The Dark Side of Social Media: How It Affects Self-Esteem

Getting likes and accumulating a vast social following are not genuine indicators of our worth as human beings.

Social media can be an emotional roller coaster. DRAGANA GORDIC/SHUTTERSTOCK

Social media is enjoyable to us, partly for reasons that are genuinely human, such as sharing ideas, finding inspiration, being entertained, learning new things, and, of course, connecting with other people.

Getting likes and positive feedback online can also make us feel good about ourselves, increasing what we might call a sense of self-esteem.