Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the impact of social media use on the mental health of young adults. The rapid growth and widespread adoption of social media platforms have revolutionized communication and social interaction among individuals, particularly young adults. However, concerns have been raised about the potential negative effects of excessive social media use on mental health, including increased feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes among young adults. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, presenting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure, and definition of key terms. Chapter Two comprises a detailed literature review that examines existing research on the impact of social media on mental health, exploring various theories and empirical studies that highlight both the positive and negative effects of social media use on psychological well-being. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study, including the research design, sampling methods, data collection procedures, and data analysis techniques. The chapter also discusses ethical considerations and limitations that may have influenced the research outcomes. Chapter Four presents a comprehensive discussion of the research findings, analyzing the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes among young adults based on the data collected and analyzed. The concluding Chapter Five summarizes the key findings of the study, highlights the implications for theory and practice, and provides recommendations for future research in this area. Overall, this thesis contributes to a better understanding of the impact of social media on the mental health of young adults, offering insights that can inform interventions and policies aimed at promoting positive mental health outcomes in the digital age. Keywords social media, mental health, young adults, anxiety, depression, social interaction, well-being, digital communication, technology, self-esteem.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "The Impact of Social Media Use on Mental Health among Young Adults" aims to investigate the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes among young adults. In recent years, social media platforms have become increasingly popular among young adults, providing a space for social interaction, self-expression, and information sharing. However, concerns have been raised about the potential negative impact of excessive social media use on mental health, including increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem. This study will focus on exploring the various ways in which social media use may influence the mental health of young adults. By conducting a comprehensive literature review, the research will examine existing theories and empirical evidence on the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. The study will also consider the role of specific social media activities, such as comparing oneself to others, seeking validation through likes and comments, and experiencing cyberbullying, in shaping mental health outcomes among young adults. In addition, the research will investigate potential moderators and mediators of the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes, such as personality traits, social support, coping strategies, and online behavior patterns. By identifying these factors, the study aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between social media use and mental health among young adults. Furthermore, the research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from a diverse sample of young adults. By integrating both quantitative and qualitative data, the study seeks to capture the subjective experiences and perceptions of young adults regarding their social media use and mental health. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the impact of social media use on mental health among young adults. By shedding light on the potential risks and benefits of social media use for mental health outcomes, the study aims to inform future interventions and policy initiatives aimed at promoting healthy social media use practices among young adults.