Effects of Social Media Interaction on Self-Esteem among Students in Public Secondary Schools in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Adolescents are part of the generation that is growing up in a time when digital technology is rapidly expanding. Therefore, social media interaction has become a way of living for adolescents who are experiencing rapid changes in their development. Part of the changes experienced is a result of the desire for independence and search for self-identity. Self-esteem is part of self-identity. There is uncertainty about how social media interaction impacts adolescents' self-esteem. Therefore, this article investigated the effects of social media platforms on self-esteem among high school students in public secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. A sample size of 379 respondents was obtained through stratified and simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire assisted in data collection. SPSS version 20 was employed to assist in data analysis. Descriptive statistics were obtained and presented in tables. The linear regression model was used to predict the effect of social media interactions on self-esteem. The model was significant F (1, 344) =2.662, p-value >.05. The coefficient of self-esteem based on social media interaction showed that the regression weight was not statistically significant (p>.05). The output showed social media interaction does not affect students' self-esteem (β = .088, t = 19.934, p>.05). It is essential that training is provided to parents, educators, and students to improve their skills and knowledge on digital media, as social media is a powerful resource that can be utilized in schools and at home to support social development.