Social Media Use, Body Image Dissatisfaction, and Self-Esteem Among Adolescents and Young Adults: The Mediating Role of Body Image

Abstract

Appearance-focused social media platforms have raised concern about the psychological well-being of adolescents and young adults. This study examined associations among social media use, body image dissatisfaction, and self-esteem, and tested whether body image dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between social media use and self-esteem. Grounded in social comparison theory, objectification theory, and the tripartite influence model, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 300 active social media users (59.3% female; modal age range 19–21 years). Social media use was assessed with items adapted from the Social Media Use Integration Scale, body image dissatisfaction with items adapted from the Body Shape Questionnaire, and self-esteem with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and mediation analysis (Hayes' PROCESS macro, 5,000 bootstrap samples). Social media use was significantly associated with greater body image dissatisfaction (r = .46, p < .01) and lower self-esteem (r = –.39, p < .01); body image dissatisfaction was significantly associated with lower self-esteem (r = –.52, p < .01). Social media use significantly predicted body image dissatisfaction (β = .46, p < .001, R² = .21), and social media use and body image dissatisfaction together explained 32% of the variance in self-esteem. Mediation analysis confirmed that body image dissatisfaction partially mediated the social media–self-esteem relationship (indirect effect B = –0.19, 95% CI [–0.26, –0.13]). Findings support body image-focused interventions and media literacy programs as priorities for protecting the self-esteem of heavy social media users.