How Social Media Affects

One’s Self-Esteem.

By Micah Gourlas
Introduction-

Social media use is staggeringly popular and ubiquitous throughout much of the much of
the world and our lives. Our families, friends, acquaintances, enemies, strangers, health
care professionals, schools; even bosses and coworkers are snooping around out there on
it. One significant aspect of the phenomenon are the interpersonal dimensions of social
media and how they are treating our self-esteem.
Terms-

Social Media is defined as, “forms of electronic communication...through which users

create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other
content.”
Self-esteem is defined as, “an individual’s subjective evaluation of their worth.”
Problems With Social Media-

A few concerns of social media’s effects on healthy self-esteem are the tendency to
compare one’s self to others highlights; its addictiveness and our disconnection with real-
world interactions.
Comparing Oneself To Others’ Highlights-

Modern behavioral scientists are discovering the connection between comparing ourselves
to others’ highlights and adverse reactions to the self-esteem. Clarissa Silva states that
“social media has been linked to higher levels of loneliness, envy, anxiety, depression…”
And that, “it is a hybridized digital version of keeping up with the Joneses.” We are not
see the full picture of people’s celebratory showcases on social media. When mostly what
we see are these happy experiences, we ourselves might feel inadequate.
Its Addictiveness-

Other scientists and psychologists have discovered this alarming aspect of social media.
According to Harvard University, social media lights up the same part of the brain that
lights up when taking an addictive substance--the principal dopamine-producing
areas.Therefore, the brain receives a “reward” and associates it lke a drug as positive
reinforcement.
Our Real-World Dysfunction-

More professionals are taking note; Jessica Cho explains that though posting to social
media might make you feel connected, online communication is totally different than real,
in-person conversations. We are losing out on opportunities to practice social skills
necessary for success in life.
Is It All Negative?

No. Let us not throw the baby out with the bath water. Some of the helpful, practical and
logical reasons for keeping our Facebook accounts are that it is a great tool for networking
or landing a job; it is a good way to stay in touch with family, friends, and old
acquaintences that you might not have stayed in contact with otherwise; and it helps to
keep you informed of personal news that is happening.
Balance-

One of the ways we can reduce possibility of social media adversely affecting our self-
esteem is to reduce our usage of it. There was a recent study which showed that to
enhance and/or maintain your mental healh we should reduce our social media usage to 30
minutes a day or less.
Summary-

Unfortunately, the numbers of people who report self-esteem being adversely affected are
pretty high, around 60%, so if you feel like you fit into this category, take heart! You’re
not alone. Be wise about social media use and moderate it to keep your mental health
high!
Addendum.

For more detailed information checkout my research paper: “How Does Social Media
Affect One’s Self-Esteem?” Smile buddy :)