ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The pervasive use of social media has become an integral part of daily life, influencing various aspects of individual and relational well-being. Among married couples, the impact of social media is particularly significant, as excessive engagement with social media platforms may lead to diminished self-esteem and lower life satisfaction, both of which are essential components of a healthy and fulfilling marriage.
Objective:
To assess the impact of social media addiction on self-esteem and life satisfaction among married couples.
Material and Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 385 married individuals, predominantly residing in Gurugram, Haryana. The impact of social media addiction on self-esteem and life satisfaction among married couples was measured using the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results:
The results indicated that the majority (44.9%) of married couples were “little addicted” to social media, while only (14.3%) showed moderate to high levels of addiction. A significant negative correlation was found between social media addiction and life satisfaction (r = -0.519, P < 0.01), while a positive correlation was observed between social media addiction and self-esteem (r = 0.329, P < 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that self-esteem positively predicts social media addiction (β = 0.201, P < .001), while life satisfaction is a negative predictor (β = -.464, P < .001).
Conclusion:
Social media addiction is significantly influenced by self-esteem and life satisfaction. Specifically, higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of life satisfaction are associated with increased social media addiction. Well-balanced social media usage among married couples is essential to enhancing marital satisfaction and overall well-being.
Keywords: Life satisfaction, married couples, psychological well-being, self-esteem, social media addiction
Introduction
Marriage is a foundational social institution that plays a pivotal role in the lives of individuals and the broader society.[1] It represents a union that goes beyond legal and social commitments, encompassing deep emotional, psychological, and often spiritual bonds between partners.[2] Married couples navigate a complex web of interactions, where their personalities, values, and life experiences intersect to create a unique dynamic relationship.[3] The quality of this relationship is significantly dependent on various factors, including effective communication, mutual respect, emotional intimacy, and shared goals.[4] Positive interactions within a marriage can lead to greater life satisfaction, resilience, and a sense of security, while negative interactions or unresolved conflicts can contribute to stress, dissatisfaction, and emotional distress.[5]
In contemporary society, marriage faces new challenges and opportunities due to the rapid advancement of technology and the pervasive presence of social media.[6] Although these digital channels might improve communication and offer new opportunities for couples to connect, they may also bring complications that could strain their union.[7] Continuous exposure to crafted content on social media can cause fears, overinflated expectations, and comparisons, which may have a direct effect on how partners perceive their spouses and themselves.[8] Furthermore, the possibility of social media addiction might upset the equilibrium in marriage by drawing focus online rather than on the relationship.[9]
In the modern digital era, social media has woven itself into the fabric of daily life, profoundly affecting people’s interactions, communication, and self-perceptions of their immediate surroundings.[10] Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have become omnipresent, serving as primary avenues for social connection, information dissemination, and self-expression.[11] While social media has many benefits, including networking, education, and support, a growing body of research also points out some possible drawbacks, particularly regarding mental health.[12] One of these issues is the social media addiction phenomenon, which is a pattern of behavior marked by excessive, obsessive, and frequently uncontrollable use of social media that can interfere with day-to-day activities and well-being.[13] It is an intricate medical condition that can impact a person’s self-esteem and degree of contentment, among other aspects of their life. It is not only a problem of excessive screen time.[14]
Impact on self-esteem
Social media platforms often display altered and idealized versions of users’ lives, leading to continuous comparisons that may decrease self-esteem.[15] For married couples, this may manifest as feeling of disappointment regarding their achievements, appearance, or position in society, which can then impact their perceived worth within the marriage.[6] A decrease in self-esteem can lead to increased insecurity, jealousy, and vulnerability to criticism, all of which can contribute to stress in a marriage.[16] Marriage entails a profound interconnection between partners, where each person’s mental state can impact the quality of the relationship. High self-esteem is linked to better relationships and communication, while low self-esteem can lead to conflicts and emotional distress.[17]
Impact on life satisfaction
Life satisfaction is a holistic measure of an individual’s overall happiness and fulfillment in life.[18] Addiction to social media can lead to feelings of isolation from the outside world, especially from marital relationships, which can decrease overall life satisfaction.[19] Overuse of social media by one or both spouses can lead to emotional detachment and a preference for virtual contact over sincere personal interactions with their spouse.[7] This can result in a decline in the quality of the relationship, as partners may feel neglected, unsupported, or undervalued. The time and attention spent on social media can take away from important shared experiences and activities necessary for maintaining a rewarding and fulfilling marriage.[20]
The widespread use of social media in modern life introduces new factors into the dynamics of marriage.[21] While social media can have positive effects on marital relationships by facilitating communication and shared experiences, it can also lead to negative consequences such as unrealistic comparisons, infidelity, and addictive behaviors that can harm the quality of marriage.[22]
As social media becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, there is an urgent need to understand its impact on marital relationships, particularly in terms of how it affects partners’ self-perceptions and overall life satisfaction. This study, therefore, seeks to assess the prevalence of social media addiction among married couples and investigate the impact of social media addiction on life satisfaction among married couples. By examining these relationships, this study seeks to fill a critical gap in the literature, providing insights that are not only academically valuable but also practically relevant for therapists, counselors, and individuals seeking to strengthen their marriages.
Materials and Methods
Study design and setting
This cross-sectional online survey was conducted to evaluate the impact of social media addiction on self-esteem and life satisfaction among married couples. The survey included a brief introduction outlining the study’s purpose and was administered using the Google Forms platform (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA). The questionnaire was made available in both English and Hindi, and the web link was disseminated via the WhatsApp messenger application (Meta Platforms, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, USA).
Sample size estimation
The survey included all eligible married couples residing in Gurugram, Delhi NCR, who had no history of psychiatric illness and regularly used social media (at least once daily). The sample size was determined using the Raosoft® Sample Size Calculator (Raosoft Inc.), based on an estimated population of 1,245,000 eligible married couples, a 95% confidence level, and a 5% margin of error. The calculated sample size was 385 participants, and participants were recruited using a convenience sampling technique.
Ethical approval and permission
Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) via letter no. SGT/FNUR/IEC/2024/6, dated March 04, 2024. Participants were thoroughly informed about the purpose of the survey, and informed electronic written consent was obtained from each participant prior to their participation. Measures were taken to ensure the confidentiality of the data and maintain the anonymity of all participants throughout the study.
Data collection instruments
The online survey utilized a standardized instrument divided into two sections. The first section collected socio-demographic data, including age, gender, educational qualifications of both husband and wife, their occupations, family type, place of residence, cohabitation status with the spouse, duration of marriage, monthly income, number of children, frequency of social media usage, average time spent on social media, and the purpose of social media engagement. The second section comprised validated self-report measures, including the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS) to assess social media addiction, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) to evaluate self-esteem, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) to measure life satisfaction. Completing the survey required approximately 10–15 minutes.
The Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), developed by Tutgun-Ünal and Deniz in the Turkish language, comprises 41 items categorized into four subdimensions: salience, mood modification, relapse, and conflict. The scale employs a five-point Likert format with response options ranging from 1 (never) to 5 (always). The scoring range is from 41 to 205, with interpretation as follows: scores of 41–73 indicate “No Addiction,” 74–106 indicate “Less Addicted,” 107–139 indicate “Moderately Addicted,” 140–172 indicate “Highly Addicted,” and 173–205 indicate “Very Highly Addicted.” The tool demonstrated high reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.967 and 0.84, respectively. Formal permission was obtained from the author to use the scale in this study.[23]
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), developed by Morris Rosenberg, comprises 10 statements designed to measure self-esteem. The scale employs a four-point Likert format, with response options ranging from “Strongly Agree”[4] to “Strongly Disagree.”[1] Total scores range from 10 to 40, where higher scores indicate lower self-esteem. Scores between 10 and 25 denote low self-esteem, characterized by feelings of inadequacy, incompetence, and difficulty managing life’s challenges. Scores between 26 and 29 indicate fluctuating self-perception, reflecting mixed feelings of approval and rejection. Scores between 30 and 40 signify high self-esteem, associated with confidence, competence, and a positive self-assessment. The tool demonstrates strong reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.88, ensuring good stability. The RSES is freely available and was utilized in this study with due acknowledgment.[24]
The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), developed by Ed Diener, Robert A. Emmons, Randy J. Larsen, and Sharon Griffin in 1985, consists of five statements designed to assess overall life satisfaction. The scale uses a 7-point Likert format, with responses ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Total scores range from 5 to 35, with higher scores indicating higher levels of life satisfaction. The interpretative scores are as follows: 30–35 (Extremely Satisfied), 25–29 (Satisfied), 20–24 (Slightly Satisfied), 15–19 (Slightly Dissatisfied), 10–14 (Dissatisfied), and 5–9 (Extremely Dissatisfied). The tool has demonstrated good reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.87. The SWLS is freely available for use and was employed in this study with appropriate acknowledgment.[25]
Statistical analysis
The collected data were organized using Google Sheets (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA) and subsequently transferred to Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA). All statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentage, were computed for socio-demographic characteristics. Scores from the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were also presented in terms of frequency and percentage. The Chi-square test was applied to examine the correlation between the SMAS, RSES, and SWLS scores. Additionally, multivariate regression analysis was used to predict social media addiction scores based on self-esteem and life satisfaction scores. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Socio-demographic profile of respondents
The socio-demographic data show that the majority of participants are aged 31-40 years (45.7%) and female (70.9%). Most husbands and wives have post-graduate qualifications, at 49.4% and 60.0%, respectively. Full-time employment is common among both husbands (74.8%) and wives (70.4%). Most families are nuclear (59.5%) and urban-based (77.4%), with 80.0% living with their spouses. The majority have been married for 0-5 years (41.6%) and earn between 81,000 and 100,000 per month (27.5%). Regarding children, most have one child (35.3%). All respondents use social media, with 46.2% spending less than an hour daily, primarily for networking (30.4%) [Table 1].
Table 1.
Socio-demographic profile of Married Couples (n=385)
| Socio-demographic data | Frequency (f) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | ||
| Below 20 years | 18 | 4.7 |
| 21-30 years | 63 | 16.4 |
| 31-40 years | 176 | 45.7 |
| 41-50 years | 84 | 21.8 |
| 51-60 years | 28 | 7.3 |
| Above 61 years | 16 | 4.2 |
| Gender | ||
| Male | 112 | 29.1 |
| Female | 273 | 70.9 |
| Husband qualification | ||
| Primary | 5 | 1.3 |
| Secondary | 23 | 6.0 |
| Graduate | 130 | 33.8 |
| Post-graduate | 190 | 49.4 |
| Doctorate | 37 | 9.6 |
| Wife qualification | ||
| Primary | 4 | 1.0 |
| Secondary | 12 | 3.1 |
| Graduate | 78 | 20.3 |
| Post-graduate | 231 | 60.0 |
| Doctorate | 60 | 15.6 |
| Husband occupation | ||
| Homemaker/unemployed | 15 | 3.9 |
| Employed Full time | 288 | 74.8 |
| Employed part-time | 60 | 15.6 |
| Self-employed | 22 | 5.7 |
| Wife occupation | ||
| Homemaker/unemployed | 26 | 6.8 |
| Employed Full time | 271 | 70.4 |
| Employed part-time | 44 | 11.4 |
| Self-employed | 44 | 11.4 |
| Family | ||
| Nuclear | 229 | 59.5 |
| Joint | 142 | 36.9 |
| Extended | 14 | 3.6 |
| Residence | ||
| Urban | 298 | 77.4 |
| Rural | 47 | 12.2 |
| Semi-urban | 40 | 10.4 |
| Staying with spouse | ||
| Yes | 308 | 80.0 |
| No | 77 | 20.0 |
| Duration of marriage | ||
| 0-5 years | 160 | 41.6 |
| 6-10 years | 80 | 20.8 |
| 11-15 years | 73 | 19.0 |
| 16-20 years | 39 | 10.1 |
| More than 21 years | 33 | 8.6 |
| Monthly Income | ||
| Less than 20,000 | 4 | 1.0 |
| 21,000-40,000 | 13 | 3.4 |
| 41,000-60,000 | 73 | 19.0 |
| 61,000-80,000 | 86 | 22.3 |
| 81,000-1,00,000 | 106 | 27.5 |
| More than 1,00,001 | 103 | 26.8 |
| Number of children | ||
| None | 133 | 34.5 |
| 1 child | 136 | 35.3 |
| 2-3 Children | 116 | 30.1 |
| Do you use social media? | ||
| Yes | 100 | 100 |
| Average Time Spent | ||
| Less than 1 hour | 178 | 46.2 |
| 1-2 hours | 115 | 29.9 |
| 3-4 hours | 35 | 9.1 |
| More than 5 hours | 57 | 14.8 |
| Social media accounts during the day | ||
| Rarely or never | 106 | 27.5 |
| 1-3 times | 171 | 44.4 |
| 4-6 times | 64 | 16.6 |
| More than 6 times | 44 | 11.4 |
| Purpose of social media usage | ||
| Connecting with family/friends | 87 | 22.6 |
| Entertainment | 74 | 19.2 |
| Networking | 117 | 30.4 |
| News/Information | 29 | 7.5 |
| Business/work | 57 | 14.8 |
Social media addiction
The social media addiction among married couples was measured by the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), which demonstrates the majority of participants (44.9%) are “little addicted,” showing moderate effects on occupation, mood, relapse, and conflict. A significant portion (35.6%) is “not addicted,” with minimal impact. The “medium addicted” group (14.3%) experiences higher impacts, while the “highly addicted” (4.4%) and “very highly addicted” (0.8%) groups show the most significant effects, with escalating SMAS scores and associated negative outcomes [Table 2a].
Table 2a.
Social Media Addiction of Married Couples (n=385)
| Level of addiction | Range | SMAS (Total) f (%) | Range | Occupation f (%) | Range | Mood modification f (%) | Range | Relapse f (%) | Range | conflict f (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not addicted | 41-73 | 137 (35.6) | 12-21 | 48 (12.5) | 5-8 | 86 (22.3) | 5-8 | 133 (34.5) | 19-33 | 228 (59.2) |
| Little addicted | 74-106 | 173 (44.9) | 22-31 | 184 (47.8) | 9-12 | 204 (53.0) | 9-12 | 197 (51.2) | 34-48 | 111 (28.8) |
| Medium addicted | 107-139 | 55 (14.3) | 32-41 | 110 (28.6) | 13-16 | 52 (13.5) | 13-16 | 47 (12.2) | 49-63 | 30 (7.8) |
| Highly addicted | 140-172 | 17 (4.4) | 42-51 | 31 (8.1) | 17-20 | 8 (2.1) | 17-20 | 4 (1.0) | 64-78 | 12 (3.1) |
| Very highly addicted | 173-205 | 3 (0.8) | 52-60 | 12 (3.1) | 21-25 | 35 (9.1) | 21-25 | 4 (1.0) | 79-95 | 4 (1.0) |
Social media addiction levels
The Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS) subscale scores suggested as Occupation: 30.42 ± 9.175, Mood Modification: 12.51 ± 5.264, Relapse: 10.74 ± 4.442, and Conflict: 32.83 ± 13.459.
Overall, the mean score for social media addiction is 86.50 ± 27.748. These scores indicate that social media addiction moderately impacts occupation, mood, relapse, and conflict, with overall addiction levels ranging from moderate to high [Table 2b].
Table 2b.
Social Media Addiction Levels in Married Couples (n=385)
| Subscale/scale | Minimum | Maximum | Mean | SD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation | 12 | 56 | 30.42 | 9.175 |
| Mood Modification | 5 | 25 | 12.51 | 5.264 |
| Relapse | 5 | 21 | 10.74 | 4.442 |
| Conflict | 19 | 92 | 32.83 | 13.459 |
| Social Media Addiction | 41 | 193 | 86.50 | 27.748 |
Life satisfaction
The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was used to measure the life satisfaction of married couples. The results showed that 44.7% of couples were satisfied, while 17.1% were slightly satisfied. A smaller proportion, 14.3%, expressed dissatisfaction, with 11.4% reporting slight dissatisfaction. Extremely satisfied couples made up 7.3% of the sample, and extremely dissatisfied participants constituted 4.2%. Only 1.0% of couples reported a neutral level of life satisfaction [Table 3].
Table 3.
Life satisfaction of the Married Couples (n=385)
| Life satisfaction | Frequency (%) |
|---|---|
| Extremely Satisfied (31-35) | 28 (7.3) |
| Satisfied (26-30) | 172 (44.7) |
| Slightly Satisfied (21-25) | 66 (17.1) |
| Neutral (20) | 4 (1.0) |
| Slightly Dissatisfied (15-19) | 44 (11.4) |
| Dissatisfied (10-14) | 55 (14.3) |
| Extremely Dissatisfied (5-9) | 16 (4.2) |
Level of self-esteem
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) was utilized to assess the levels of self-esteem in married couples. The results revealed that 73.8% of couples exhibited low self-esteem, while 26.2% demonstrated medium self-esteem. Notably, none of the participants fell into the high self-esteem category [see Table 4].
Table 4.
Level of Self-Esteem among Married Couples (n=385)
| Self-esteem | Frequency (%) |
|---|---|
| Low (10–25) | 284 (73.8) |
| Medium (26–29) | 101 (26.2) |
| High (30–40) | 0 |
Correlation between social media addiction scores, life satisfaction scores, and self-esteem scores
The results indicate that there is a strong negative correlation between social media addiction and life satisfaction (r = -0.519, P < 0.01), showing that higher social media addiction is linked to lower life satisfaction. There is also a significant positive correlation between social media addiction and self-esteem (r = 0.329, P < 0.01), suggesting that higher social media addiction is associated with higher self-esteem. Furthermore, there is a significant negative correlation between life satisfaction and self-esteem (r = -0.276, P < 0.01), indicating that lower life satisfaction is related to higher self-esteem [Table 5].
Table 5.
correlation between social media addiction scores, life satisfaction scores, and self-esteem scores
| Variables | Social media addiction | Life satisfaction | Self-esteem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social media addiction | 1 | ||
| Life satisfaction | -0.519** | 1 | |
| Self-esteem | 0.329** | -0.276** | 1 |
**.Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed)
Regression analysis to predict social media addiction scores based on self-esteem scores and life satisfaction scores
The analysis shows that self-esteem has a positive and significant effect on social media addiction (B = 3.078, β = 0.201, t = 4.527, P < .001), indicating that higher self-esteem is linked to higher social media addiction scores. In contrast, life satisfaction has a negative and significant effect (B = -1.895, β = -.464, t = -10.472, P < .001), suggesting that higher life satisfaction is associated with lower social media addiction scores. It is statistically significant (F (2) =84.583, P < .001) and accounts for about 30.3% of the variance in social media addiction scores (R² adjusted = 0.303) [Table 6].
Table 6.
Regression analysis to predict social media addiction scores based on self-esteem scores and life satisfaction scores
| Variable | B | Standardized β | t | P | df | F | R2 (adjusted) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-esteem | 3.078 | 0.201 | 4.527 | 0.000 | 2 | 84.583 | 0.303 |
| Life satisfaction | -1.895 | -0.464 | -10.472 | 0.000 |
Discussion
The rapid spread of social media has caused significant shifts in how people connect, communicate, and organize their personal and social lives. Despite the many benefits of social media, such as improved connectivity and access to information, there is increasing evidence of its potential negative impact on mental health and well-being. Social media addiction, characterized by excessive and compulsive use of social platforms, is a significant concern with implications for various aspects of an individual’s life, including self-esteem and life satisfaction.[26]
It can be especially challenging for married couples to navigate social media use patterns. According to research by Bevan et al.,[27] posting life events on social media sites like Facebook can impact marital satisfaction based on the type and frequency of disclosures. On social media, constructive communication, and reciprocal sharing can boost relationship satisfaction, but destructive communication and oversharing can lead to disagreements and discontent.[28] Excessive social media use can lead to less time with your spouse, causing emotional distance and communication problems. According to a study by Bouffard et al.,[29] excessive use of social media was associated with decreased marital satisfaction and a higher likelihood of perceiving relationship instability. Comparing one’s life on social media to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy in marriage and also create chances for emotional or infidelity-related affairs, further straining marriages.[30] The results of the present study demonstrated that married couples utilize social media in a mild-moderate form. According to Vaingankar et al.,[31] maintaining balance is crucial for avoiding the dangers of addiction. To strengthen interpersonal ties and improve overall life satisfaction, couples should be encouraged to participate in activities together away from computer displays.
Our findings demonstrate that social media addiction is significantly associated with both self-esteem and life satisfaction. Specifically, higher levels of social media addiction correlate with lower life satisfaction and higher self-esteem. These results are consistent with the study done by Smith et al. (2022)[32] shown that addiction to social media often results in increased self-esteem as a result of validation through likes and comments, despite its negative impact on overall life satisfaction. Similarly, Johnson and Lee (2022) explained the increased use of social media was found to have a paradoxical effect on individuals, leading to both enhanced self-perception and diminished life satisfaction. This reflects the dual nature of social media’s impact on psychological well-being.[33]
The results of the present study indicate that 44.9% of married couples are little addicted and 14.3% as medium addicted to social media. This is consistent with the increasing prevalence of social media addiction noted in studies conducted by Monacis et al. (2020),[34] which highlights the broad spectrum of addiction severity, with individual differences in personality traits associated with co-dependence on social media.
The significant negative correlation between social media addiction and life satisfaction (r = -0.519, P < 0.01) found in the present study correlates with the findings of Kross et al. (2021),[35] who observed that excessive social media use may lead to decreased life satisfaction, mainly due to the effect of social comparison and exposure to idealized depictions of life.
The correlation results from our study reinforce these findings, with a significant negative correlation between social media addiction and life satisfaction (r = -0.519, P < 0.01), and a significant positive correlation between social media addiction and self-esteem (r = 0.329, P < 0.01). This suggests that while social media may boost self-esteem through social validation, it simultaneously detracts from overall life satisfaction, possibly due to the negative comparisons and unrealistic portrayals often encountered online.
In the present study, most participants are aged 31-40 years and are well-educated, with a high proportion engaged in full-time employment. This demographic is often active on social media for both professional networking and personal engagement, potentially influencing the observed patterns of social media addiction. The study done by Tullett-Prado et al. (2023) has shown that urban and younger populations are more likely to experience higher levels of social media engagement and, consequently, greater effects on mental health and relationship satisfaction,[36] while Ndung’u et al. (2023) suggest that social media is often used for professional and personal networking among the 31-40 years age group.[37]
The regression analysis indicates that self-esteem has a positive effect on social media addiction (B = 3.078, β = 0.201, P < .001), while life satisfaction has a negative effect (B = -1.895, β = -.464, P < .001). This suggests that individuals with higher self-esteem are more likely to engage in social media, perhaps due to a greater propensity for seeking social validation. Conversely, people who are more satisfied with their lives usually spend less time on social media, likely because they do not rely as much on external validation, which lowers their chance of becoming addicted. Similarly, a study done by Dienlin and Johannes (2021)[38] identified a similar inverse relationship between life satisfaction and social media dependency.
These findings align with the study done by Abdellatif M (2022), who observed that people with lower life satisfaction often turn to social media as a way to compensate for their feelings, seeking validation and connection. In contrast, those who are more satisfied with their lives do not depend as much on social media to boost their self-esteem.[39] Similarly, a study by Valkenburg et al. (2022)[40] suggests that the type of content people engage with and how they interact on social media can greatly influence their self-esteem. Positive feedback and supportive interactions can help boost self-esteem, especially for users who carefully curate their online presence. The study underscores the importance of balanced social media use, highlighting the need for interventions that promote healthy digital habits to enhance marital well-being.
Implications
The study highlights the need for creating strategies to encourage healthy social media use among married couples. It suggests that future Longitudinal research should explore how changes in social media use over time affect relationships. Additionally, understanding how different types of social media content and interaction styles influence mental health could help in designing more effective interventions. These strategies should aim to reduce the negative effects of social media addiction, promote a healthier self-image, and improve life satisfaction in marriages.
Limitations
Since this study used a cross-sectional design, it cannot prove cause-and-effect relationships between social media addiction, self-esteem, and life satisfaction and study findings are not be generalizable to the broader population due to the small sample size and limited to one area.
Conclusion
In summary, our study confirms that social media addiction can have a detrimental effect on both self-esteem and life satisfaction, which are critical components of a healthy and fulfilling marriage. While increased social media use may enhance self-esteem, it concurrently diminishes life satisfaction, highlighting the need for balanced social media use to promote healthy digital habits that could enhance marital satisfaction and overall well-being.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Funding Statement
Nil.
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