Relación entre el uso de las redes sociales y la autoestima de los adolescentes de 15 a 17 años de un colegio en la ciudad de Quito

Abstract

The research examines how the use of social media affects the self-esteem of adolescents in a school in Quito, during a critical period of physical, emotional, and social development. It analyzes how these platforms can negatively influence young people by exposing them to idealized standards of beauty and life, comparisons with other users, and the pursuit of validation through likes and comments. The study focuses on understanding how these dynamics impact adolescents' selfperception, which is crucial for their identity development and emotional well-being. It employs a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design and stratified random sampling to ensure representation in terms of gender, age, and other relevant factors. Structured questionnaires will be used, possibly including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, to assess both social media use and self-esteem. The overall objective is to establish a clear relationship between social media use and selfesteem in adolescents, with specific objectives including understanding how social validation and comparison with others affect self-esteem. The justification for the study is based on its potential impact on adolescents' mental health and its contribution to understanding how digital technology influences their psychological development. In summary, this research aims to fill a gap in existing literature on self-esteem and social media, while also providing recommendations to promote healthier use of these platforms among adolescents, thereby fostering better emotional well-being and a more positive self-image during this crucial stage of life.