Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the impact of social media use on mental health in young adults through a longitudinal study. The research aims to address the growing concern surrounding the relationship between social media usage and mental well-being, particularly among the young adult population. The study utilizes a longitudinal design to examine how social media use influences various aspects of mental health over time. The research is guided by the theoretical framework of social comparison theory and self-esteem theory to explore the mechanisms through which social media may affect mental health outcomes. The introductory chapter provides an overview of the study, including the background of the research, the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definitions of key terms. The literature review chapter synthesizes existing research on social media use and mental health, highlighting the key findings and gaps in the current literature. The research methodology chapter outlines the study design, sampling procedure, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques employed in the longitudinal study. The findings chapter presents the results of the longitudinal study, examining the relationship between social media use and various mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and body image. The discussion of findings chapter interprets the results in the context of existing literature, discusses the implications of the findings, and offers recommendations for future research and interventions. The conclusion chapter summarizes the key findings of the study, highlights the contributions to the field, and discusses the practical implications for mental health professionals, policymakers, and social media users. Overall, this thesis contributes to our understanding of the complex relationship between social media use and mental health in young adults. The findings have important implications for promoting positive mental health outcomes and developing strategies to mitigate the potential negative effects of social media use on well-being.

Thesis Overview

The Impact of Social Media Use on Mental Health in Young Adults: A Longitudinal Study aims to investigate the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes among young adults over an extended period of time. This research project is motivated by the growing concern over the potential negative effects of social media on mental well-being, particularly in the younger population who are heavy users of these platforms. The study will delve into the various facets of social media use, including the types of platforms used, frequency of use, content consumption, interactions, and overall engagement. By tracking these variables longitudinally, the research aims to identify patterns and trends that may shed light on the impact of social media on mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and overall psychological well-being. Through a comprehensive literature review, this project will synthesize existing research on the topic, highlighting key findings and gaps in knowledge. By drawing on psychological theories and empirical studies, the study will establish a theoretical framework to guide the investigation and interpretation of results. The research methodology will involve recruiting a sample of young adults and collecting data through surveys, interviews, and possibly digital tracking of social media use. The longitudinal design will enable the researchers to observe changes in mental health outcomes over time and explore potential causality between social media use and mental health. The findings from this study are expected to contribute to the current understanding of how social media impacts the mental health of young adults. The results may have implications for mental health interventions, social media guidelines, and digital well-being practices targeted at this demographic. By shedding light on the complex interplay between social media use and mental health, this research seeks to inform policies and interventions that promote positive mental well-being in the digital age.