Unifying the detrimental and beneficial effects of social network site use on self-esteem: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Previous research offers equivocal results regarding the effect of social networking site use on individuals' self-esteem. We conduct a systematic literature review to examine the existing literature and develop a theoretical framework in order to classify the results. The framework proposes that self-esteem is affected by three distinct processes that incorporate self-evaluative information: social comparison processes, social feedback processing, and self-reflective processes. Due to particularities of the social networking site environment, the accessibility and quality of selfevaluative information is altered, which leads to online-specific effects on users' self-esteem. Results of the reviewed studies suggest that when a social networking site is used to compare oneself with others, it mostly results in decreases in users' selfesteem. On the other hand, receiving positive social feedback from others or using these platforms to reflect on one's own self is mainly associated with benefits for users' self-esteem. Nevertheless, inter-individual differences and the specific activities performed by users on these platforms should be considered when predicting individual effects.

The effects of social comparison orientation on psychological well-being in social networking sites: Serial mediation of perceived social support and self-esteem

“…Self-esteem refers to the evaluation of oneself (Rosenberg 1965). Receiving positive social support and using SNSs as a platform for self-reflection are positively related to self-esteem, whereas comparing oneself with others results in decreased self-esteem (Krause et al 2019). Schmuck et al (2019) reported that SNSs such as Facebook predicted upward social comparison, which negatively influenced individuals' self-esteem and psychological well-being over time.…”

The Town Square in Your Pocket: Exploring Four Metaphors of Social Media

“…While acknowledging the potential benefits for self-esteem of positive feedback from judges, a growing body of studies have emphasised the role of social comparison and self-judgement in explaining findings which associate social media use with negative well-being outcomes [19].…”

Effects of Social Media Interaction on Self-Esteem among Students in Public Secondary Schools in Nairobi County, Kenya

“…It seems high school students in this case used social media to strengthen their relationship with their peers and not necessarily for social comparison. Krause, et al (2019), stated that the use of social media for social comparison affected self-esteem negatively but positive feedback increased ones' self-esteem. The overall outcome of social media platform interaction on self-esteem therefore depends on individual usage patterns and predispositions (Krause et al, 2019).…”

“…Krause, et al (2019), stated that the use of social media for social comparison affected self-esteem negatively but positive feedback increased ones' self-esteem. The overall outcome of social media platform interaction on self-esteem therefore depends on individual usage patterns and predispositions (Krause et al, 2019). A study by Jan et al (2017) found out that there is a strong relationship between social media use and self-esteem for students with upward social comparison.…”

“…According to Krause, Baum, Baumann, and Krasnova (2019), the effects of social media on an individual depends on the intentions of the use of that particular person. Using social media sites for social comparison is mainly related to negative effects on users' self-esteem, whereas receiving positive feedback or engaging in self-reflection is associated with elevated self-esteem' (p.24) From the various studies explored in this study on effects of social media and self-esteem, there seemed to be inconsistency in the findings and this, therefore, led to the need to explore social media interactions and self-esteem among adolescents in the researcher's context.…”