The Influence of Social Media Engagement on Self-Esteem, Mood and Anxiety: Evidence from Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and GAD-7 Assessments

The rise of social media has reshaped how individuals communicate and seek validation, but it also links self-worth to engagement metrics such as likes, comments, and shares, creating new vulnerabilities. This study investigates the impact of social media engagement on the mental health of college students in Dehradun, India. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 320 participants aged 18–25 years, using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), along with a self-developed Social Media Post Engagement Index. Results show that higher engagement is positively correlated with self-esteem and positive effect, while lower engagement is associated with increased anxiety and negative effects. Gender differences were evident, with female students reporting stronger emotional responses to post performance. Regression analysis indicated that engagement metrics explained 32% of the variance in self-esteem and 28% in anxiety. These findings highlight how algorithm-driven engagement mechanisms foster cycles of digital validation, contributing to both psychological well-being and distress. The study offers region-specific evidence from India and underscores the importance of promoting digital literacy, raising awareness of algorithmic influence, and designing healthier digital environments to mitigate risks associated with online engagement.