06/12/2025
How Social Media Affects Self-Esteem
The social media is a massive entity that has taken up a significant portion of our lives in
the digital world today. Although it can keep us in touch with each other, tell our stories
and learn, it also can strongly affect us in terms of how we perceive ourselves (Duarte,
2023). Self-esteem is one of the most evident spheres that it affects.
1. The Comparison Trap
Comparing people to other people: People can scroll perfectly curated photos and
highlight reels and feel less perfect. Comparing our lives over and over again with the life
that other people have which we would consider as so perfect may make us feel
inadequate, jealous and worthless (Vallejo, 2023).
2. Validation and “Likes”
The number of likes, comments, or followers received by many people attached their self-
esteem (Chamsi et al., 2022). When a post fails to get much attention it can create self-
doubt, even though it has nothing to do with their true value.
3. Negative Comments and Cyberbullying.
Social media isn’t always a positive space. Criticism, online bullying, or inhumane
remarks can directly impact the confidence of a person and make him/her doubt their
worth (Pilgrim, 2024).
4. Unrealistic Standards
The filters, editing app and influencer lifestyles tend to create unrealistic standard of
beauty, success, or happiness (Farooq, Farrukh and Khan, 2023). An attempt to meet
these requirements can make a person feel that he or she is not enough.
5. Positive Side of Social Media
It’s not all negative. The use of social media can help to increase self-esteem as well,
when used wisely (Emmanuel Paciano Mabulay and Miles, 2023). Confidence and
belonging can be achieved with the help of supportive communities, motivational content,
and sharing of achievements (Books, 2024).
Writtng: Nahida Nazim Arifa
Poster : Fareha Moure
