Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The research project aims to investigate the impact of social media usage on mental health among college students. Social media has become an integral part of daily life for many individuals, especially young adults. While it offers numerous benefits such as easy communication, networking, and access to information, there is growing concern about its potential negative effects on mental well-being. The study will focus on college students as they represent a population that is particularly vulnerable to the influence of social media due to their heavy usage and developmental stage. The research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather comprehensive data on the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes. Quantitative surveys will be administered to a large sample of college students to assess their social media habits, levels of psychological distress, and self-esteem. In addition, qualitative interviews will be conducted with a subset of participants to gain deeper insights into their experiences with social media and mental health. The study hypothesizes that excessive social media use will be associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy among college students. It also aims to explore potential mediating factors such as social comparison, cyberbullying, and fear of missing out that may contribute to these negative outcomes. By examining both the quantitative and qualitative data, the research seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between social media usage and mental health. The findings of this study are expected to have important implications for mental health interventions targeted at college students. By identifying specific risk factors associated with social media use, such as certain usage patterns or online behaviors, interventions can be developed to promote healthier online habits and mitigate the negative impact on mental well-being. Additionally, the study will contribute to the existing body of research on social media and mental health by offering insights into the subjective experiences of college students in relation to their social media use. Overall, this research project seeks to shed light on the ways in which social media influences mental health outcomes among college students and provide valuable information for developing effective interventions to support their well-being in the digital age.

Thesis Overview