HMPYC80
Assignment 5
DUE 29 August 2025
, The Impact of Social Media on the Self-Esteem of University Students in South Africa
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of social media usage on the self-esteem of
university students in South Africa. With increasing digital connectivity, platforms such
as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have become central to the social experiences of
young adults. While these platforms enable communication, self-expression, and
access to information, they also present potential risks to mental health. Adopting a
quantitative research design, this study utilizes a structured, self-administered
questionnaire to explore the frequency and nature of social media use and its influence
on students’ self-perception. The sample comprises 150 undergraduate students from
various universities across South Africa, ensuring representation in terms of age,
gender, and academic discipline. The research is guided by Social Comparison Theory,
examining how idealised online portrayals influence individual self-assessment. The
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is employed to assess levels of self-esteem, while
statistical techniques such as correlation and regression analyses are used to evaluate
the strength and direction of the relationship between social media behavior and self-
esteem. Ethical considerations—including informed consent, anonymity, and voluntary
participation—are rigorously upheld. The findings are expected to provide meaningful
insights into the psychological implications of social media and inform interventions to
support the mental well-being of university students.
Assignment 5
DUE 29 August 2025
, The Impact of Social Media on the Self-Esteem of University Students in South Africa
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of social media usage on the self-esteem of
university students in South Africa. With increasing digital connectivity, platforms such
as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have become central to the social experiences of
young adults. While these platforms enable communication, self-expression, and
access to information, they also present potential risks to mental health. Adopting a
quantitative research design, this study utilizes a structured, self-administered
questionnaire to explore the frequency and nature of social media use and its influence
on students’ self-perception. The sample comprises 150 undergraduate students from
various universities across South Africa, ensuring representation in terms of age,
gender, and academic discipline. The research is guided by Social Comparison Theory,
examining how idealised online portrayals influence individual self-assessment. The
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is employed to assess levels of self-esteem, while
statistical techniques such as correlation and regression analyses are used to evaluate
the strength and direction of the relationship between social media behavior and self-
esteem. Ethical considerations—including informed consent, anonymity, and voluntary
participation—are rigorously upheld. The findings are expected to provide meaningful
insights into the psychological implications of social media and inform interventions to
support the mental well-being of university students.
