Investigating the Relationship between Social Media Addiction, Self-esteem and Coping Styles among Young Adults: A Correlational Study

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21305758

Yuvika Khandelwal¹ and Anuja Brahme² (Department of Psychology, Sir Parashurambhau College (Empowered Autonomous), Pune, Maharashtra¹, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra², Shashwat Multispeciality Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra², and Department of Psychology, Sir Parashurambhau College (Empowered Autonomous), Pune, Maharashtra²)

Digital media consumption patterns among young adults have emerged as a significant area of psychological inquiry. This study explored the associations between social media addiction, self-esteem, and coping styles in a sample of Indian young adults. Using a quantitative correlational design, data were gathered from 123 participants between the ages of 18 and 25 via an online survey instrument. Three standardized measures were administered: the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) developed by Young (1998), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) developed by Rosenberg (1965), and the Brief COPE Inventory developed by Carver (1997). Statistical analysis employed Pearson correlation coefficients and independent samples t-tests. Contrary to prior literature, no significant association emerged between self-esteem and social media addiction. However, notable positive correlations were identified between social media addiction and avoidant coping as well as emotion-focused coping, with a comparatively modest but still significant link to problem-focused coping. Gender did not significantly differentiate participants on any of the measured variables. These results point toward social media addiction functioning as a maladaptive coping outlet, underscoring the value of building adaptive stress management competencies among young adults to curb problematic digital platform use.