How Social Media Defines Self-Worth

• 19 May 2025

The recent sudden death of a social media influencer who succumbed to depression after her follower count plummeted starkly is testimony to a modern paradox. Armed with a law degree, she had options, yet her identity and ultimately, her sense of worth, remained shackled to the volatile metrics of online validation. Her tragic choice to end her life speaks not just to personal despair, but to a societal epidemic where algorithms dictate dignity. As a clinical psychologist observes, “We’ve built a world that conflates visibility with value, applause with authenticity. In chasing the approval of strangers, we risk erasing ourselves.” This influencer’s story is no isolated incident; it is a chilling reflection of how platforms designed to connect us are quietly corroding the foundations of selfhood. 

The influencer's story is a harrowing microcosm of this crisis. In today’s digital landscape, where individuals increasingly equate their value to their social media presence, her struggle mirrors a generation’s silent battle. A 2023 NIMHANS study underscores this reality: 30% of urban Indian teens report anxiety linked to social media addiction, trapped in cycles of counting likes and curating flawless personas. Thus, this essay examines social media’s dual role in shaping self-worth, its capacity to empower and marginalize, and advocates for balanced, conscious engagement. 

The roots of social media have branched dramatically over the past two decades, fundamentally reshaping how individuals connect, express themselves, and perceive self-worth. Initially, global platforms like Friendster (2002) and MySpace (2003) offered basic tools for digital interaction: users could list interests, customize profiles, and maintain friend lists. In India, Orkut, launched in 2004, quickly became the dominant platform, particularly among urban youth. Its scrapbook feature and community pages made it a cultural phenomenon, serving as many Indians' first introduction to online social networking. 

Subsequently, the global launch of Facebook in 2004 redefined digital identity by encouraging users to present real names, photographs, and life events. In India, Facebook gradually overtook Orkut by the early 2010s, aligning more with the shift toward curated digital personas. Over time, features like “likes,” “comments,” and “shares” transformed user behavior across both contexts, from casual sharing to competitive self-presentation. Instagram (2010) and Twitter (2006), with their emphasis on visuals and brevity, further intensified this transformation, both globally and in India. 

In recent years, technological advancements such as affordable smartphones, cheaper data (a major factor in India post-2016), and algorithm-driven content have made social media omnipresent. The rise of influencer culture, viral content, and monetized engagement reflects a global trend but also finds strong resonance in India’s youth-driven, mobile-first digital ecosystem. This shift from social networking to social performance has contributed to rising mental health concerns.  

In the current era, social media profoundly affects how people, especially youth, assess themselves. The constant exposure to others’ lives leads to habitual comparison, often resulting in diminished self-esteem and mental distress. 

Research shows that excessive use of social media correlates with heightened anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and depression among teens and young adults. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study found that excessive social media use can lead to anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and depression in teens and young adults. The use of visual platforms like Instagram and Snapchat is linked to negative perceptions of physical appearance and increased interest in cosmetic surgery, particularly among females. The curated perfection often portrayed online sets unrealistic standards, making users feel inadequate and anxious about their lives. These issues extend beyond individuals and impact societal well-being, as mental health struggles put pressure on families, schools, and healthcare systems. 

Social media algorithms are designed to show users more of what they already engage with, reinforcing dominant trends and aesthetics while marginalising diverse voices and appearances that don't fit popular norms. This digital echo chamber limits inclusion and narrows the definition of beauty, success, and identity. Additionally, social media equates visibility with value, which poses a troubling shift for personal identity and self-worth. Moreover, algorithm bias tends to prioritise content that is sensational, polarising, or superficial. In this environment, sensational content, often emotionally charged, polarizing, or misleading, tends to gain disproportionate visibility, as algorithms prioritise engagement over nuance. This distorts public discourse by rewarding outrage over reason, eroding the space for meaningful, fact-based conversations. For example, India banned TikTok in 2020, citing data privacy and national security, which stemmed from worries about the app's impact on youth mental health, including addiction and exposure to harmful content. Remedial measures like the Indian Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 focus on the protection of rights for mental illnesses born owing to excessive screen time and social media use, strengthening and rectifying young people’s perspectives about social media and self-worth. 

Validation-seeking behaviour is another concern. Many users post content not out of a genuine desire to express themselves but to receive positive feedback. This reliance on external approval can diminish internal confidence and create a fluctuating sense of self that depends heavily on public engagement. Online harassment also takes a toll on the confidence and self-worth of the user. When personal worth is tied to online identity, cyberbullying and negative interactions can have devastating emotional consequences. A recent example is the targeted online abuse faced by India’s Deputy National Security Advisor, which highlights how even high-ranking public officials are not immune to digital vilification. Such incidents emphasise the need to establish stronger cyber governance, accountability mechanisms, and mental health safeguards in the digital space. 

Despite its downsides, social media has empowered millions. For marginalised groups, this visibility can be transformational. Movements such as #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter highlight how online platforms can legitimise under-represented voices and promote social change. In India, campaigns like #DalitWomenFight and farmers’ rights have gained momentum and impact owing to social media. These spaces offer support, validation, and solidarity that many people lack in their offline environments. Professionally, social media enables content creators, entrepreneurs, and freelancers to showcase their skills and build brands. Curating a social media presence can be seen as an exploration of values and personal identity, a form of modern-day journaling or artistic expression.  

For many, online platforms offer opportunities to achieve financial independence and reach audiences far beyond traditional geographic or cultural boundaries. In India, this digital empowerment is further supported by initiatives, such as Meta’s partnership with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), which aims to democratise e-commerce access for small businesses and local sellers by integrating them into a unified digital ecosystem. Additionally, the process of creating digital content can spark self-reflection and creativity while reinforcing self-awareness and identity building.  

Nonetheless, the drawbacks of social media in terms of self-worth are considerable. Central among them is the relentless culture of comparison. Users often view others’ curated lives as benchmarks, leading to feelings of failure or inadequacy. The compulsion to relive past moments via Facebook or chase viral trends erodes authentic living. 

As awareness of these issues grows, there are signs of progress toward a more mindful and healthy relationship with social media. Public discourse around digital wellness is growing, with users, educators, and policymakers emphasising intentional and balanced engagement. Tech platforms are starting to respond. Features like hidden counts, screentime tracking, and mental health prompts are becoming more common. Some platforms are exploring new algorithmic models that prioritise quality interactions over viral content. Education is another key factor. Media literacy programs, especially those targeted at youth, can teach users to critically assess digital content, understand the artificial nature of online personas, and maintain self-worth independent of social media validation. 

In addition, alternative platforms promoting authenticity, slow content, and real conversations are gaining popularity. These digital spaces aim to reduce the pressure to perform and instead foster deeper, more meaningful connections. On a broader scale, the concept of digital identity continues to evolve. Emerging technologies like virtual reality and the metaverse may expand how people express themselves online. While these tools pose new challenges in terms of authenticity, they also provide opportunities for creativity, experimentation, and personal growth. 

India promotes healthy social media use through initiatives like the IT Rules 2021, the Digital India programme, and the Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Educational efforts include school cyber safety curricula and campaigns like ‘We Think Digital,’ which encourage digital literacy, responsible online behaviour, and protection against cyberbullying and misinformation. Social media companies, too, are under increasing scrutiny to adopt ethical design practices. Advocates are pushing for accountability in content moderation, algorithm transparency, and data ethics, such that it could help foster healthier digital environments. 

Media literacy is vital for youth and society as it empowers individuals to critically evaluate content, recognize misinformation, and navigate digital platforms responsibly. It ensures informed decision-making, protects against manipulation, and promotes respectful online engagement, which are crucial skills in an era dominated by rapid information flow and social media influence. 

Social media’s influence on self-worth is undeniable, but not necessarily inevitable. It is a tool that reflects and amplifies human tendencies, for better or for worse. How we engage with it and how consciously we use it determines if it uplifts or undermines us. Rather than disengaging entirely, the solution lies in cultivating a healthier digital culture. Governance, education, and civil society play key roles in fostering healthy digital engagement by developing critical awareness, responsible online behaviour, and setting and encouraging self-development.  

The first step to that change begins within us. In crossing the complicated terrain between social media presence and personal identity, balance is essential. Social media may play a role in how we see ourselves, but it does not have to dictate our value. By reclaiming self-worth from metrics and media, we take an important step toward more grounded, fulfilling lives, both on and offline.