Self-esteem associated with the use of social networks in university students

Abstract

This study aims to determine the association between self-esteem and addiction to social networks in university students. Conducted from January to April 2022, it included 407 male and female students aged 18-26 years, excluding those with diagnosed psychological disorders. A survey using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale and the social network addiction test was applied. Results showed that 57.4% had moderate and 8.1% had severe social network addiction, with 22.1% having low and 50.6% having moderate self-esteem. Low self-esteem was associated with the most used networks being WhatsApp and Instagram, and the number of followers. Instagram was identified as a network facilitating low self-esteem, while social network addiction was not directly associated with self-esteem.