Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The research project aimed to investigate the impact of social media on mental health among teenagers. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. The quantitative survey was distributed to a sample of 500 teenagers aged 13-18, while qualitative interviews were conducted with a smaller group of 20 participants. The results of the study indicated a significant correlation between social media usage and various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The quantitative data revealed that a large percentage of teenagers reported feeling pressured to present a perfect image of themselves on social media, leading to increased feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Furthermore, the qualitative interviews highlighted the role of cyberbullying and online harassment in exacerbating mental health problems among teenagers. In addition to the negative impacts, the study also uncovered some positive aspects of social media use on mental health. For instance, many participants reported feeling connected to their peers and supported by online communities during difficult times. The qualitative data emphasized the importance of establishing a balance between online and offline interactions to maintain a healthy relationship with social media. Overall, the findings of this research project suggest that social media can have both positive and negative effects on the mental health of teenagers. It is crucial for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to be aware of these impacts and to provide support and guidance to teenagers navigating the digital world. Future research should focus on developing effective interventions and strategies to promote positive mental health outcomes for young social media users.

Thesis Overview