Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The aim of this research project was to investigate the impact of social media on mental health among adolescents. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from a sample of 300 adolescents aged 13-18. The quantitative survey focused on measuring the frequency and duration of social media use, as well as self-reported mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and stress. The qualitative interviews provided in-depth insights into the adolescents' perceptions of how social media influenced their mental well-being. The results of the study indicated a significant correlation between heavy social media use and poor mental health outcomes among adolescents. Specifically, adolescents who reported spending more than 3 hours per day on social media platforms were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to those who spent less time on social media. Additionally, the qualitative findings revealed that social media exposure to cyberbullying, unrealistic body ideals, and fear of missing out contributed to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem among adolescents. Furthermore, the study identified a gender difference in the relationship between social media use and mental health, with female adolescents showing higher susceptibility to negative mental health impacts from social media compared to males. This finding suggests the need for targeted interventions to address the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls in navigating social media environments. Overall, the findings of this research project underscore the complex interplay between social media usage and adolescent mental health. While social media can offer opportunities for social connection and self-expression, it also poses risks to mental well-being, particularly among vulnerable populations such as adolescents. The implications of these findings for mental health practitioners, educators, and parents are discussed, highlighting the importance of promoting digital literacy skills and fostering open communication with adolescents about their online experiences. Future research directions are also suggested, including longitudinal studies to explore the long-term effects of social media on adolescent mental health and the development of evidence-based interventions to support healthy social media use among youth.

Thesis Overview