Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The research project focused on investigating the impact of social media on mental health among young adults. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data. The quantitative survey was distributed to a sample of 500 young adults aged 18-30, while the qualitative interviews were conducted with a subset of 20 participants selected from the survey respondents. The findings revealed a complex relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes. While a majority of participants reported feeling pressure to present an idealized version of themselves on social media, leading to increased feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, some also highlighted the positive aspects of social media, such as providing a sense of community and support during difficult times. The quantitative data showed a significant correlation between high social media usage and symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly among those who spent more than two hours per day on social networking sites. The qualitative interviews provided deeper insights into the ways in which social media influences mental health. Participants described how constant comparison with others on social media contributed to low self-esteem and negative self-perception. They also discussed the phenomenon of "FOMO" (fear of missing out) and how it drove them to spend excessive amounts of time on social media, further exacerbating their mental health issues. Overall, the study highlighted the need for increased awareness and education around healthy social media usage practices among young adults. It also underscored the importance of developing strategies to promote positive online interactions and reduce the negative impact of social media on mental health. The findings have implications for mental health professionals, educators, policymakers, and social media companies in terms of implementing interventions and policies to support the mental well-being of young adults in the digital age. In conclusion, the research project shed light on the complex interplay between social media and mental health among young adults. By exploring both the positive and negative effects of social media usage, the study contributes to a better understanding of this important issue and provides valuable insights for future research and interventions in this area.

Thesis Overview