Peer Pressure Among Adolescents on Social Media and Its Relationship to Self-Esteem

Ali Salama, Hosam

doi:10.21608/jkom.2024.360793

Peer Pressure Among Adolescents on Social Media and Its Relationship to Self-Esteem

Author

Hosam Ali Salama

Mass Communication Department, Faculty of Arts, Assuit University

10.21608/jkom.2024.360793

Abstract

Digital transformation has significantly altered the social interactions of teenagers, making social media an integral part of their lives. Virtually all teenagers have access to various digital platforms, highlighting the critical role of digital communication. In the digital realm, the distinction between influence and coercion can sometimes blur, with teenagers facing a deluge of peer-generated content that can shape their values, preferences, and behaviors. Social media interactions often act as a social compass, guiding teens towards what is deemed normative and desirable. The constant stream of likes, comments, and shares becomes a barometer for social standing and peer approval.
This study aimed to explore the peer pressure faced by adolescents on social media and its correlation with their self-esteem, shedding light on the nature of interactions and the mechanisms of influence. It sought to identify factors that either exacerbate or mitigate the effects of peer pressure, aiming to enable adolescents to navigate social media more adeptly and foster an environment where their self-worth is upheld rather than diminished by peer dynamics.
The study was conducted with a sample of 300 adolescents who use social networking sites. These participants varied in age and educational levels, ranging from 11 to 21 years, and were distributed across the different stages of adolescence: early (11-14), middle (15-17), and late (18-21). The selection of the sample was intentional, based on specific criteria that aligned with the study's requirements. This included considerations of social media usage and the level of interaction with other users.
The findings underscored the significant impact of peer pressure on adolescents' social media interactions and its subsequent effect on self-esteem. It was evident that social media platforms play a substantial role in the social comparison processes of adolescents. The study found a positive correlation between positive peer feedback on social media and increased adolescent self-esteem. Conversely, negative interactions on social media were confirmed to have detrimental effects on self-esteem. Additionally, a positive relationship was observed between the intensity of peer pressure on social media and its influence on adolescents' behavior, indicating that increased peer pressure correlates with a greater impact on their behavior. This underscores the need for strategies aimed at mitigating the effects of peer pressure in digital environments.

Keywords

References

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