Impact Of Social Media On Self Esteem And Emotional Intelligence An Empirical Study

Abstract

Abstract newlineThe proliferation of social media has significantly transformed the way newlineindividuals interact, express themselves, and construct their self-perception. newlineWhile these platforms offer opportunities for connection and creativity, their newlinepsychological impact particularly on emotional intelligence and self-esteem newline has become a growing area of concern. This study seeks to empirically investigate newlinethe relationship between social media usage, self-esteem, and emotional newlineintelligence among Indian individuals aged 18 to 45, using a structured newlinequantitative design. newlineData were collected from 723 respondents across metropolitan cities, with newlinefocused tracking in Mumbai and Kolkata, through an online survey. The study newlineemployed three primary tools: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, a validated newlineEmotional Intelligence Inventory, and a custom-developed Social Media Usage newlineQuestionnaire. The instrument measured behavioral patterns such as time spent, newlineplatform preference, type of engagement (active/passive), emotional responses, newlineand validation-seeking behavior. newlineThe data analysis utilized Pearson s correlation to assess the strength of newlinerelationships between variables, independent samples t-tests to explore gender newlinebased differences, and one-way ANOVA to examine variations across age and newlineoccupational groups. Results revealed a moderate negative correlation between newlinesocial media usage and self-esteem, and a weak but significant negative newlinecorrelation with emotional intelligence. A strong positive correlation was found newlinebetween self-esteem and emotional intelligence, indicating their interdependent newlinenature. Age and occupation were significant factors, with older participants and newlineworking professionals reporting higher psychological well-being. Gender newlinedifferences were observed in self-esteem but not in emotional intelligence. newlineThe hypothesis testing supported the main hypothesis and most sub newlinehypotheses (Hand#8321;a to Hand#8321;g), validating that social media behavior significantly newlineinfluences emotional and cognitive dimensions. The study