Between Screens and Self-Perception: The Role of Gender and Digital Media Use in Shaping Body Esteem and Self-Esteem Among Adolescents

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings? Girls reported significantly lower body esteem and self-esteem than boys, despite similar BMI levels. Prolonged Internet use (especially over 4 h daily) was negatively associated with body and global self-esteem, particularly among girls. What is the implication of the main finding? Digital media exposure is a stronger predictor of adolescent self-perception than objective body measures like BMI. Targeted prevention strategies should address gender-specific vulnerabilities and promote healthy digital habits in adolescents. Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical period for identity development and self-perception, increasingly shaped by digital media. This study aimed to examine how gender, body mass index (BMI), and Internet use influence body esteem and global self-esteem among adolescents aged 15–18 years old, with particular focus on the psychological impact of digital exposure. Methods: A three-wave online study was conducted using the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) technique. The final sample consisted of 500 Polish adolescents (251 girls, 249 boys). Participants completed the Body Esteem Scale (BES) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES) at three time points. The study explored gender differences, the role of BMI, and the impact of time spent online. Results: Girls reported significantly lower BES and SES scores than boys (p < 0.001), despite no significant gender differences in BMI. Time spent online was negatively associated with both body esteem and self-esteem (p < 0.01), with the most pronounced effects among girls using the Internet for more than 4 h daily. Regression analyses identified gender and Internet use as significant predictors of self-perception, while BMI did not. Conclusions: Digital media use, particularly prolonged exposure, appears to be a stronger predictor of adolescent self-perception than objective body measures such as BMI. Girls are especially vulnerable to its adverse effects on both body esteem and global self-esteem. These findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive interventions focused on media literacy, emotional resilience, and healthy digital habits among adolescents.