Role of Social Media in Shaping Up Self Esteem of Adolescents

Abstract

When individuals seek validation in public spheres for their personal lives, they intensify the pressure to conform to specific expectations. For a generation raised amidst pervasive social media influence, this pressure has become ingrained, leaving little room for alternate forms of validation. Children today grow up navigating a technologically advanced, intricate societal landscape, learning early to manage the digital world’s complexities. Seeking validation has always been fundamental to human nature, amplified by comparisons and the desire for acceptance, particularly during adolescence, significantly boosting self-confidence. Adolescence represents a pivotal phase marked by profound physical, emotional, and psychological changes, necessitating validation across these dimensions. The past decade witnessed a rapid proliferation of social networking sites, offering platforms characterized by acceptance and interpersonal feedback. A large portion of adolescents’ online activities revolves around seeking validation through sharing photos, stories, videos, and opinions, influencing their personality development and social-emotional learning. This paper contributes to the discussion surrounding social media’s impact on adolescent validation-seeking behaviours and its implications for self-esteem. The study reflects data from 50 adolescents aged 16–18 years and examines the role of social media in shaping self-esteem. It questions whether networking sites bolster self-esteem by amplifying desires for popularity and validation.