Description
Research Proposal Instructions and Guidelines: Your research proposal topic must be the same as your literature review.
The research proposal is divided into two parts:
1- The proposal that you upload on Blackboard (worth 20 points).
2- A PowerPoint to be used for your presentation (worth 10 points). The proposal has to include the following headings:
• Introduction and importance of your research subject.
• Research Questions.
• You do not need to include your literature review as you already
have done it.
• Hypothesis and Methodology.
• Research Design.
• References.
Your research proposal must be written as per the following: Introduction and importance of your research topic 4 pages for the review and the 5th page for references. APA citation style. 12 size Times New Roman font. 500 words per page (except the reference page). Your work will be checked for plagiarism or AI usage. Thus, any plagiarism in your work will result to a Zero for this assignment.
Unformatted Attachment Preview
Outline of Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
I. Introduction
a)
Background
b)
Purpose of the literature review
c)
Overview of positive, negative, and mixed effects
d)
Role of sociocultural factors and adolescent mental health
II. Positive Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
a)
Lowering loneliness and emotional support
b)
Use of social media for interventions and support groups
c)
Fostering a sense of belonging and social connections
d)
Preventing isolation through support networks
III. Negative Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
a)
Correlation between excessive use and depression
b)
Lower self-esteem and increased anxiety
c)
Impact on loneliness, inadequacy, and fear of missing out (FOMO)
d)
Importance of moderation and self-awareness in online interactions
IV. Mixed Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
a)
Complex relationship between social media use and teenage mental health
b)
Distinction between active and passive social media use
c)
Promoting emotional well-being through active engagement
d)
Detrimental effects of passive use on mental health
V. Challenges and Opportunities
a)
The pervasiveness of cyberbullying and emotional distress
b)
Leveraging social media for campaigns to raise awareness and promote mental health
c)
The need for a nuanced approach to understanding social media’s role in mental health
VI. Social Media’s Dual Nature
a)
Positive aspects of social media providing companionship and support
b)
Adverse effects of social comparison on self-esteem and well-being
c)
The importance of acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects
VII. Sociocultural Factors
a)
Influence of social expectations, cultural norms, and beliefs on mental health
b)
Variability in how different cultures view social media’s impact on mental health
c)
Importance of culturally sensitive approaches to understanding social media’s influence
VIII. Adolescent Mental Health
a)
Impact of excessive social media use on teenagers
b)
Increased stress, anxiety, and sleep disruptions among teens
c)
Vulnerability of adolescents to the adverse effects of social media
IX. Conclusion
a)
Recap of the complex and nuanced nature of the relationship between social media and
mental health
b)
Emphasis on spreading awareness of ethical, social media use and fostering positive
online interactions
c)
The role of mental health practitioners in using social media for interventions and
understanding campaigns
d)
The need for a more informed and balanced approach to social media use for improved
well-being.
X. References
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Social media keeps evolving every day with advancements in technology. As such, there
is a need for people to keep up with the pace to enhance its efficiency. Social media has become
indispensable in our lives in this digital age. People from different corners of the world can easily
connect with the help of social media. Therefore, it is a platform that makes connections, sharing,
and social engagement possible. However, there have been worries raised over its impact on
mental health. Diverse researchers hold differing opinions about how social media affects its
users’ mental health. Thus, by utilizing a variety of papers, this literature review seeks to
investigate the potential effects social media users may have, particularly on their mental health.
Positive Effects
To shed light on how social media use affects users’ psychological states, researching is
crucial. Numerous studies have shown that social media improves mental health. First, Braghieri,
Levy, and Makarin (2022) found that social media reduces loneliness and provides emotional
support. People feel connected with the events and various entertainments through social media
sites like Facebook. According to Naslund, Bondre, Torous, and Aschbrenner (2020), social
media interventions and support groups can improve mental health. Positive social media
connections can build community in settings where in-person interactions are limited. These
findings suggest that social media may improve mental health in a more connected society. Poon
and Sudano (2020) found that social media support networks and virtual communities can help
some people avoid isolation. They allow people to share their thoughts, feelings, and
experiences, strengthening ties and providing emotional support. These benefits of social media
suggest it may improve mental health.
Negative Effects
Although social media has advantages, several studies have highlighted its drawbacks.
Coyne et al. (2020) found a troubling connection between excessive use of social media and a
greater risk of depression in an eight-year longitudinal study. This study emphasizes how crucial
it is to set screen time limits to reduce any hazards to mental health. Furthermore, Deepa and
Priya (2020) conducted a thorough investigation into the effects of social media on students and
discovered concerning results. Overuse of social media has been linked to lesser self-esteem and
increased anxiety. Young people should note this, as they are more susceptible to these harmful
impacts. Such excessive use frequently results in loneliness, inadequacy, and widespread fear of
missing out (FOMO), all of which hurt one’s mental health. This research offers critical new
perspectives on unrestrained social media use risks. They emphasize the necessity for people to
practice self-awareness and moderation in their online contacts, especially for younger users, to
protect their mental health.
Mixed Effects
There is no denying the complication of the connection between social media and
psychological health. Some research indicates that it has both beneficial and destructive features.
O’Reilly (2020) found that there is a complicated link between teenage mental health and how
one uses social media. Social media use among teenagers can have many benefits and
drawbacks. Teens who use social media for positive things, including interacting with their
friends and looking for emotional support, could reap real rewards. These relationships can give
1
them a feeling of community and emotional support, which is good for their mental health.
However, it’s essential to be aware of the possibility of adverse effects. Teenagers who
experience cyberbullying, a problem that is common on social media platforms, may experience
emotional discomfort and have worse results for their mental health. Furthermore, excessive
screen time resulting from a lack of moderation can exacerbate the detrimental effects on mental
health by causing sleep problems and elevated stress levels.
Verduyn, Gugushvili, and Kross (2021) also look at the difference between using social
media actively and passively. Their findings demonstrate that favorable emotional results are
linked to active involvement, which entails taking part in conversations and sharing personal
experiences. Connectivity and well-being can be promoted by actively utilizing social media to
engage in meaningful conversations and build relationships with people. Conversely, passive
use—scrolling through content mindlessly without engaging in significant interaction—has been
related to detrimental well-being effects. This highlights the significance of how people use
social media and the impact of active participation on how they feel about their mental health.
Challenges and Opportunities
Nesi’s (2020) examination of the potential and difficulties linked to social media about
the mental health of teenagers highlights the complex nature of this relationship. Nesi identified
several significant challenges, including the pervasiveness of cyberbullying, a severe problem on
social media sites. Adolescents who experience this kind of harassment may experience extreme
emotional distress, which exacerbates mental health issues. Social media’s accessibility and
anonymity can encourage bad behavior, which can have a detrimental impact on young people
who already have a mental illness. However, Nesi (2020) also highlights the many chances social
media offers for promoting and addressing mental health. Social media platforms can be valuable
instruments for sharing essential data and resources for youth assistance. By utilizing these
platforms, organizations and mental health professionals can effectively reach a broad audience
and offer insightful guidance, educational resources, and connections to support networks. It is
possible to mitigate some of the adverse effects and encourage adolescents to engage in positive
mental health practices by utilizing social media in this way.
Karim et al. (2020) systematic social media and mental health review illuminates this
complex interaction. The review acknowledges that excessive social media use increases anxiety
and lowers self-esteem. These findings support Nesi’s concerns regarding social media’s impact
on youth mental health. The systematic review reveals an important counterbalance: using social
media for mental health awareness initiatives. The report acknowledges the difficulties but
highlights the progress made using social media to educate, support, and raise public awareness
of mental health issues. It recognizes social media’s potential as a positive force in mental health
and emphasizes the need to understand its role nuancedly.
Zsila and Reyes (2023) investigate social media’s dual nature and its effects on mental
health. They admit that social media can help people feel connected to others and supported,
which is helpful for those who are lonely or emotionally distressed. In a world where
connections are made increasingly through technology, these positive interactions can be sources
of solace and companionship. Zsila and Reyes do, however, also highlight the negative aspects of
social media, where users are frequently subjected to exaggerated expectations and carefully
manicured representations of other people’s lives. Social comparison is a phenomenon where
people assess their own lives and self-worth concerning the ostensibly idealized lives of others.
2
This exposure can lead to social comparison. Comparing oneself to others can lead to low selfesteem, inadequacy, and unfulfillment. To promote a thorough understanding of social media’s
effects, this potential harm must be acknowledged in mental health.
Sociocultural Factors
Poon and Sudano’s (2020) study on sociocultural determinants and social media use and
mental health shows the importance of context and cultural variety. They emphasize that social
media’s effects vary by community and culture. People’s perceptions and emotions regarding the
consequences of social media on mental health are influenced by societal expectations, cultural
norms, and beliefs. Some cultures use social media to build relationships and obtain aid, which
can improve mental health. In other cultures, it might induce concern, anxiety, or peer pressure,
which can harm mental health. Understanding sociocultural factors is crucial to understanding
social media’s broader effects. It underlines the need to adapt therapies and approaches to local
cultural contexts and use a culturally sensitive method when addressing social media’s impact on
mental health.
Adolescent Mental Health
Due to its potential to affect teenage mental health, social media has received attention.
Many researchers have devoted their time to understanding the relationship between the mental
challenges of teenagers and the frequency of their social media use. For instance, in 2022, Kaur,
Kaur, and Verma investigated how excessive social media use affects teens’ mental health. This
study shows that excessive social media use can harm adolescents. One major conclusion is that
teens who use social media excessively express higher stress and anxiety. Stress from social
media, peer relationships, and the need to have a controlled online presence can cause anxiety in
teens. These findings support worries that social media can increase teen stress. The study also
found that excessive social media use by adolescents disrupts sleep. Sleep is essential to mental
health, and disruptions can have serious consequences. Late-night social media use by
adolescents due to FOMO (fear of missing out) or addiction may cause abnormal sleep patterns,
exhaustion, and irritability. Sleep interruption worsens mental health issues. Teens are more
susceptible to social media’s negative effects due to their development and gullibility.
Adolescents are more sensitive and impacted by external stimuli, including social media, due to
psychological and emotional changes. They are more vulnerable to social comparison and
cyberbullying because of their developing self-identity and self-esteem.
Conclusion
Research shows that social media use can improve and hinder mental health, making it a
complex issue. Cyberbullying, excessive screen time, and unrealistic standards are harmful.
Positive characteristics include social support and belonging. Understanding that social media
use might yield inconsistent effects is crucial. Sociocultural factors and developmental phases
determine how social media influences mental health, especially for youth. Ethical, social media
use and positive online interactions are essential to address mental health and social media
difficulties. Social media should be used for mental health interventions, support, and awareness.
Understanding the complexities of social media and mental health can help us utilize social
media more wisely and balance it, improving people’s well-being in the digital age.
3
References
Braghieri, L., Levy, R. E., & Makarin, A. (2022). Social media and mental health. American
Economic Review, 112(11), 3660-3693.
https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257%2Faer.20211218&ref=twelvetables.blog
Coyne, S. M., Rogers, A. A., Zurcher, J. D., Stockdale, L., & Booth, M. (2020). Does time spent
using social media impact mental health?: An eight-year longitudinal study. Computers in
human behavior, 104, 106160.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563219303723
Deepa, M., & Priya, V. K. (2020). Impact of social media on the mental health of students.
International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 9(03).
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/V-KrishnaPriya/publication/340779328_IMPACT_OF_SOCIAL_MEDIA_ON_MENTAL_HEALT
H_OF_STUDENTS/links/5e9d856e299bf13079aa9558/IMPACT-OF-SOCIAL-MEDIAON-MENTAL-HEALTH-OF-STUDENTS.pdf
Karim, F., Oyewande, A. A., Abdalla, L. F., Ehsanullah, R. C., & Khan, S. (2020). Social media
use and its connection to mental health: a systematic review. Cureus, 12(6).
https://www.cureus.com/articles/31508-social-media-use-and-its-connection-to-mentalhealth-a-systematic-review.pdf
Kaur, S., Kaur, K., & Verma, R. (2022). Impact of social media on the mental health of
adolescents. Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results, 779-783.
https://pnrjournal.com/index.php/home/article/download/2441/2090
Naslund, J. A., Bondre, A., Torous, J., & Aschbrenner, K. A. (2020). Social media and mental
health: benefits, risks, and opportunities for research and practice. Journal of technology
in behavioral science, 5, 245-257. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41347-02000134-x
Nesi, J. (2020). The impact of social media on youth mental health: challenges and opportunities.
North Carolina Medical Journal, 81(2), 116-121.
https://ncmedicaljournal.scholasticahq.com/article/55247.pdf
O’Reilly, M. (2020). Social media and adolescent mental health: the good, the bad and the
ugly. Journal of Mental Health, 29(2), 200-206.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09638237.2020.1714007
Poon, S. K., & Sudano, L. E. (2020). Impact of social media on mental health (pp. 181-189).
Springer International Publishing. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-03044754-0_14
Sadagheyani, H. E., & Tatari, F. (2020). Investigating the role of social media on mental
health. Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 25(1), 41-51.
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/MHSI-06-2020-0039/full/html.
Verduyn, P., Gugushvili, N., & Kross, E. (2021). The impact of social network sites on mental
health: distinguishing active from passive use. World Psychiatry, 20(1), 133.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7801842/
4
Zsila, Á., & Reyes, M. E. S. (2023). Pros & cons: impacts of social media on mental
health. BMC psychology, 11(1), 201. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40359023-01243-x
Purchase answer to see full
attachment
