The Influence of Social Media Usage on the Well-Being: Evidence from Pakistani University Students

Abstract

This study examined the influence of social media usage among young Pakistani university students, focusing on self-construal, the creation of false identities, life dissatisfaction, and reduced self-esteem. The findings, derived from data collected from students representing various universities in Islamabad, unveiled several noteworthy trends. The female students exhibited a higher degree of social media engagement compared to their male counterparts. This heightened engagement was often associated with more frequent social comparisons, decreasing life satisfaction among female students. Additionally, female students reported experiencing elevated levels of depression and reduced self-esteem. Furthermore, the study shed light on the common practice among both male and female students of engaging in social comparisons. This behavior often led to a cycle of self-construal, wherein individuals posted edited photos on social media platforms to enhance their physical attractiveness, appeal to the opposite sex, conceal imperfections, eliminate wrinkles, appear slimmer, and seek validation. This ongoing cycle of self-construal, lurking behavior, and a disposition for social comparison appeared to have detrimental effects on young adults in Pakistan, contributing to life dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, and diminished self-esteem.