Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the impact of social media on mental health in young adults through a comparative study. The rapid growth and widespread use of social media platforms have raised concerns about their potential effects on mental well-being, particularly among young adults. The study aims to investigate how social media usage influences mental health outcomes in this demographic and to compare these effects across different platforms. The research begins with an introduction that provides background information on the topic, highlights the problem statement, and outlines the objectives of the study. The limitations and scope of the research are also discussed, along with the significance of the study and the structure of the thesis. Definitions of key terms related to social media, mental health, and young adults are provided to establish a common understanding of the concepts explored in the study. Chapter two presents a comprehensive literature review that examines existing research on the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes in young adults. The review covers ten key themes, including the psychological impact of social media, social comparison theory, cyberbullying, FOMO (fear of missing out), and the role of social support in mitigating negative effects. Chapter three details the research methodology employed in the study, outlining the research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures. The chapter also discusses ethical considerations and limitations of the research methodology. In chapter four, the findings of the study are presented and discussed in detail. The results of the comparative analysis of social media platforms and their impact on mental health outcomes in young adults are explored, providing valuable insights into the nuances of these relationships. Finally, chapter five offers a summary of the key findings, conclusions drawn from the research, and recommendations for future studies and interventions. The implications of the study for mental health professionals, social media companies, and policymakers are discussed, emphasizing the importance of promoting positive online environments for young adults to safeguard their mental well-being. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the impact of social media on mental health in young adults and provides valuable insights for addressing the challenges posed by excessive or harmful social media use in this vulnerable population.

Thesis Overview

The research project entitled "Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health in Young Adults: A Comparative Study" aims to investigate the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes among young adults. In recent years, the prevalence of social media platforms has significantly increased, leading to concerns about their potential impact on mental well-being, particularly among the younger population. This study seeks to address this gap in knowledge by conducting a comparative analysis of social media usage patterns and mental health indicators among young adults. The project will begin with a comprehensive review of existing literature on the subject, examining the various theories and empirical studies that have explored the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. This literature review will provide a theoretical framework for the study and help identify gaps in current research that warrant further investigation. Following the literature review, the research methodology will be outlined, detailing the study design, sampling strategy, data collection methods, and statistical analyses that will be employed to examine the research questions. The study will utilize both quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather data on social media usage patterns, mental health symptoms, and other relevant variables from a sample of young adults. The findings of the study will be presented and analyzed in the subsequent chapter, focusing on the associations between social media use and mental health outcomes among the study participants. The results will be compared across different social media platforms to identify any significant differences in their impact on mental health. Finally, the project will conclude with a discussion of the implications of the findings, including recommendations for future research and interventions aimed at promoting positive mental health outcomes among young adults in the digital age. By shedding light on the complex relationship between social media use and mental health, this study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities posed by the digital environment for young people today.