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Investigating the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health of Young Adults

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Investigating the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health of Young Adults

Research Problem

Teens and young adults rely heavily on various social media (SM) sites as part of their

routine. However, concerns have been raised about social media's influence on users’ mental

health (MH) due to the rise in SM usage. Research suggests that SM use among young adults

(YA) can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other MH issues. For instance, YA who engage

in excessive use of SM may experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, and low self-esteem,

which can lead to MH issues. On the other hand, there is evidence that SM can give social

support and improve the MH of YA. SM can give a platform for YA to interact with those who

share similar interests, find support for complex life events, and encourage beneficial MH

practices. For instance, YA who utilize SM to interact with others who have had similar

experiences may feel more understood and supported, improving their mental health.

Notwithstanding contradictory evidence, there is a need for a comprehensive examination of

social media's effects on YAs' mental health. This type of research can provide valuable insights

into the association between SM use and MH and inform the development of treatments to

promote MH among YA who use SM.

Purpose Statement

SM has become a vital part of the lives of YHs, with many devoting considerable time to

these sites. Concerns have been expressed, however, concerning the possible harmful effects of

SM use on the MH of YHs. Research has linked YHs' SM usage to anxiety, depression, and

other MH issues. Moreover, there is evidence that SM can give YA social support and enhance

their mental health. Thus, this study aims to examine the effect of SM on the MH of YHs. By
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investigating the potentially harmful and positive effects of SM use on the MH of YHs, research

seeks to give a thorough understanding of how SM influences the MH of YHs.

The outcomes of this study will be crucial because they will inform the creation of

interventions designed to promote MH among YA who use social media. By recognizing the

possible harmful and beneficial consequences of SM use on the MH of YHs, the research can

build evidence-based interventions that aim to maximize the positive benefits and minimize the

negative ones. In addition, this study can help identify groups of YA who may be particularly

susceptible to the detrimental MH impacts of SM use. The study can, for instance, look into

whether or whether those who spend more time on SM are more likely to experience negative

MH outcomes. Targeting interventions more effectively often requires first identifying high-risk

subpopulations.

This research also helps clarify social support's role as a moderator between SM usage

and mental health outcomes. Young adults who use SM regularly may benefit psychologically

from the sense of community and belonging that this activity can provide. Social media also has

the potential to expose young people to poisonous and unpleasant content, which can harm their

mental health. Consequently, it is crucial to develop effective therapies to comprehend the role of

social support in the relationship between SM use and MH outcomes. This research aims to

determine how SM affects YHs' mental health so that remedies can be developed to help this

population. Findings from this study will be critical in providing a comprehensive knowledge of

the connection between SM use and the MH outcomes of YA and in identifying efficient

approaches to promote MH among this demographic.

Research Question(s)

a) How do SM affect the MH of YHs?

b) What is the relationship between SM use and anxiety and depression symptoms among

YHs?

c) What are the potential good and adverse effects of SM use on the MH of YHs?

d) How might SM usage be optimized to support the MH of YHs?

Literature Review

SM use has become an integral part of the everyday lives of YHs, and its impact on MH

has become a growing concern. This literature review examines prior research that has studied

the impact of SM on YHs' mental health. The review will investigate the potential detrimental

and beneficial effects of SM use on the MH of YHs. The literature evaluation will also analyze

the theoretical frameworks utilized to comprehend the association between SM use and the MH

of YHs.

The detrimental effects of SM use on the MH of YA are a developing worry. SM usage

has been associated with increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness, all risk factors for adverse

MH outcomes. The use of Facebook has been shown to have a negative effect on users'

happiness and contentment with life (Foroughi et al., 2019). The study indicated that the longer

participants used Facebook, the worse they felt about their lives. This was especially true for

passive Facebook use, such as passively browsing through the newsfeed without communicating

with other people. The study indicates that SM use can result in social comparison and feelings

of inadequacy, adversely affecting well-being. Jeri-Yabar et al. (2018) found that heavy SM

usage was associated with an increase in anxious and depressive symptoms. The study indicated

that YA who spent more than two hours daily on SM were more likely to express anxiety and

depressive symptoms. The study indicates that excessive SM usage can result in increased stress

and anxiety, which can harm mental health.

According to Marttila et al. (2021), the use of SM has also been related to an increase in

loneliness, a known risk factor for MH issues. According to a study by Primack et al. (2017), YA

who spent more time on SM reported higher levels of social isolation. The study suggests that

the use of SM can lead to feelings of social isolation and loneliness, both of which are

detrimental to mental health. In addition to the detrimental effects of SM use on the MH of YHs,

there are also worries regarding the addictive potential of social media. According to research,

SM use can trigger the same reward areas in the brain as drugs and gambling (Wadsley et al.,

2021). Therefore, this can result in compulsive SM usage and the potential for addiction, which

can harm mental health.

Notwithstanding the detrimental consequences of SM on the MH of YHs, it is essential to

recognize that SM can also have good benefits on mental health. For instance, SM can facilitate

social relationships and create a sense of social support (Pang, 2020). In addition, YA can use

SM to express their creativity and interact with others with similar interests. The harmful impact

of SM use on the MH of YA is a developing worry. While SM can benefit psychological health,

excessive use can cause anxiety, despair, and loneliness (Jaspal & Breakwell, 2020). It is

essential for researchers, healthcare practitioners, and policymakers to comprehend the possible

adverse effects of SM use and to design treatments to promote MH among YA who use social

media.

SM platforms are frequently described as harming the MH of YHs. A recent study

indicates, however, that SM use may also benefit MH (Karim et al., 2020). Despite the

potentially detrimental effects of SM on mental health, it is crucial to comprehend and

investigate the beneficial effects to present a complete picture of the relationship between SM

and mental health. One potential positive effect of SM on the MH of YA is the facilitation of
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social relationships and support. YA who regularly used Facebook had stronger ties to their

communities, found research by Ferrucci et al. (2019). The term "social capital" is used to

describe the advantages that people have as a result of their social relationships. There is a

connection between social capital and favorable MH outcomes, including decreased levels of

despair and anxiety (Hall et al., 2019).

According to Meyer (2022), SM can connect YA with peers with similar interests or

experiences, leading to a sense of belonging and enhanced social support. In addition, SM can

serve as a forum for individuals to share information about MH and connect with others with

similar experiences. According to a study by Berryman et al. (2018), YA who utilized SM to

interact with individuals who shared their MH issues reported feeling less isolated and more

supported. This sense of connection and support can lead to higher self-esteem and a more

optimistic attitude toward life, contributing to an individual's general MH (Cooper et al., 2020).

SM also makes it easier for people to participate in activities that are good for their mental

health, like exercise and artistic pursuits.

According to a study by Fardouly et al. (2017), SM can encourage people to engage in

physical activity and enhance their body image. Individuals can share their creative pursuits

through social media, leading to improved self-expression and a sense of achievement (Meyer,

2022). In conclusion, while there are worries regarding the harmful effects of SM use on the MH

of YHs, recent research indicates that SM can also have sound effects on mental health. SM can

improve social connections and support, give a forum for sharing MH information, and stimulate

participation in beneficial activities (Zhang et al., 2022). By recognizing and investigating the

positive effects of SM on mental health, the research may develop interventions and methods to

optimize SM use for the MH of YHs. Addressing both the positive and negative aspects of SM is
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crucial to provide a comprehensive knowledge of its impact on the MH of YHs. Several

theoretical frameworks have been utilized to comprehend the association between SM use and

the MH of young individuals. One such paradigm is the Social Comparison Theory Festinger,

1954, which states that individuals evaluate their abilities, beliefs, and feelings by comparing

themselves to others (Cherry, 2019). This comparison might take place both physically and

virtually. SM use gives frequent possibilities for social comparison, which can harm mental

health, particularly for those who participate in upward social comparison (Nortje, 2019). The

upward social comparison refers to the inclination to compare oneself to those in a better

situation. This comparison can arise on SM platforms through posts that depict idealized

representations of people's lives. Individuals may share photos of themselves in exotic

destinations, with their ideal-looking mates, or in their dream careers. These messages can

induce feelings of inferiority and inadequacy in others, leading to MH issues such as low self-

esteem, anxiety, and depression. This comparison is particularly prevalent among young

individuals, who are more prone to frequent SM use and upward social comparison (Cherry,

2019).

According to Ryan and Deci (2017), Self-Determination Theory is another theoretical

framework emphasizing the relevance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness for an

individual's well-being. Autonomy is the requirement that individuals feel in charge of their own

lives and decisions. Competence requires that persons feel competent and effective in their

endeavors. Individuals must feel connected to others and broader community members to

experience relatedness. Social connectivity, a significant feature of relatedness, can be fostered

through social media. However, excessive use of SM may diminish autonomy and competence,

resulting in harmful MH consequences (Lin et al., 2020).

Excessive SM use can lead to a sense of loss of control, as individuals may feel forced to

check their notifications and messages continually. This persistent desire for approval can erode

autonomy and contribute to dire MH consequences, such as anxiety and despair. Moreover, SM

use may diminish competency, as individuals may feel inadequate compared to others. This can

result in poor mental health, such as low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.

Understanding the theoretical underpinnings behind the relationship between SM use and the

MH of YA can provide light on the possible detrimental and beneficial effects of SM use. By

employing these theoretical frameworks to guide research, interventions can be designed to

promote the sound effects of SM use while limiting the adverse effects.

In conclusion, social media's influence on YHs' MH is a complicated and multifaceted

problem that demands further study. The literature review emphasizes the possible detrimental

and beneficial effects of SM use on the MH of YHs. On the one hand, excessive SM use among

YA can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other MH issues. But SM can also provide social

support and connection possibilities, which may help their mental health. The theoretical

frameworks used to comprehend the connection between SM use and the MH of YA emphasize

the significance of the social comparison, autonomy, and relatedness for individual well-being.

Social comparison theory posits that individuals use SM to compare themselves to others, which

can harm self-esteem and well-being. Self-determination theory emphasizes the need for

autonomy and relatedness for an individual's well-being, suggesting that SM can meet both

demands, resulting in good MH consequences.

Future research should investigate the potential influence of SM use on the MH of YHs.

Research should focus on determining the conditions in which SM use may be advantageous or

detrimental. This can include the role of different SM platforms, patterns of use, and individual
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traits. In addition, interventions can be designed to maximize SM use for the MH of YHs. This

study intends to contribute to the existing literature by enhancing our understanding of social

media's effect on YHs' mental health. By examining the potential detrimental and positive effects

of SM use on the MH of YHs, this study can inform the development of treatments to promote

MH among SM users.

Proposed Methods of Study

This research project will evaluate social media's influence on YHs' MH using a mixed-

methods approach. This strategy employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies for

data collection and analysis. The initial data collection strategy will be an online survey. A

representative sample of YA who frequently use SM will receive the survey. The poll will ask

about SM usage, MH symptoms, and perceived social support. To ensure the data's accuracy, the

survey will employ accurate and trustworthy measures of SM use and MH symptoms. The

survey will be administered online to maximize accessibility and distribution. The second

technique of data collection will be interviews with focus groups. The focus group interviews

will be conducted with YA who regularly use SM to explore their experiences with SM and its

impact on their MH. The focus groups will be conducted online to allow participants to

participate from the comfort of their homes. The interviews with the focus groups will be audio-

recorded and transcribed for analysis.

Descriptive statistics and regression analysis will be used to analyze the survey data and

draw conclusions about the relationship between SM use and MH symptoms. Descriptive

statistics will summarize the data, and regression analysis will be used to find any statistically

significant relationships between SM use and MH symptoms. The focus group interview data

will be subjected to thematic analysis to discover themes associated with SM use and its effect
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on mental health. Overall, the mixed-methods strategy described in this study will permit a

thorough examination of social media's impact on YHs' mental health. Using quantitative and

qualitative methodologies will provide a more nuanced understanding of the association between

SM use and MH symptoms and a more in-depth examination of the experiences and perspectives

of YA who regularly use social media.

Proposed Analysis

Quantitative data analysis will utilize descriptive statistics to summarize the research

population's characteristics and responses to survey questions. The data's means, standard

deviations, and frequency distributions will be calculated utilizing descriptive statistics. The

association between SM use and MH symptoms will be investigated using regression analysis.

Regression analysis will enable us to determine whether SM use significantly predicts anxiety

and depression symptoms in YHs, controlling for other important variables such as age, gender,

and other demographic characteristics. The qualitative data analysis will employ thematic

analysis to uncover common themes about SM use and its effects on MH in the focus group

interviews. The process of the thematic analysis entails identifying patterns of meaning within

the data and organizing them into themes. The themes will be determined by evaluating the data

from the focus group interviews using open coding, in which the data is segmented and assigned

descriptive codes. These codes are subsequently grouped into more critical topics based on their

similarities. When quantitative and qualitative data analyses are combined, a thorough picture of

social media's impact on YHs' MH can be gained. By employing both approaches, the study will

be able to detect potential associations between SM use and MH symptoms and investigate their

underlying mechanisms. The study's findings will contribute to the current research on SM use

and MH among YA and inform the development of treatments to promote MH among SM users.
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Approaches to Validity and Ethics

Validity is a crucial aspect of every research study, and this study will employ multiple

methods to ensure its validity. Secondly, the research will employ a representative sample of YA

who use SM to guarantee that our findings apply to the entire young adult community. To

guarantee that our sample is representative of the larger population, the study will recruit

individuals from a range of demographics, including ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic

standing. Second, the research will ensure the accuracy of our data by employing reliable and

valid measurements of SM use and MH symptoms. The SM Use Integration Scale (SMUIS) and

the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) will collect data on SM use and MH symptoms,

respectively (Maguire & Pellosmaa, 2022; Distor* et al., 2022). These measures have been

utilized in prior research investigations, and their reliability and validity have been proven.

Thirdly, the research will confirm the validity of our findings by employing relevant data

analysis methodologies. The research will utilize regression analysis to investigate the

association between SM use and MH symptoms and thematic analysis to uncover themes

associated with SM use and its effect on mental health. In this investigation, ethical

considerations are also relevant. The research will acquire informed permission from all

participants, ensuring they know the study's purpose, methods, and potential risks and benefits.

Participants may withdraw from the study at any time without incurring any penalties. The

research will also secure the anonymity and privacy of participants by utilizing unique

identification numbers in place of their names and encrypting all data using password-protected

electronic files. Before conducting the study, one shall get ethical permission from the relevant

institutional review board. The review committee will evaluate the ethical implications of the

study and ensure that it adheres to ethical values such as respect for humans, benevolence, and
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fairness. Therefore, this will ensure that our study adheres to ethical norms and respects the

participants' well-being and dignity.

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