Impact of Social Media Usage and Social Appearance Anxiety on Social Relationship and Self-esteem among Young Adults

Abstract

The current study investigated the complex interrelationships among social media usage, social appearance anxiety, social relationships, and self-esteem in a sample of young adults. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys and semi-structured interviews. Participants reported their frequency and intensity of social media use, levels of social appearance anxiety, perceptions of social relationships, and self-esteem. Quantitative analyses revealed significant correlations between social media usage, social appearance anxiety, social relationship quality, and self-esteem. Specifically, higher levels of social media usage were associated with increased social appearance anxiety, which, in turn, predicted lower self-esteem and poorer perceptions of social relationships. Additionally, qualitative insights shed light on the nuanced ways in which social media platforms impact individuals' perceptions of self and others, as well as the dynamics of their social interactions. These findings underscore the importance of considering the multifaceted influences of social media on psychological well-being and highlight the need for interventions aimed at promoting positive self-image and healthy social relationships in the digital age.