Self-Presentation of Others on Social Media And Its Impact on Burmese Youth Depression in Thailand: A Case Study of Facebook

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the impact of young audiences’ exposure to self-presentation content (EXPC) on Facebook on their self-esteem and depression. Online survey was conducted with 259 Burmese youth living in Thailand, aged between 18 and 28 years old. Regression Analysis results revealed that gender significantly moderates the relationship between EXPC and self-esteem, with females displaying greater sensitivity to social comparisons, but no significant moderating effect on relationship between EXPC and depression. These results underscored the importance of addressing gender dynamics in mental health studies and intervention programs with diverse gender orientation. The study not only highlighted the need for targeted policies and mental health interventions to foster digital literacy and emotional resilience, mitigating the negative psychological effects of social media, but also contributes to a deeper understanding of the gendered dynamics of social media use and offers insights for future research and practical implications in health communication.