The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem Between Meaning in Life and Social Media Addiction

Abstract: The advent of digital technologies has markedly transformed human interactions and communication. While social media platforms facilitate connectivity and information sharing, their compelling features, such as instant notifications and one-click information access, can induce unregulated usage and addictive behaviors. Social media addiction, a form of behavioral addiction, has been associated with multiple psychological determinants. Despite this, the role of meaning in life—a key construct in existential psychology that is pivotal for psychological well-being—remains underexplored in the context of social media addiction. This study investigates this gap by examining the relationship between the presence of meaning in life and social media addiction and the mediating effect of self-esteem in this relationship. The findings revealed a negative correlation between the presence of meaning and social media addiction, as well as between self-esteem and social media addiction. Mediation analysis indicated that the link between the presence of meaning and social media addiction was entirely mediated by self-esteem. This study proposes actionable interventions aimed at reducing social media addiction by enhancing both meaning in life and self-esteem. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the relationship between meaning in life and social media addiction.

Cite this article as: Akdağ, B., & Ünsal, C. (2024). The mediating role of self-esteem between meaning in life and social media addiction. Addicta: The Turkish Journal on Addictions, 11(1), 99-104.