IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA OVERUSE ON ANXIETY AND SELF-ESTEEM AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN URBAN ACADEMIC SETTINGS

Abstract

Background: The rapid rise in social media usage has prompted growing concern over its psychological effects on youth, particularly university students navigating academic and social pressures in urban environments. Excessive engagement with digital platforms may contribute to adverse mental health outcomes such as anxiety and reduced self-esteem.

Objective: To analyse how excessive social media engagement influences anxiety levels and self-worth among university-going students in urban academic settings of South Punjab.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over eight months with a sample of 404 university students selected through purposive sampling. Participants completed a structured questionnaire incorporating the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic characteristics, while Pearson’s correlation, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression were applied to assess associations and predictive relationships. Data met assumptions for normal distribution.

Results: The mean age of participants was 21.3 ± 2.1 years, with 60.2% females. Average daily social media usage was 3.9 ± 1.4 hours. Moderate to severe anxiety was present in 47.9% of students, while 33.6% exhibited low self-esteem. Social media usage showed a moderate positive correlation with anxiety (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) and a moderate negative correlation with self-esteem (r = -0.42, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified daily social media use and female gender as significant predictors of both outcomes.

Conclusion: Excessive social media use is significantly linked to increased anxiety and decreased self-esteem among university students. Interventions promoting balanced digital habits are essential to protect student mental health.