CYBERCHONDRIA: IS IT REALLY RELATED TO LOW SELF-ESTEEM?

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic occurs throughout the world, one of which is Indonesia. The situation impacts various sectors of life, both economic, physical, and psychological health. Anxiety about being exposed to coronavirus increases internet access regarding health information. Excessive searching for health information is a tendency to experience cyberchondria. Someone with low self-esteem tends to be more prone to experiencing cyberchondria. Individuals with low self-esteem think that online searching for symptoms health information will be more comfortable psychologically than meeting medical personnel. Of course, the current Covid-19 pandemic has become a reinforcer to avoid direct consultation with medical personnel. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of low self-esteem on cyberchondria during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was correlational research. The research sample was college students. The data analysis method is a simple regression. In conclusion, there is an effect of low self-esteem on cyberchondria in students during the Covid-19 pandemic.