The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health in Adolescents

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents. The study investigates how the pervasive use of social media platforms among adolescents may influence their psychological well-being. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine existing research on the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes in adolescents. The research methodology involved a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews with adolescents to gather data on their social media habits and mental health experiences. The findings revealed a complex interplay between social media use and mental health outcomes, with both positive and negative effects identified. Factors such as social comparison, cyberbullying, and fear of missing out were found to contribute to negative mental health outcomes, while social support and online communities were associated with positive effects. The discussion of findings delves into the implications of these results for mental health interventions and policy recommendations. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of literature on the impact of social media on adolescent mental health and underscores the importance of promoting healthy online behaviors among this vulnerable population.