Effects of Motivations for Using Social Media and Self-esteem on Depression in Nursing Students

This study aimed to examine the motivation for social media use, self-esteem, and depression among nursing college students, as well as to identify the effects of these variables on depression.Data were collected from 281 nursing students between October 5 and December 30, 2024.The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise regression analysis.Findings showed that social media use motivation significantly differed by gender (t = 2.97, p< .01),academic year (t = -3.75,p< .001),religion (t = 2.51, p< .05),and daily media usage time (F = 18.05, p< .001).Self-esteem showed statistically significant differences according to economic status (F = 4.90, p< .01)and satisfaction with one's major (F = 3.18, p< .05).Depression levels differed significantly based on religion (t = -2.05,p< .05),economic status (F = 4.01, p< .05),satisfaction with one's major (F = 7.85, p< .001),and media use motivation (F = 4.53, p< .01).Social media use motivation was negatively correlated with self-esteem (r = -0.14, p< .05).Specifically, social interaction motivation showed a stronger negative correlation with self-esteem (r = -0.18,p< .01).However, no significant correlation was found between self-esteem and motivations such as entertainment or information seeking.Self-esteem was negatively correlated with depression (r = -0.39,p< .001).Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the most influential factor affecting depression was selfesteem ( = -0.36,p< .001),followed by low satisfaction with one's major ( = 0.15, p< .05)and moderate satisfaction ( = 0.14, p< .01).The adjusted R-squared value of the model was 0.185.The overall model was statistically significant (F = 11.58,p< .001).Since emotional interactions through social networking services (SNS) can influence self-esteem and depression, guidance is needed to foster healthy online relationships and to develop self-regulation skills.The results of this study are expected to contribute to establishing practical measures necessary to encourage healthy use of SNS among college students, enhance self-esteem, and ultimately prevent and manage depressive symptoms.