The examination of the relationship between social media addiction, depression and self-esteem among university students

In this study, the relationship between social media use, depression and self-esteem levels in university students was examined. In the study, 390 participants (221 women and 169 men) with a mean age of 27.22±9.58 answered the questionnaires and the variables were analyzed in line with the data obtained. Sociodemographic Information Form, Turkish versions of Social Media Addiction Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were applied to the participants. Independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson Correlation and multiple regression analyzes were used to analyze the data. According to the findings of the research, the participants' marital status, education level, frequency of sharing on social media, playing games on the Internet, chatting, following social networks, using social media for communication with friends, making new friends, gaining information, spending time and earning money. It was observed that there were significant differences in depression, self-esteem and social media addiction sub-dimension scores in terms of variables. The depression and social media addiction scores of the participants whose sharing frequency is daily, divorced, lower-income, graduate students, and those whose internet usage purposes are games, entertainment, chat and social networks were significantly higher; whereas their self-esteem was found as lower. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the participants' social media addiction sub-dimension scores and depression. Additionally, a negative and significant relationship was found between self-esteem and social media usage. Besides, social media addiction tolerance and communication sub-dimensions are significantly predicted by depression and self-esteem scores. It can be considered that the findings obtained in the research are important in understanding the psychosocial factors that may be associated with problematic social media use and may contribute to preventing problematic use in these periods of digital life. Keywords: Self-Esteem, Depression, Social Media