The Influence of Likes and Sexist Attitudes on Adolescent Self-Esteem in Social Networks

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024 Dec 10;21(12):1647. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21121647.

Abstract

The Internet allows teenagers to express their identity through the publication of images and texts on social networks, but sometimes they may develop self-esteem problems as a result. The present study analyzed self-esteem levels, and their relationship with sexism, Internet use and the influence of likes, in 309 subjects, by asking them about Internet use, social networks, self-esteem and sexism. The results showed low levels of self-esteem, although boys scored higher on the overall scale and for hostile sexism. Similarly, those with higher percentages of low self-esteem showed higher scores for benevolent sexism. It can be concluded that the use of social networks and the Internet, in relation to sexist attitudes, influences adolescents' self-esteem and social construction.

Keywords: adolescents; identity; self-esteem; sexism; social networks.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attitude
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Male
  • Self Concept*
  • Sexism* / psychology
  • Social Networking
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.