there is a correlation between frequent Facebook use and low self-esteem:
Vogel, E. A., Rose, J. P., Roberts, L. R., & Eckles, K. (2014). Social comparison, social media, and self-esteem. Psychology Of Popular Media Culture, 3, 206-222.
Constant exposure to other peoples' opinions and self-advertising is a new dimension of the human experience. In small tribal and village communities one was exposed to the public gaze all the time but one was not anonymous. Thus, there were payoffs and sanctions for critical remarks as well as superlative praise. Now, because of anonymity the volume of critical, ego-injuring remarks has increased. Moreover, the imperative of self-reporting is testing the limits of the need for privacy. There is also the problem of the persona one presents to the world which may, in some kind of chat groups, be completely fake. In short, social media is exposing people to new kinds of stresses and strains with which we have not learned to deal so far. I think more studies with different populations should be undertaken to reach some conclusions. However, I would not be surprised if these studies suggest that frequent use of social media carries the risk of being exposed to remarks which may lower one's sense of self-worth.
yes, anonymity or camouflage provide individuals with the chance to harm , hassle, bully and humiliate others with impunity,
and as you mentioned students' self worth and self- trust can be hugely undermined by cynicism , pejorative and disparaging language prevalent on social media discourse.
I believe those with low self worth/esteem or low self confidence, but with a gift of gab, or creating or providing a service online may allow one to develop a following. This positive feed back may increase the person's perception of self worth/esteem or confidence. If what one says or does is not well received this will work in reverse to decrease self worth.
If the person had high self esteem to begin with, and gets a negative response or a type of bullying, I believe this can cause anger, rage or depression, and this person may act on these emotions to harm someone or many people at one time.
Therefore, in addition to the population, public response to one's online opinions, work, service etc can create either positive or negative impact on one's self esteem /worth or confidence.
It is important that one learn to accept constructive criticism, in order to better handle negative criticism, at an early age and preferably before one shares on social media or shares one's work, opinions, service etc.
I do not think this is an issue just for students, it affects all who partake of interacting with others at any age online, whether it is social media, chat rooms, even RG, as much as we do not want to admit it. If it were not true we would not have had not only the question, but the responses to a posted question about 'How important RG Scores are to the scientist ?'
Just my humble opinion,
Jeanetta Mastron
1-15-2016 ~ 7 pm edited for spelling of two words, and added single quotation marks and bolding.