Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project aims to investigate the impact of social media usage on mental health among adolescents. With the increasing prevalence of social media platforms in today's society, it is essential to understand the potential effects on the mental well-being of young individuals. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews to gather data from a sample of adolescents aged 13-18 years. The quantitative aspect of the research will involve distributing surveys to a diverse group of adolescents to assess their social media usage patterns and mental health status. Various scales and questionnaires will be utilized to measure factors such as time spent on social media, types of platforms used, self-esteem levels, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Statistical analysis will be conducted to identify any significant correlations between social media usage and mental health indicators. In addition to the quantitative data, qualitative data will be collected through in-depth interviews with a subset of participants. These interviews will provide a more nuanced understanding of how social media influences the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of adolescents. Themes related to social comparison, cyberbullying, fear of missing out (FOMO), and online harassment will be explored to uncover the complex interactions between social media and mental health. The findings of this research project are expected to contribute to the existing literature on the topic by offering insights into the specific ways in which social media impacts the mental health of adolescents. By examining both quantitative and qualitative data, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between social media usage patterns and various aspects of mental well-being. Ultimately, the results of this research have the potential to inform interventions and strategies aimed at promoting positive mental health outcomes among adolescents in the digital age. By identifying potential risk factors associated with social media use, policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals can develop targeted approaches to support the psychological well-being of young individuals in an increasingly connected world.

Thesis Overview