Social Media Usage and Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem and the Moderating Effect of Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between social media usage and mental health, focusing on the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating effect of emotional intelligence. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from a sample of 300 participants actively using social media platforms. The results indicated that social media usage negatively influenced mental health (β = -0.41), while also reducing self-esteem (β = -0.36). Self-esteem showed a positive effect on mental health (β = 0.49), confirming its mediating role in the relationship. The indirect effect of social media usage on mental health through self-esteem was significant (β = -0.18). Emotional intelligence moderated the relationship, reducing the negative impact of social media usage on mental health (interaction effect = 0.27). Descriptive findings showed that social media usage recorded the highest mean (M = 4.08), while mental health reported the lowest mean (M = 3.60), indicating variability in psychological well-being. The findings supported a moderated mediation model, demonstrating that psychological factors influenced how individuals responded to digital environments. The study highlighted the importance of enhancing self-esteem and emotional intelligence to promote better mental health outcomes. The results provided practical implications for educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals in developing interventions that support healthier digital behavior and emotional resilience.