Social Media Addiction and Self-Esteem in relation to Gender of Students

Abstract

Youth worldwide are increasingly exposed to social media and its consequences, and Bhutanese children are no exception. Owing to limited studies on the impacts of social media on students in Bhutan, this study investigates self-esteem and social media addiction, considering the gender of the students in the Zilukha Middle Secondary School, Thimphu, Bhutan. Out of 327 students, data were collected from 180 students (90 males and 90 females) using proportionate random sampling. The t-tests results revealed no significant difference in the social media addiction and self-esteem between male and female students. The study also found a significantly negative correlation between social media addiction and self-esteem of students. As social media addiction and self-esteem scores did not significantly differ between male and female students, parents and teachers need to monitor the use of social media by students irrespective of their gender. Similar studies in other parts of the country, particularly representing students in rural areas, are recommended for new social media addiction and self-esteem insights.