Psychological Impacts of Heavy Media Use: From the Perspective of Narcissism, Self-Esteem, and Social Comparison

\nIn today’s times, social media use has become an important part of a mobile phone owner’s life. The present study investigates the psychological impacts of heavy media use, with a particular focus on narcissism, self-esteem, and social comparison. Narcissism in this study was categorised as Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. The above factors are strongly associated with an individual’s quality of life. Passive consumption of media tends to decrease self-esteem, while active participation presents a more complex relationship. Practical suggestions for media users, educators, and policymakers are discussed, emphasizing the need for balanced media consumption, enhanced media literacy, and regulatory measures to create healthier media environments. Mitigating the negative impacts of social media requires different entities to play their respective roles in influencing a positive online usage environment. Future research directions are proposed to address existing gaps, including longitudinal studies and interdisciplinary approaches to gain deeper insights into the long-term effects of media use on psychological health.\n