Journal of Educational Sciences
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Educational Sciences

Gender Differences in Anxiety and Self-Disclosure among University Students Using Social Media

Itsna Labbey Mukarromah (Faculty of Education and Psychology, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Semarang, 50229, Indonesia)
Sigit Hariyadi (Faculty of Education and Psychology, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Semarang, 50229, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Feb 2026

Abstract

The increasing intensity of social media use among university students influences not only communication patterns and social interactions but also psychological conditions, particularly anxiety and self-disclosure. This study examined gender differences in anxiety and self-disclosure among university students who use social media. A quantitative causal-comparative design was employed involving 348 active students selected through purposive random sampling. Data were collected using an anxiety scale measuring fear of negative evaluation and social avoidance and distress, as well as a self-disclosure scale based on Jourard’s framework. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square tests were applied. The findings indicated a significant gender difference in anxiety levels, with female students more frequently categorized as having high anxiety. In contrast, male students tended to fall within the low-anxiety category. In contrast, no significant gender differences were found in self-disclosure, with most students demonstrating moderate levels. These results suggest that gender differentiates anxiety intensity in social media use but does not play a central role in determining self-disclosure. Overall, students’ psychological experiences on social media are shaped by social pressures, whereas self-disclosure is influenced more by personal considerations and usage context.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JES

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Library & Information Science Other

Description

JES publishes original articles on the latest issues and trends occurring regionally and internationally in the educational sciences with the aim to advance our knowledge both in term of theory and practice. Moreover, this journal also covers the issues concerned with the following special sections: ...