Impact of Social Media Validation on Adolescent Self-Esteem in India

Kritika Mallick

Independent Researcher

India

Abstract
This study delves deeply into the multifaceted relationship between social media validation—operationalized via “likes,” comments, and shares—and the self-esteem of Indian adolescents aged 13–18. While previous research has highlighted short-term boosts in self-esteem following positive online feedback, our expanded analysis examines underlying psychological mechanisms, moderating variables, and potential long-term consequences. A cross-sectional survey of 100 participants was conducted in urban and semi-urban schools in Delhi and Mumbai. We employed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and a rigorously validated Social Media Validation Index (SMVI). Beyond basic correlation, we explored how factors such as gender, socioeconomic status, time of day, and platform type influence validation effects. Results reveal a significant positive correlation between validation frequency and self-esteem (r = .45, p < .01), but also uncover a non-linear relationship: beyond a threshold of nightly validation seeking (> 150 likes/comments), self-esteem gains plateau and give way to anxiety symptoms. Qualitative responses indicate that adolescents report internalized pressure to maintain an idealized online persona, leading to cognitive preoccupation and sleep disturbances when validation dips. Our enriched findings underscore both the empowering and perilous dimensions of social media validation. We propose a theoretical model integrating self-discrepancy theory and reinforcement learning frameworks to explain validation dependency. Implications for educators, parents, and clinicians include targeted digital literacy interventions, resilience-building curricula, and policy recommendations for age-appropriate platform design.

Keywords
Social Media Validation, Adolescent Self-Esteem, India, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Digital Literacy

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