Description
Essay Prompt:
Choose a cultural issue that is currently relevant that you have a strong opinion about. Compose an essay that presents a well-researched argument about your chosen issue. Who is most affected by it and why is (or isn’t) it worthy of our attention at this moment in time?
Content Requirements:
You must integrate at least 6 quality sources, and annotate 4.
You must also include an MLA format works cited page that cites all sources and media used.
Your essay must include:
Academic Title
Hook+Intro Paragraph+Thesis
Context Paragraph(s)
Body Paragraphs
Quotes/Paraphrased Info
Correctly formatted in-text citations
Counter-Argument
Conclusion
6 Source Works Cited
4 Source Annotated Bib
Format Specifications:
Length: 8-10 pages
MLA Format: typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12pt font, one- inch margins, includes six-entry MLA Works Cited page+ four-entry Annotated Bibliography
Required Sources:
You must include six quality sources. Four of your sources must be annotated.
Two scholarly sources
Two substantive news sources
Two sources of your choice (popular, substantive news, or scholarly).
You works Cited Page and Annotations must be in alphabetical order.
I have a rough draft of this essay already. I need it to be written better, longer, and to fit all the requirements.
Unformatted Attachment Preview
Hanasab 1
Benny Hanasab
Ms. Bumbera
English 1
December 11, 2023
Digital Dilemmas: Navigating the Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health
In today’s world, where we can connect with a simple click, finding genuine, meaningful
connections has become surprisingly challenging. This reality, particularly poignant for young
people, has led to a noticeable rise in anxiety and depression. The COVID-19 pandemic has
only amplified these issues, drastically altering the way we work, learn, and communicate. This
new era has seen us leaning more on digital platforms for nearly everything – be it staying in
touch, learning new things, or just unwinding. This shift has touched everyone, but it’s the
younger generation that’s feeling the most profound psychological effects. However, one aspect
that doesn’t get enough attention is how our constant engagement with social media fits into this
scenario. This essay is an exploration of that very topic. We’re looking at social media through a
lens that reveals it as both a sanctuary and a battleground in terms of mental health for young
people. We’re tackling an essential question: How is the large presence of social media affecting
the mental well-being of our youth, and what does this mean for our society at large? This isn’t
just about understanding a trend; it’s about grasping the future of our societal fabric.
The urgency of addressing the impact of social media on youth mental health has never
been more apparent than in the current global context. With the world reeling from the effects of
a global pandemic, the role of social media as a primary source of connection, information, and
entertainment has been magnified. Lockdowns and social distancing measures have pushed
people, particularly young individuals, towards an increased online presence for their social,
educational, and professional needs. This shift has led to a significant change in the way youth
Hanasab 2
interact with digital media, making it a critical time to assess the effects of these changes on
mental health. Especially for vulnerable youth, who are in a crucial developmental stage,
understanding and addressing the impact of prolonged digital interaction is imperative. This
historical moment, therefore, presents a unique opportunity not only to reevaluate our digital
habits but also to consider their long-term implications on the mental well-being of the upcoming
generation.
Drawing on credible sources like KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) and Psychology
Today, this essay establishes its authority on the subject of social media’s impact on youth
mental health. Recent research from KFF reveals a troubling trend: young adults in the United
States continue to be more likely than their older counterparts to experience symptoms of
anxiety or depression. This data suggests a growing concern about the mental well-being of our
youth in the digital age (KFF, 2023). Further supporting this concern, a report by Psychology
Today highlights a longitudinal study involving nearly 7,000 youth aged 12-15. The study found
that those who spent over three hours daily on social media had a doubled risk of experiencing
poor mental health outcomes. These findings, drawn from respected organizations, not only
lend credibility to the exploration of social media’s impact on youth mental health but also
underscore the need for a deeper understanding and more proactive approaches to address
this emerging challenge (Psychology Today, 2023).
Logically examining the issue of social media usage among teens, a study by Pew
Research Center provides insightful data: about 45% of teens report being online on a
near-constant basis. This intensive engagement with digital platforms raises significant
concerns about its potential impact on mental health and developmental processes. Echoing
these concerns, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns that excessive use of digital media,
like social media, can place adolescents at risk of developing issues like depression, anxiety,
and other mental health disorders. The link between high social media usage and mental health
risks among adolescents is not only intuitively logical but is also clearly supported by empirical
Hanasab 3
evidence. This evidence points to a pressing need for strategies and interventions aimed at
promoting healthier digital habits among young people (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018).
Social media’s inception, initially fluent in design for easy user engagement (Thompson,
43), promised a new era of connectivity. Boyd and Ellison observed, “Social network sites like
MySpace and Facebook emerged as platforms for identity expression, communication, and
networking” (Boyd & Ellison, 2007). However, as these platforms have evolved, they’ve moved
beyond simple fluency, impacting users’ mental health due to increased complexity and content
saturation.
As social media platforms grew, mirroring Thompson’s concept of the Exposure Effect,
where repeated exposure leads to preference (Thompson, 24-25, 29), concerns escalated.
Twenge and Campbell’s research supports this, noting, “The rise of social media correlates with
a sharp increase in mental health issues among young people” (Twenge & Campbell, 2018).
This aligns with Thompson’s MAYA principle – social media, while advanced, remains
acceptably familiar, encouraging prolonged use that impacts mental wellness (Thompson, 47).
While exploring the negative impacts of social media on mental health, it’s essential to
also recognize its positive aspects, as highlighted by Manago et al., who argue that “Social
media can foster a sense of connectedness and community among users” (Manago et al.,
2012). This perspective suggests that social media isn’t solely detrimental; it can also offer
support and a sense of belonging, especially for those who may feel isolated in their offline lives.
The key lies in finding a balanced approach to social media usage, where its potential to
connect and support doesn’t overshadow or exacerbate mental health challenges.
It is important that educators and parents have information on how to lessen the
negative effects of social media on youth mental health. As primary influencers in young
people’s lives, they need strategies to guide responsible social media use, ensuring it becomes
a tool for positive growth rather than a source of anxiety and depression. Educating these
Hanasab 4
groups about the signs of social media-induced stress and the importance of balanced online
and offline activities can play a pivotal role in mitigating these risks.
Another way educators and parents can lessen the negative impact is by actively
promoting digital literacy and emotional resilience among young people. By teaching them to
critically assess online content and encouraging open discussions about their online
experiences, young people can be empowered to navigate social media more safely and
responsibly. Additionally, fostering environments where youth feel comfortable sharing their
concerns about their online interactions can help identify issues early and provide timely
support.
Ultimately, the trend of social media’s influence on youth mental health appears as
though it will continue, given the intertwined nature of digital platforms in our daily lives. The
ethos reason being the moral responsibility we have to protect vulnerable youth, the pathos
reason relating to the emotional impact of social media, and the logos reason based on the
strong correlation found in studies between excessive social media use and mental health
issues. It is crucial to continue researching this area, especially focusing on long-term effects
and developing effective intervention strategies. A call to action for additional research in this
field, particularly studies that involve direct engagement with young people, is essential to
understand and address this modern challenge better.
Hanasab 5
Works Cited:
Boyd, D. M., & Ellison, N. B. “Social network sites: Definition, history, and scholarship.” Journal
of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), 210-230, 2007.
Manago, A. M., et al. “Me and my 400 friends: The anatomy of college students’ Facebook
networks, their communication patterns, and well-being.” Developmental Psychology, 48(2),
369-380, 2012.
Pew Research Center. “Teens, Social Media & Technology 2018.” Pew Research Center:
Internet, Science & Tech, 2018,
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018/.
Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. “Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related
outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new
media screen time.” Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3-17, 2018.
American Academy of Pediatrics. “Media and Young Minds.” Pediatrics, 138(5), 2018.
KFF. “Young Adults’ Experiences with Anxiety and Depression.” KFF, 2023.
Psychology Today. “Social Media and Adolescent Mental Health.” Psychology Today, 2023.
“Latest Federal Data Show That Young People Are More Likely Than Older Adults to Be
Experiencing Symptoms of Anxiety or Depression.” *KFF*, 2023,
[https://www.kff.org/mental-health/press-release/latest-federal-data-show-that-young-people-are
-more-likely-than-older-adults-to-be-experiencing-symptoms-of-anxiety-or-depression](https://w
Hanasab 6
ww.kff.org/mental-health/press-release/latest-federal-data-show-that-young-people-are-more-lik
ely-than-older-adults-to-be-experiencing-symptoms-of-anxiety-or-depression).
“New Evidence on Adolescent Mental Health and Social Media.” *Psychology Today*, 2023,
[https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/202306/new-evidence-on-ado
lescent-mental-health-and-social-media](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-ba
sed-living/202306/new-evidence-on-adolescent-mental-health-and-social-media).
Purchase answer to see full
attachment
