Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the impact of social media on mental health, focusing on different age groups to provide a comparative analysis. The rapid proliferation of social media platforms has transformed the way individuals communicate, interact, and consume information. While social media offers numerous benefits, concerns have been raised regarding its potential negative effects on mental well-being, particularly in relation to anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. This study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by exploring how social media usage influences mental health outcomes across various age groups. The research begins with an introduction that outlines the background of the study, presents the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance of the study, and defines key terms. A comprehensive literature review in Chapter Two examines existing research on the relationship between social media and mental health, highlighting key findings, theories, and gaps in the literature. Chapter Three details the research methodology, including the research design, sampling strategy, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather insights from participants of different age groups. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the research findings, analyzing the data collected from the surveys and interviews. The results provide valuable insights into how social media impacts mental health outcomes across different age groups, identifying common trends and variations among participants. The discussion also explores potential factors that mediate or moderate the relationship between social media use and mental health. In conclusion, Chapter Five summarizes the key findings of the study, discusses their implications for theory and practice, and offers recommendations for future research and interventions. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between social media and mental health, informing strategies to promote positive online experiences and mental well-being across diverse age groups.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: A Comparative Study of Different Age Groups" aims to investigate the influence of social media on mental health across various age demographics. In recent years, the pervasive use of social media platforms has raised concerns about its potential impact on psychological well-being, particularly in relation to mental health outcomes. This research seeks to explore and compare how individuals in different age groups perceive, experience, and are affected by social media use in relation to their mental health. The study will delve into the existing literature on the subject to establish a strong theoretical framework that will guide the research process. By conducting a comprehensive review of relevant studies, the research aims to identify key themes, trends, and findings related to the impact of social media on mental health. This literature review will provide valuable insights into the current state of knowledge in this field and highlight areas that require further investigation. Using a comparative approach, the research will analyze how social media usage patterns and their effects on mental health vary across different age groups. By examining these differences, the study aims to uncover potential factors that may contribute to varying levels of mental health outcomes among individuals of different ages. Factors such as social media engagement, content consumption, interaction with peers, and self-perception will be explored to understand their role in shaping mental health outcomes. The research methodology will involve quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to gather insights from participants representing different age groups. Surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions will be conducted to gather data on social media usage patterns, mental health perceptions, and experiences among participants. The data collected will be analyzed using statistical tools and qualitative analysis techniques to identify patterns, correlations, and themes that emerge from the research findings. Through a detailed discussion of the research findings, the study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how social media impacts mental health across different age groups. By comparing and contrasting the experiences and perceptions of individuals from various age demographics, the research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. The implications of the findings will be discussed in the context of existing literature and theoretical frameworks, shedding light on potential strategies for promoting positive mental health in the digital age. In conclusion, this research project seeks to make a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge on the impact of social media on mental health by exploring these dynamics through a comparative lens across different age groups. By shedding light on the nuanced ways in which social media influences mental health outcomes, the study aims to inform future research, policy, and interventions aimed at promoting mental well-being in an increasingly digital world.