The Effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-Based Psychoeducation on Self-Esteem and Interpersonal Problem-Solving Skills in Youth With Social Media Addiction

The widespread use of technology and early access to digital devices have significantly increased in recent years. Continuous connectivity, mobility, and affordability allow users to interact freely with social media. Young individuals often integrate mobile devices into daily routines, spend excessive time online, and keep devices nearby even during sleep. While social media allows relationship-building and self-expression, excessive and uncontrolled use may lead to social media addiction. Although not officially recognized in psychiatric diagnostic systems, its classification under behavioral addictions reflects its increasing impact on mental health. Behavioral addictions may cause family and social conflicts, stress due to unmet responsibilities, anxiety, and irritability.

Social media addiction is particularly prevalent among young adults. A 2025 meta-analysis reported a prevalence rate of 18.4% among university students and its negative effects on academic performance. Another study with 1,215 students found higher addiction levels associated with increased depression scores. Excessive use also affects body dissatisfaction and self-esteem. These findings show that social media addiction decreases self-esteem, disrupts emotional regulation, and impairs interpersonal functioning. Social comparison tendencies and idealized digital identities may worsen self-perceptions, contributing to low self-esteem and social anxiety.

Multiple studies have shown significant negative relationships between social media addiction and self-esteem. Facebook addiction has been linked to low self-esteem. Similarly, low self-esteem was associated with higher social media addiction scores. Research from Ecuador reported moderate negative effects of social media addiction on self-esteem and well-being. A 2023 adolescent study found that addiction negatively predicted self-esteem and body image. Self-esteem is a fundamental construct related to life satisfaction, self-efficacy, psychological resilience, and interpersonal relationships.

Interpersonal difficulties are defined as "interpersonal problems," while cognitive and behavioral processes intended to reduce tension in these areas are conceptualized as "interpersonal problem-solving." Interpersonal problem-solving skills enable constructive conflict resolution and support social adaptation, relationship quality, and well-being. Social media influences how individuals generate and solve interpersonal problems, though evidence is limited. Excessive use leads to relationship deterioration, communication restrictions, and increased interpersonal conflicts. Social media addiction may impair interpersonal problem-solving due to its negative impact on overall functioning. Additionally, individuals with higher interpersonal problem-solving skills show lower addiction levels. Internet addiction has also been associated with avoidance-oriented coping.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based intervention focusing on psychological flexibility, encourages individuals to accept internal experiences and act in accordance with personal values. ACT promotes awareness of thoughts and emotions and engagement in value-driven behaviors. Research demonstrates its effectiveness for anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, and self-perception. ACT-based interventions have reduced social media use and decreased psychological distress in university students. ACT has also been found effective in reducing FOMO and increasing psychological flexibility.