Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project aims to investigate the impact of social media on mental health among adolescents. Social media has become an integral part of young people's lives, with the majority of adolescents using platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat on a daily basis. While social media offers various benefits, including social connectivity and access to information, there is growing concern about its potential negative effects on mental well-being. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from a diverse sample of adolescents. The quantitative surveys will assess the frequency and duration of social media use, types of content consumed, and self-reported mental health indicators such as anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. The qualitative interviews will provide in-depth insights into the subjective experiences and perceptions of adolescents regarding the impact of social media on their mental health. The research will also explore potential moderators and mediators of the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. Factors such as online social support, cyberbullying, and comparison with others on social media will be examined to better understand the mechanisms through which social media may influence mental well-being. Additionally, the study will investigate the role of individual differences, such as personality traits and coping strategies, in shaping the impact of social media on mental health. The findings of this research project have the potential to inform interventions and policies aimed at promoting positive mental health outcomes among adolescents in the digital age. By identifying the factors that contribute to both positive and negative effects of social media on mental well-being, this study can contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines for healthy social media use. Ultimately, the goal is to empower adolescents to navigate the online world in a way that enhances their mental health and overall well-being.

Thesis Overview