Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the impact of social media on the mental health of young adults through a comparative study. The pervasive use of social media platforms among young adults has raised concerns about its potential effects on mental well-being. The study aims to analyze and compare the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes among young adults in different settings. The research begins with an exploration of the background of the study, highlighting the increasing prevalence of social media in the lives of young adults and the growing concern about its impact on mental health. The problem statement underscores the need to understand the potential risks and benefits associated with social media use in relation to mental health outcomes. The objectives of the study are to examine the patterns of social media usage among young adults, assess the effects on mental health indicators, and identify potential factors that may influence these outcomes. Limitations of the study are acknowledged, including the challenges of measuring the complex interplay between social media use and mental health, as well as the potential biases in self-reported data. The scope of the study focuses on young adults aged 18-25 from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds, allowing for a comparative analysis across different demographic groups. The significance of the study lies in contributing to the existing body of research on the relationship between social media and mental health, providing insights that can inform interventions and support strategies for young adults. The structure of the thesis is outlined, with Chapter 1 providing an introduction to the research topic, background information, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, and definition of key terms. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review, examining existing studies on social media use and mental health outcomes among young adults. Chapter 3 details the research methodology, including the study design, data collection methods, sampling procedures, and data analysis techniques. Chapter 4 presents a detailed discussion of the findings, analyzing the relationships between social media use and mental health indicators, comparing results across different demographic groups, and exploring potential factors influencing these outcomes. Finally, Chapter 5 offers a conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting key findings, implications for practice and policy, and recommendations for future research in this area. Overall, this thesis seeks to enhance our understanding of the impact of social media on the mental health of young adults, providing valuable insights that can inform efforts to promote well-being and resilience in this vulnerable population.

Thesis Overview

Overview: The research project titled "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 rise of social media platforms has transformed the way individuals communicate, interact, and engage with each other. While social media offers various benefits, including enhanced connectivity and information sharing, there is growing concern about its potential negative impact on mental health, particularly among young adults. This comparative study will examine the effects of social media use on mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem, among young adults aged 18-25 years. By comparing the mental health profiles of social media users and non-users within this demographic group, the research aims to provide valuable insights into the potential influences of social media on mental well-being. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data on social media usage patterns, mental health indicators, and perceived impacts among young adults. The quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical techniques to identify correlations and patterns, while the qualitative data will offer in-depth perspectives on the subjective experiences and perceptions of participants. Through this comparative analysis, the research seeks to address the following key research questions: 1. What is the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes among young adults? 2. How do social media users and non-users differ in their mental health profiles and well-being? 3. What are the perceived benefits and drawbacks of social media use on mental health among young adults? 4. What strategies and interventions can be implemented to promote positive mental health outcomes in the context of social media usage? By shedding light on the complex interplay between social media engagement and mental health in young adults, this comparative study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on this important topic. The findings from this research have the potential to inform mental health practitioners, policymakers, educators, and technology developers about the implications of social media use on the well-being of young adults and to guide the development of evidence-based interventions and support mechanisms to promote positive mental health outcomes in the digital age.