Relationship between Social Media Addiction, Personality, and Self-esteem: Unraveling Generational Differences

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between social media addiction with personality and self-esteem. It also compared the level of social media addiction between young adults and middle-aged adults and between males and females. The sample consisted of 320 participants in the age range of 18-25 and 40-50 years. Social Media Addiction Scale, Big Five Inventory (BFI) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used. There was a significant correlation between social media addiction and the three dimensions of Big Five inventory. Low self-esteem was related to higher scores on social media addiction. Significantly higher levels of social media addiction were found among young adults compared to middle-aged adults. No significant gender differences were found on most of the dimensions of social media addiction. Various stakeholders, like academicians, educators, and healthcare professionals, can get useful insights into the phenomenon of social media by using the findings of the study.