SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES IN ATHLETES: ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND SELF-ESTEEM PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Social media has become an integral component of modern communication, influencing psychological well-being and self-perception, particularly among athletes who experience heightened performance pressures and public visibility. This study investigates the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes—anxiety, depression, and self-esteem—among 200 female athletes in Haripur District. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional design, standardized psychological instruments were used to measure mental health indicators alongside patterns of digital engagement. The sample comprised female athletes participating in team and individual sports at collegiate and district levels, ensuring representation across diverse sporting disciplines. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques, revealed significant relationships between social media usage and psychological outcomes. Results indicated a moderate positive correlation between social media use and anxiety (r = 0.58, p < 0.01) and depression (r = 0.52, p < 0.01), while an inverse relationship was observed with self-esteem (r = -0.55, p < 0.01). Regression analysis further confirmed that social media use significantly predicted mental health outcomes, contributing to increased psychological distress and reduced self-perception among participants. These findings underscore the dual nature of digital engagement, where social media offers opportunities for connectivity and motivation but may also exacerbate emotional vulnerability through social comparison and performance-related feedback. The study highlights the need for mental health awareness and digital well-being strategies within athletic environments. By providing empirical evidence on the psychological impact of social media, this research contributes to the broader discourse on athlete mental health and informs interventions aimed at promoting balanced digital engagement and emotional resilience among female athletes.