Social Media Usage and Its Correlation with Eating Disorders, Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Perceived Social Support in Young Adults

Abstract

The pervasive use of social media among young adults has raised concerns about its potential psychological impacts. This study examined the relationship between social media usage and key psychological variables: eating disorder symptoms, body image concerns, self- esteem, and perceived social support. A sample of 200 young adults completed standardized self- report measures assessing these constructs. Descriptive statistics indicated moderate social media use and varying levels of psychological well-being. Correlational analyses revealed that higher social media usage was significantly associated with increased eating disorder symptoms and body image concerns, as well as decreased self-esteem and perceived social support. However, results from a multiple regression analysis indicated that when controlling for body image, self-esteem, and perceived social support, social media usage was not a significant independent predictor of eating disorder symptoms. Instead, self-esteem and body image emerged as the strongest predictors. These findings suggest that the influence of social media on disordered eating may be indirect, operating through its effects on body image and self-worth. Implications for intervention and digital media literacy are discussed.