Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The project aimed to investigate the impact of social media on mental health among adolescents. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore the existing knowledge on this topic. The findings revealed a complex relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes in adolescents. While some studies suggested a negative association, others highlighted potential benefits such as social support and emotional expression. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gather data from a sample of adolescents. The results indicated that excessive use of social media was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. However, the qualitative data provided insights into the mechanisms underlying these effects, such as cyberbullying and unrealistic social comparisons. Furthermore, the study identified potential protective factors that could mitigate the negative impact of social media on mental health. These included parental monitoring, digital literacy skills, and social support networks. The findings underscored the importance of fostering digital resilience in adolescents to help them navigate the challenges of online interactions. Overall, the project contributes to the growing body of research on the relationship between social media and mental health in adolescents. By combining quantitative and qualitative methods, the study offers a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms through which social media can influence mental well-being. The findings have implications for policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals working with adolescents, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to promote healthy social media use and support positive mental health outcomes.

Thesis Overview