PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON THE FORMATION OF ADOLESCENT SELF-ESTEEM

Abstract

The article highlights the positive and negative psychological aspects of the impact of social networks on the formation of self-esteem in adolescents. It emphasizes the importance of studying the mechanisms of the impact of social networks on the self-esteem of adolescents in order to prevent negative consequences and promote their healthy development in the digital environment. Self-esteem is defined as the result of a long process that continues throughout a person’s life. The following factors influencing the formation of self-esteem in adolescence are identified: family, real achievements at school and in extracurricular activities, the child’s status among peers, the child’s motivational and semantic sphere, appearance, etc. It is noted that in the process of forming self-esteem, adolescents tend to compare themselves with others, seeking confirmation of their own significance and compliance with social standards, and social networks significantly expand the opportunities for such comparison. Based on these considerations, the following negative aspects of the impact of social networks on the psychological state and self-esteem of adolescents are described: comparing oneself to others, dependence on approval and external evaluation, distortion of one’s perception of one’s own appearance, formation of dependence on social networks, cyberbullying, distortion of life priorities. Positive aspects of the impact of social networks on the formation of adolescents’ self-esteem have also been identified, in particular, self-expression and personal growth, social support and strengthening of a sense of belonging, access to educational resources and motivational content, development of digital literacy skills, and support for positive self-perception and self-acceptance. In conclusion, the need to develop critical thinking and safe social media use skills in adolescents, to help them distinguish between real and idealized images in virtual space, and to develop resilience to negative influences is emphasized.