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@article{184898,
        author = {VEDASHREE G. S and DHRUTHI S. PRASAD},
        title = {IMPACT OF LIMITING SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE ON SELF- ESTEEM},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {4},
        pages = {3849-3865},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=184898},
        abstract = {In an era defined by digital connectivity and algorithmic engagement, social media platforms have become deeply embedded in daily life, shaping not only communication patterns but also psychological well-being. Among the most affected constructs is self- esteem—a core component of mental health that governs how individuals perceive their own worth, navigate social relationships, and respond to external validation. While existing literature has extensively explored the correlation between social media usage and self-esteem across large populations, few studies have examined this relationship through the lens of lived experience and introspective inquiry. This thesis addresses that gap by adopting a single-subject case study design, conducted as a self-experiment, to investigate the psychological impact of limiting social media usage on self-esteem. Over a four-week intervention period, the researcher—serving as both investigator and participant—restricted daily social media usage to 30 minutes and tracked psychological changes using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through weekly administration of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and pre/post assessments using the Social Media Use Integration Scale (SMUIS). Qualitative insights were derived from daily diary entries and weekly thematic reflections, capturing	 emotional fluctuations, cognitive shifts, and behavioral adaptations.
This study demonstrates that intentional limitation of social media usage can lead to measurable improvements in self-esteem, even within a short timeframe. It also validates the methodological potential of self-experimentation as a tool for behavioral research, offering depth, reflexivity, and authenticity that traditional designs may overlook. While the single-subject format limits generalizability, the richness of the data provides a compelling narrative of psychological transformation and invites broader reflection on the role of digital behavior in shaping mental health.
The implications of this research extend to individuals seeking to improve their emotional well-being, educators and counselors designing digital wellness programs, and researchers exploring alternative methodologies for studying behavioral interventions. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and curated identities, this thesis offers a quiet but powerful reminder: that stepping back from digital immersion may be a step forward in reclaiming self-worth.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {September},
        }