The Influence of Social Media on Adolescents’ Self-Esteem and Quality of Life

Abstract

Background and objective: This study assesses the influence of social media usage patterns on self-esteem and quality of life among adolescents living in the Keyshero neighbourhood of Goma, DRC, in a context characterised by security instability. Method: A quantitative, descriptive and correlational approach was used with 100 participants aged between 13 and 18. The instruments used included the EES-10 for self-esteem, the WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life, and a structured questionnaire on patterns of social media use, namely active, passive, problematic and comparative use. Statistical analyses, including Student’s t-test, Spearman’s correlation and hierarchical linear regression, were employed. Results: The correlations between patterns of social media use and dimensions of quality of life were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, 75% of the adolescents surveyed who reported a low quality of life were passive users, whilst 25% with a high quality of life were characterised by active use. Social comparison emerged as a positive and significant predictor of self-esteem (β = 0.326; p = 0.035), and age exerted an influence (β = 0.210; p = 0.040). Gender did not show any significant difference (p = 0.942). Conclusion: In this context of security instability, active use of social media is associated with a positive perception of quality of life, whilst social comparison acts as an adaptive and motivational mechanism rather than as a factor contributing to identity vulnerability. The study suggests conducting an in-depth analysis of the resilience factor among social media users.

Keywords: self-esteem; social media; quality of life; adolescents; social comparison; Goma; DRC.

Received Date: April 21, 2026

Accepted Date: May 12, 2026

Published Date: June 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/735