Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The research project aimed to explore the impact of social media on mental health among adolescents. Social media has become an integral part of modern society, with the majority of adolescents actively engaging on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. The study focused on understanding how the use of social media affects the mental well-being of teenagers, considering factors such as cyberbullying, comparison with peers, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the pressure to present an idealized self-image online. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. The quantitative survey included questions related to social media usage patterns, feelings of loneliness and anxiety, self-esteem levels, and exposure to cyberbullying. The qualitative interviews delved deeper into the personal experiences and perceptions of adolescents regarding social media and its impact on their mental health. The findings revealed a complex relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. While some participants reported positive effects such as staying connected with friends and finding supportive communities online, many also highlighted negative impacts such as increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and inadequacy. Cyberbullying emerged as a significant issue, with several participants sharing experiences of online harassment and its detrimental effects on their mental well-being. Moreover, the pressure to maintain a curated and perfect online persona was identified as a contributing factor to stress and anxiety among adolescents. The fear of missing out (FOMO) on social events and experiences shared by peers also led to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Overall, the study emphasized the need for adolescents, parents, educators, and policymakers to be aware of the potential risks associated with heavy social media use and to promote healthy online behaviors and coping strategies. In conclusion, the research project shed light on the complex interplay between social media and mental health among adolescents. By understanding the various ways in which social media can impact teenagers' well-being, interventions can be developed to mitigate negative consequences and promote positive online experiences. Future studies could explore longitudinal effects and the effectiveness of different interventions in supporting the mental health of adolescents in the digital age.

Thesis Overview