University of Twente Student Theses
Self-Esteem and Its Association with Social Media Use in University Students: An Experience Sampling Study
Worm, Hanna (2022) Self-Esteem and Its Association with Social Media Use in University Students: An Experience Sampling Study.
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| Abstract: | Background: Nowadays, social media is commonly used in daily life by a wide range of people. Especially adolescents and young adults are targets of such platforms. Using them for communicational purposes and for keeping contact with others, social media has the ability to strengthen mental health. Nevertheless, there are concerns regarding inappropriate and excessive use of social media. Previous studies highlighted the adverse effects social media use has on users´ mental health in general and on their self-esteem in particular. These studies however, mainly relied on one-time measurement tools, neglecting the fact that self-esteem and social media use can fluctuate from one point in time to another. Objective: The current study aims to close this gap by focusing on state-levels of self-esteem and social media use over the course of 9 days. Particularly, it was investigated whether there is an association between state self-esteem and state social media use. Further, it was examined if the association of both variables is more reflected on a between- or on a within-person level. Finally, the moderation effect of trait social media use on the association between state self-esteem and state social media use was investigated as well. Method: A total of 40 participants partook in a semi-structured, repeated measure, experience sampling study. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) and self-developed questionnaires form the basis for assessing trait-levels of self-esteem and social media use once at the beginning of the study. For assessing their state counterparts, the 10 items of the RSE were rephrased. Further, 2 items assessing social media use were constructed. Both questionnaires were prompted 3 times per day over a period of 8 days. Results: The outcome of the linear mixed model (LMM) analysis revealed no significant association between state self-esteem and state social media use. Also, findings suggest no association on a between- or within-person level. Finally, LMM analysis showed no moderation effect of trait social media use on the association between state self-esteem and state social media use. Conclusion: The present study shows that there is no major problem for social media use in relation to self-esteem for this type of sample. However, it is not clear whether the findings hold true for individuals. Thus, it is advised to focus on inter-individual levels to see if a positive or negative association is present for some individuals. Moreover, future research should focus on the type of social media platform since only assessing time spent on social media does not accurately represent social media use. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/90792 |
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