valuable insights into the processes through which individuals assess their own abilities,
attributes, and opinions in relation to those of their peers. Leon Festinger believed that humans
tend to compare themselves to others to gauge their own abilities, qualities, and opinions.”
Festinger's work in the field of social psychology provided the way to a greater comprehension of
how social comparison affects human behavior. This process of comparison can apply to a wide
range of things, from an individual's physical appearance to their intellectual abilities. The
importance of these comparisons as a way to develop standards for accurate self-evaluation is
highlighted by the Social Comparison Theory. According to the theory, these comparisons can be
used for both self-evaluation and self-enhancement, and they are crucial to how people define
themselves and move over the difficult terrain of their self-esteem. It involves two main types of
comparisons, Upward Social Comparison, this occurs when individuals compare themselves to
those they perceive as superior or better than them. The focus of upward comparisons is often
self-improvement and seeking ways to reach similar levels of achievement. And the Downward
Social Comparison, this type of comparison, individuals assess themselves in relation to those
who are less fortunate or less skilled. Downward comparisons are primarily aimed at boosting
self-esteem and finding solace in the idea that, while not exceptional, one is still better off than
others.

Social comparisons play a role in how people perceive and evaluate themselves
influencing their self-esteem and motivation. In the study the Social Comparison Theory is
essential for understanding the connection between social media engagement and self-esteem
among students at universities. The researchers apply this theory to examine how students engage
in comparisons while using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter
and Snapchat. They are specifically interested in investigating whether these students frequently
compare themselves to others positively or negatively during their interactions. Additionally, they
utilize this framework to shape the research questions and hypotheses by incorporating the
concept of comparison. The study aims to explore how social media usage affects student's
perceptions of others and themselves within a context. Ultimately it provides insights into the
effects that frequent use of social media may have on self-esteem.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
 Process Output
Input
1.) Data collection of The relation of
Profile of students in
student profiles frequency of using
terms of:
2.) Distribution of social media and the
(a) Demographic profile self-esteem of students,
questionnaires
(b) Frequency of social and the possible impacts
3.) Arranging of students’
media use it may cause.
responses
(c) Time spent in social
4.) Statistical analysis of
media
data

Figure I
This framework outlines the students' comprehensive profile, commencing with their
demographic details, including age, gender, academic year, and field of study. This serves as a
fundamental understanding of the student population. It then proceeds to assess the frequency of
students' interactions on different social media platforms, aiming to measure the regularity of
their interactions. Subsequently, it examines the amount of time students spend on these
platforms, explaining the depth of their engagement. The process involves collecting data through
questionnaires, arranging and categorizing responses, and subjecting the collected data to
statistical analysis. The ultimate output of this framework is to establish a relationship between
the frequency and time spent of social media use and its potential impact on students' self-esteem,
aiming to reveal how these factors interplay with their self-perception.

CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH DESIGN
This study was made by means of quantitative methods of researcher. The researcher
attempted to get the answers to the aforementioned problem. The main purpose of this study is to
determine and justify the impact of social media on self-esteem.

By collecting and examining the data gathered, this study seeks the correlation between
social esteem of students and the duration of their social media usage. The objective is to develop
statistical data regarding this phenomenon in an objective method. Expressing the connection
through numerical means and using the data that the researchers collected through structured
survey.

RESEARCH LOCALE
The study was conducted at a Private University in Quezon City. This university was
known for its diverse student population, encompassing both senior high school (SHS) and
College levels. It offers a rich academic environment, which was conducive to the study as it
represented the target population of the research. To ensure the privacy and anonymity of the
participants, the specific name and location of the university were not disclosed. The study took
place within the campus, and the respondents' identities and anonymity will be protected during
the data collection procedure.

RESEARCH SUBJECT

The demographic characteristics of the 100 respondents are essential for understanding
the population under investigation. The respondents fall within the age range of 16 to 22, which is
representative of the typical age range of senior high school and college students. The participants
are enrolled in a variety of strands or years, including HUMSS, STEM, ABM, GAS, and 1st year-
4th year. This diversity in strands and academic years ensures that the sample represents a wide
range of students from different academic backgrounds.

For a quantitative research study on the effects of social media use on the self-esteem of
private university students, a combination of sampling methods was used to ensure a
comprehensive representation of the student population. Stratified random sampling was used as
the main method to capture the variation in different subgroups based on age, academic year, and
academic strand. Within each defined stratum or strata, further use of a simple random sampling
technique ensured an unbiased selection of participants from each subgroup. This combined
approach aims to provide a representative and diverse sample, which enhances the validity and
generalizability of the study's findings by accurately reflecting the diversity present in the
population.

RESEARCH ETHICS
In conducting this study, a set of fundamental ethical guidelines have been strictly
followed, ensuring the validity of the research process and the protection of the rights and well-
being of all participants. These ethical principles include:

Informed Consent. All participants received comprehensive information regarding the

study's objectives and their absolute right to withdraw from participation at any point
without experiencing any negative outcomes. Informed consent was diligently obtained
from all participants, and they were made fully aware of their rights.

Privacy and Anonymity. To ensure the confidentiality and anonymity of the participants,
no specific names, locations, or any other identifying information regarding the private
university where the study was conducted were disclosed. All collected data were
securely coded and accessible only to the researchers.

Voluntary Participation. All participants entered the study voluntarily; no pressure or

force of any kind was used to persuade any of the individuals to participate in the study.
They were assured that their decision to participate or withdraw would not affect their
academic standing or any other aspects of their university life.

The study was conducted solely with human participants, and no animal-related
ethical considerations are applicable, as no animal usage or experiments were conducted.
The meticulous observance of these ethical principles guarantees that the study is
conducted with the utmost integrity, upholding the rights and well-being of all
participants. It also aligns with established research ethics and maintains the
confidentiality and privacy of the participants.
RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
The primary data for this study was gathered through a structured survey questionnaire
designed to investigate the correlation between social media use and the self-esteem levels of
students within a private university. The questionnaire comprised a variety of topics concerning
social media use and self-esteem. The questions aimed to explore how students perceive and
manage their self-esteem in relation to their interactions and behaviour on social media platforms.
Respondents were provided with response options such as "Strongly Agree," "Agree,"
"Disagree," "Strongly Disagree," and "Neutral."

To ensure the reliability and validity of the questionnaire, a comprehensive validation

process was conducted. This process involved a content validation procedure in which the survey
questionnaires were reviewed by three professor's experts in the field, who were respected
professionals in school. These experts evaluated the alignment of the questionnaire with the
research objectives, clarity, and relevance of the questions. Their valuable feedback helped refine
and validate the questionnaire, ensuring its capacity to generate accurate and relevant data.
Furthermore, to strengthen the reliability and relevance of the survey questions, relevant literature
was referenced during the formulation of the questionnaire. This careful approach aims to support
the accuracy and reliability of the survey instrument, ensuring its effectiveness in obtaining data
relevant to the study's objectives.

DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE

1. Researchers created a structured survey questionnaire aimed at capturing demographic

details, social media usage patterns, and self-esteem assessment. The questionnaire
adhered to ethical standards, ensuring participant confidentiality, voluntary participation,
and informed consent. This process involved creating a general consent form for
participants and a separate parental consent form for individuals aged 17 and below.
2. Utilizing a combination of stratified random sampling and simple random techniques,
researchers selected 100 participants based on subgroups categorized by age, academic
year, and academic strand. This method aimed to ensure a well-represented and diverse
sample. Researchers briefed potential participants on the research objectives and invited
them to participate voluntarily.
3. Participants were briefed about the study's objectives, the nature of the survey, and their
rights before answering the questionnaire. The survey questionnaire was administered in
 person to selected participants, ensuring clarity and understanding of the research
context.
4. Researchers confirmed that all participants provided informed consent and were made
aware of their right to withdraw from the research at any stage. The study prioritized the
confidentiality and anonymity of participants' information throughout the data collection
process. Participants were assured that their decision to participate or withdraw would not
affect their academic standing or university life.
5. The collected data was compiled and systematically organized for further analysis,
ensuring adherence to ethical standards in data collection. Researchers computed and
analyzed the survey results to derive meaningful insights, contributing to the study's
objectives.

STATISTICAL TREATMENT
Pearson's correlation coefficient, a statistical measure, was utilized to assess the strength
and direction of the relationship between social media use and self-esteem among the
participants. The formula for Pearson's correlation coefficient was employed to measure the linear
correlation between the two continuous variables, aiming to derive insights and quantify the
association between these factors. It measures the linear correlation between two variables,
usually denoted as 'x' and 'y'. The formula for Pearson's correlation coefficient is as follows.

Pearson's correlation coefficient formula:

Where:

n = the number of paired data points

x and y = the two variables being compared
Σ = the summation symbol
Σxy = the sum of the products of each pair of data points
Σx and Σy = the sum of all data points in the x and y variables, respectively
Σx2 and Σy2 = the sum of the squares of each data point in x and y, respectively
 Pearson's correlation coefficient ranges between -1 and 1. A value of 1 indicates a perfect
positive linear relationship, -1 indicates a perfect negative linear relationship, and 0 suggests no
linear relationship between the variables.