The rapid proliferations of social media have revolutionized how individuals communicate, access information, and engage with the world [1]. Among young adults, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are deeply embedded in daily life [2]. One-third of young people believe they spend too much time on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, which have grown in popularity among them in 2022 [3]. The significant amount of time spent on social media globally has focused researchers' attention on both the possible advantages and disadvantages. Excessive use is mostly linked to poorer psychological well-being, according to research [4]. Over 4.9 billion people use social media globally as of January 2024, accounting for over 60% of the world's population, according to Statista [5]. Despite the numerous benefits of social media, its excessive use has raised significant concerns regarding potential adverse effects on mental health [6]. Social media addiction, characterized by compulsive use and an inability to regulate online behavior, has emerged as a critical issue [7]. Generalized anxiety disorder and depression are the most prevalent disorders in children and adolescents, respectively [8]. In the last 25 years, there has been a 70% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression among young people [9]. Reduced educational attainment, school dropout, strained social relationships, and a higher risk of substance abuse, mental health issues, and suicide are just a few of the negative effects that depression and anxiety have on adolescent development [10]. The tendency to compare one-self with others on social media platforms can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth, thereby diminishing self-esteem [11]. The interactive and immersive nature of social media can exacerbate depressive symptoms through mechanisms such as social comparison, cyber bullying, and exposure to negative content [12]. Understanding the correlations between social media addiction, self-esteem, and depression will provide valuable insights into the mechanisms through which excessive social media use affects mental health [13].

Aim and Objective

Aim: To investigate the relationship between social media addiction, self-esteem, and depression among young adults.

Objectives:

• To assess the prevalence of social media addiction among young adults.
• To evaluate self-esteem levels in young adults with social media addiction.
• To measure depressive symptoms in young adults with social media addiction.
• To examine the correlation between social media addiction and self-esteem.
• To analyze the correlation between social media addiction and depressive symptoms.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey

Study Setting: Department of Psychiatry, Chirayu Medical College, Bhopal

Sample size: 100 young adults

Study Duration: Three months

Participants: Young adults 18-25 years

Inclusion criteria:

Active social media users, willing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria:

Individuals with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder unrelated to the study variables

Sampling Method: Convenience sampling

Data Collection Tools

• Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) for assessing social media addiction [14]
• Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) for measuring self-esteem [15]
• Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) for assessing depressive symptoms [16]
• Procedure
• Participants were recruited through social media platforms. Google form links were spread in respective groups.
• Informed consent was obtained from all participants.
• Participants completed the BSMAS, RSES, and BDI-II through an online survey platform or in person.
• Demographic information such as age, gender, and academic status was also collected.
• Data Analysis
• Descriptive statistics to summarize demographic information and scale scores.
• Pearson correlation analysis to examine the relationships between social media addiction, self-esteem, and depression.

The study included 100 participants aged between 18 and 25 years, with a mean age of 21.3 years (SD = 2.1). The gender distribution was nearly equal, with 44% males and 56% females. In terms of education, 20% were high school, 60% were undergraduate students, and 20% were postgraduate students. The analysis of social media addiction using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) revealed a mean score of 18.7 (SD = 6.2) of the participants, 34% scored above 24, indicating high addiction, 54% scored between 15 and 23, indicating moderate addiction, and 12% scored below 15, indicating low addiction.

Table 1: Gender-wise Distribution of Self-Esteem Levels

This distribution indicates that females are more likely to have lower self-esteem compared to males. The p-value obtained was 0.198, suggesting that while there is a trend towards lower self-esteem among females; it is not statistically significant in this sample. This trend warrants further investigation with a larger sample size to confirm the findings.

Table 2: Gender-wise Distribution of Depression Severity Levels

These findings suggest that females are more likely to experience higher levels of depression compared to males. Specifically, a higher number of females fell into the mild, moderate, and severe depression categories compared to males. This trend aligns with previous research indicating that females may be more vulnerable to depressive symptoms.

Correlation with Social Media Exposure

• Using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the study found a significant negative correlation between social media addiction and self-esteem (r = -0.35, p < 0.01).
• This indicates that higher levels of social media addiction are associated with lower self-esteem. The negative correlation suggests that as individuals' social media addiction increases, their self-esteem tends to decrease.
• The study also assessed depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and found a significant positive correlation between social media addiction and depression (r = 0.42, p < 0.001).
• This indicates that higher levels of social media addiction are associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms.
• The positive correlation suggests that as individuals' social media addiction increases, their depressive symptoms tend to worsen.

Adults frequently blame the media for the problems that younger generations face, conceptually bundling different behaviors and patterns of use under a single term when it comes to using media to increase acceptance or a feeling of community. The effects of social media on mental health are complex, as different goals are served by different behaviors and different outcomes are produced by distinct patterns of use [17].

This study found a significant negative correlation between social media addiction and self-esteem (r = -0.35, p < 0.01), similar findings were reported by Karim F, et al [18].

This suggests that young adults with higher levels of social media addiction tend to have lower self-esteem.

The constant exposure to idealized images and achievements of peers may lead to feelings of inadequacy and decreased self-esteem.

A significant positive correlation was observed between social media addiction and depression (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), in agreement with the Baker, et al [19]. This indicates that higher levels of social media addiction are associated with increased depressive symptoms.

Potential mechanisms for this relationship include disrupted sleep patterns, increased exposure to negative content, and feelings of loneliness and isolation exacerbated by online interactions.

The gender-wise distribution of self-esteem and depression levels revealed that females are more likely to experience lower self-esteem and higher levels of depression compared to males, our results are comparable with the Khalaf A M, et al [20] and OE Ajewumi, et al [21]. Although the chi-square test did not show a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05), the trend indicates that females might be more susceptible to the negative mental health impacts of social media addiction.

Our findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about the potential adverse effects of excessive social media use on mental health. Encouraging young adults to limit their social media use, engage in offline activities, and seek professional help when experiencing psychological distress are crucial steps in promoting mental well-being.

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