Neha Kalia and O P Sharma
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Pages: 368-379
This study examined the relationship between daily social media exposure, anxiety,
and self-esteem among teenagers, with a focus on gender differences and interaction
effects. A comparative 2 × 3 factorial design was used, with gender (male, female) and
daily social media exposure (low, moderate, high) as independent variables, and anxiety
and self-esteem as dependent variables. The sample comprised adolescents selected
through purposive sampling, assessed using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related
Emotional Disorders (SCARED) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Descriptive
statistics indicated that higher social media exposure was associated with increased
anxiety and lower self-esteem. Females consistently reported higher anxiety and lower
self-esteem compared to males across all exposure categories. Two-way ANOVA results
revealed significant main effects of daily social media exposure on both anxiety and
self-esteem, as well as significant gender differences. However, no significant interaction
effects between gender and social media exposure level were found. These findings
align with recent literature highlighting the potential psychological risks of excessive
social media use among adolescents. The results underscore the need for educational
interventions, parental guidance, and gender-sensitive mental health strategies to
promote healthier online behaviors and mitigate negative psychological outcomes