Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The research project aims to investigate the impact of social media on mental health among adolescents. With the increasing prevalence of social media use among young people, concerns have been raised regarding its potential effects on mental well-being. This study will explore the relationship between social media usage patterns and mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and self-esteem, among adolescents aged 13-18 years. The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data on social media habits and mental health indicators. The quantitative survey will assess the frequency and duration of social media usage, types of platforms used, and self-reported mental health symptoms. Additionally, standardized measures of anxiety, depression, and self-esteem will be included to provide objective data on participants' mental health status. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with a subset of participants to gain in-depth insights into their experiences with social media and how it influences their mental well-being. These interviews will explore themes such as social comparison, cyberbullying, FOMO (fear of missing out), and coping strategies employed by adolescents to manage the negative impact of social media on their mental health. The research will also examine potential moderators and mediators of the relationship between social media use and mental health. Factors such as peer support, parental monitoring, and online safety practices will be considered to understand how they may mitigate or exacerbate the effects of social media on adolescents' mental well-being. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the existing body of literature on the impact of social media on mental health, particularly among adolescents. By identifying the ways in which social media can both positively and negatively influence mental well-being, this research aims to inform interventions and guidelines for promoting healthy social media use among young people. Overall, this research project seeks to provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between social media and mental health among adolescents, offering implications for both research and practice in the fields of psychology, public health, and education.

Thesis Overview