Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part A (2022)

This study investigates the relationship between social media usage and psychological well-being-particularly self-esteem and body image—among 200 secondary school students from Agra district. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Key findings suggest that while social media usage is nearly universal, platform preference, duration of use, and psychological impacts differ significantly by gender and age. A mild but significant negative correlation was observed between time spent on social media and self-esteem and body image scores. The study highlights how digital identity formation among adolescents can either enhance or compromise mental health depending on usage patterns. The results underscore the need for digital literacy programs and mental health interventions tailored to the psychosocial dynamics of youth in semi-urban India.