• Psychology -> Social and Personality Psychology

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How does social media affect one's self-esteem?

Julianne Swoffer

Social media has become an integral part of our lives and has brought a substantial impact on the way we perceive ourselves and our identities. With the increasing usage of social media platforms, it has become a common practice to compare ourselves to others. This continual process of comparing ourselves and our lives to those portrayed by others on social media can result in a detrimental effect on our self-esteem.

In this modern world of instant gratification, we have become accustomed to receiving instant feedback in terms of likes, comments, and followers on social media. This feedback can influence our self-worth and, in turn, our self-esteem.

Another factor that can affect our self-esteem on social media is the constant need to portray a perfect life. The fear of being judged or rejected by others can lead us to present only the best aspects of our lives. Such curated and edited representation of our lives can make others believe that our life is perfect and thus intensify the pressure to maintain a certain appearance, leading to a decrease in self-esteem when we fail to meet these expectations.

Moreover, social comparison theory postulates that we tend to compare ourselves to others to evaluate our worth. On social media, this constant comparison can lead to a perception that our lives are lacking compared to others. The need to fit in with societal norms as portrayed on social media can also lead to a decrease in self-esteem if we fail to measure up.

The effect of social media on self-esteem is not uniform and can vary across individuals. Some users may view social media as a source of motivation and inspiration, while others may perceive it as a source of anxiety and pressure to meet societal expectations.

To mitigate the negative impact of social media on self-esteem, it is essential to acknowledge its influence on our self-perception. Moreover, we must focus on building our self-esteem by developing a positive mindset and recognizing our unique qualities and strengths. We could also regulate our social media usage to avoid unhealthy comparisons and engage in offline activities to build our self-esteem.

In conclusion, social media has become an influential tool in shaping our lives. While it offers numerous potential benefits, it is important to understand the detrimental impact it can have on our self-esteem. By acknowledging its influence and taking a mindful approach towards social media usage, we could leverage its potential benefits while safeguarding our self-esteem.