College of Education and Language Studies

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    The Relationship between Social Media Use and Self Esteem among Adolescents in Bole Preparatory School in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-11) Mefeter Tamiru; Emebet Mulugeta
    This study examined the relationship between social media use and self-esteem among adolescents in Bole preparatory schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2025. A total of 220 students from grades 11 and 12 at Bole Preparatory and Secondary School participated, representing a balanced gender distribution and predominantly aged 17 to 18 years. Using a mixed-methods cross-sectional design, data were collected through structured questionnaires based on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), complemented by semi-structured interviews analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that adolescents spend considerable time on social media, with excessive or problematic use—characterized by neglect of responsibilities and interference with daily life—associated with lower self-esteem. Qualitative data further revealed that social comparison, emotional reactions, and the pursuit of social validation significantly influence self-esteem. Additionally, limited parental guidance on digital engagement was observed, as most parents demonstrated low to moderate awareness of internet use. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions, including digital literacy initiatives for both adolescents and parents, and enhanced educational support to promote healthier and more balanced social media use within the Ethiopian context. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of adolescent psychological well-being within the Ethiopian urban context, offering evidence to inform policy and practice aiming to foster healthier social media engagement. Keywords: adolescents, digital literacy, Ethiopia, mental health, preparatory schools, social comparison, self-esteem, Social media use,.