Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The research project aims to investigate the impact of social media usage on mental health among young adults. With the increasing popularity and widespread use of social media platforms, concerns have been raised regarding their potential negative effects on mental well-being. This study seeks to explore the relationship between social media engagement and mental health outcomes, focusing on young adults aged 18-25. The research will utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data on participants' social media habits, mental health status, and perceptions of the impact of social media on their well-being. The quantitative surveys will assess the frequency and duration of social media use, types of platforms used, and self-reported mental health indicators such as stress levels, anxiety, and depression. In addition to the quantitative data, qualitative interviews will provide in-depth insights into how young adults perceive the role of social media in their lives and its influence on their mental health. Themes such as social comparison, FOMO (fear of missing out), cyberbullying, and self-esteem issues will be explored to understand the mechanisms through which social media may affect mental well-being. By triangulating the quantitative and qualitative findings, this research aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes among young adults. The results of this study can have implications for public health interventions, mental health awareness campaigns, and social media literacy programs targeted at this vulnerable population. Overall, this research project addresses a significant gap in the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of social media on mental health among young adults. The findings will contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the psychological effects of digital technology and inform strategies to promote positive mental health in an increasingly connected world.

Thesis Overview