What Is The Effect Of Social Media On Self-Esteem?

Social Networking Sites are a recent phenomenon that have been actively embraced by adolescents around the world. A large proportion of adolescents regularly use social networking sites. The overall use of these sites has been found to be positive for adolescents. Research indicates that there are increased feelings of connection to peers and reported self-esteem by social networking site users. A number of those who use social networking sites have been found to have closer peer relationships. Research also suggests that peer relationships can be enhanced by the use of social networking sites. Studies have also found Facebook users have reported higher levels of self-esteem. It will be argued that social networking sites can improve adolescent self-esteem and connection to peers. Social Networking Sites and Peer Relationships: Connecting Adolescents and Improving Self-Esteem
The exponential growth of Social Networking …show more content…
An article by Valkenburg and Peter (2009) reviewed ten years worth of research on adolescent well being and social connectedness related to internet communications. Valkenburg and Peter (2009) suggest that the social compensation theory predicts that adolescents who are socially anxious prefer being online. Social anxiety is defined by Valkenburg and Peter (2009) as individuals who are self-conscious when communicating in real world human exchanges. It is suggested that this is due to internet communications being simpler, easier to prepare for and more controllable than the offline world (Valkenburg & Peter, 2009). As a result of this, socially anxious adolescents often have a preference for online self-disclosure (Valkenburg & Peter, 2011). Therefore the ability for socially anxious adolescents to find a form of communication that better suits their preferences can be shown to lead to better peer connections and sense of