Abstract:

Social networks provide great opportunities for innovation, learning and creativity, but have negative effects on mental health. In 2021, 49 percent actively used social networks, of the world's population of 3.8 billion people, and in 2027 this number will increase to almost six billion. Problematic use of social networks is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by biological, psychological, social and cultural elements. 90 percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 use social media daily, and most have active accounts on at least five different social media platforms. In Lithuania, there is a lack of research with students about the problematic use of social networks and its relationship with self-esteem and academic achievements. It is important to understand the relationship between problematic social media use and students' self-esteem and academic achievement. The purpose of the study is to assess the correlations between students' problematic use of social networks, self-evaluation and academic achievements. An online written survey was conducted, in which 157 Lithuanian high school students (77 girls and 80 boys) participated. The research sample was convenient. This was a correlational study using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Subjective Academic Achievement Scale (SAAS). It was found that the problematic use of social networks is negatively related to self-esteem. The self-esteem of girls is lower than boys. 4th year students differ from 2nd and 3rd year students in problematic use of social networks. However, problematic social media use is not associated with lower academic achievement.

Keywords:

Social networks, students, self-esteem, academic achievements.