Problematic Use of Short-form Video Platforms, Emotion Regulation, and Self-Esteem

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Volume 26 Num. 3

Volume 26 Num. 3 - October 2026

Problematic Use of Short-form Video Platforms, Emotion Regulation, and Self-Esteem

Volume 26 Num. 3 - October 2026 - Pages 415-426

Authors:

Gazmend Abrashi , Arvesa Studenica , Arlinda Gashi

arvesa.studenica@aab-edu.net

Abstract:

A central developmental task of emerging adults is the consolidation of stable self-esteem within increasingly complex social environments. Contemporary digital platforms characterized by rapid, algorithmically curated social feedback may function as high-density evaluative contexts that challenge self-regulatory capacities. The present cross-sectional study examined whether problematic use of short-form video platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts) is associated with self-esteem in young adulthood and whether individual differences in emotion regulation strategies account for this association, above and beyond age related variance. Data from 212 young people in Kosovo and analytic sample sizes varied across measures and statistical models due to missing data. Results showed that two indicators of problematic short form video use were associated with lower self-esteem, whereas general social media addiction was not. Mediation analyses indicated that cognitive reappraisal partially mediated the association between problematic short-form video use and self-esteem for one indicator of short-video engagement, whereas expressive suppression did not demonstrate consistent mediating effects. Age was included as a covariate to account for potential developmental variation in social media use and self-esteem. Findings suggest that individual differences in emotional control, rather than age per se, might shape self-esteem within digitally mediated social environments. Short-form video platforms may therefore serve as ecologically relevant contexts for understanding the consolidation of self-regulatory capacities during emerging adulthood.

How to cite this paper:
Abrashi G, Studenica A, & Gashi A (2026). Problematic Use of Short-form Video Platforms, Emotion Regulation, and Self-Esteem. International Journal of Psychology & Psychological Therapy, 26, 3, 415-426

Key words:

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, parent skills training, computerized cognitive training, combined intervention, working memory training

Full Article

English (PDF)

International Journal of Psychology and Psychological Therapy

Volume 26 Num. 3 - October 2026