The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Life Satisfaction: A Study of WhatsApp Users

Abstract

This research aimed to understand how self-esteem influences the connection between social media use and satisfaction. The research centred on how people utilize WhatsApp as a social networking platform. In this study, we looked at how often people use WhatsApp and how that correlates with how satisfied they are in general. 255 people who regularly use social media were surveyed on their habits, self-esteem, level of satisfaction with life, and other factors. Using structural equation modelling, the data were examined. According to the results, self-esteem moderated the positive association between social media use and contentment. This study underlines the moderating influence of self-esteem between social media use and life satisfaction. To further understand the beneficial impacts of social media use on psychological health, future research should focus on activity theory and the concept of a sense of mastery.