Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The research project focused on analyzing the impact of social media on mental health among adolescents. Social media has become an integral part of daily life for many young people, providing various benefits such as social connection, information sharing, and entertainment. However, there is growing concern about the negative effects of excessive social media use on mental well-being. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from a sample of adolescents aged 13-18 years. The surveys assessed social media usage patterns, mental health symptoms, and self-perceived impact of social media on well-being. The interviews provided in-depth insights into the subjective experiences and perspectives of participants regarding social media and mental health. The findings revealed a complex relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. While some adolescents reported positive effects such as increased social support and self-expression, others experienced negative consequences including cyberbullying, social comparison, and feelings of anxiety or depression. Notably, a significant portion of participants expressed concerns about the impact of social media on their self-esteem and body image. The quantitative analysis identified correlations between specific social media activities (e.g., time spent online, types of content consumed) and mental health indicators (e.g., loneliness, stress levels). Additionally, gender differences were observed in terms of preferred social media platforms and perceived effects on mental well-being. Qualitative data provided rich contextual information about the ways in which social media influences adolescents' emotions, relationships, and self-perception. Participants described both supportive and harmful interactions on social networking sites, highlighting the importance of digital literacy and online safety education. Overall, the study underscored the need for a balanced approach to social media use among adolescents, recognizing both the benefits and risks associated with online engagement. Recommendations for promoting positive digital experiences included fostering critical thinking skills, encouraging offline activities, and enhancing parental involvement in monitoring and guiding social media usage. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on technology and mental health, offering valuable insights for educators, parents, mental health professionals, and policymakers working with young people in the digital age.

Thesis Overview