RESEARCH PROPOSAL

On

The Impact of social media on Mental Health of youth.

for the purpose of internal evaluation of the subject

Business Research Methods (KMBN104)

Submitted By

Name: Muskan Bano

Roll No: 23MBA027
Sec: B

Submitted to
Dr Azharuddin Mohammad Mussaiyib

Associate Professor – Department of MBA

ALLENHOUSE INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, ROOMA – KANPUR

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 May, 2024
S. No. Topics Page No
1 INTRODUCTION 3

1.1 Background of the study 3

1.2 Need and Significance of the study 3-4

1.3 Statement of problem 4-5

1.4 Objectives of the study 5

1.5 Scope of the study 5

1.6 Limitations of the study 6-7

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7

2.1 Objectives 7

2.2 Hypothesis 7

2.3 Research Design 7-8

2.4 Sources of Data 6

2.5 Primary and Secondary data 7

2.6 Population 7

2.7 Sample Design 7

2.8 Sampling method 8

2.9 Method of data collection 8

2.10 Drafting a questionnaire 9-10

2.11 Pilot survey (Reliability and Validity of the instrument) 11

2.12 Data analysis techniques 11-15

3 DATA ANALYSIS 16

(suitable headings may be provided)

4 FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 16
4.1 FINDINGS 16

4.2 CONCLUSION 16

4.3 RECOMMENDATIONS 16-17

Bibliography 17

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1.Introduction:
This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of social media has on mental health. During
the past decade, online social networking has caused profound changes in the way people
communicate and interact. It is unclear, however, whether some of these changes may affect
certain normal aspects of human behaviour and cause psychiatric disorders. Several studies have
indicated that the prolonged use of social networking sites (SNS), such as Facebook,Instagaram,
may be related to signs and symptoms of depression. In addition, some authors have indicated
that certain SNS activities might be associated with low self-esteem, especially in youths. Other
studies have presented opposite results in terms of positive impact of social networking on self-
esteem. The relationship between SNS use and mental problems to this day remains controversial,
and research on this issue is faced with numerous challenges. This concise review focuses on the
recent findings regarding the suggested connection between SNS and mental health issues such
as depressive symptoms, changes in self-esteem, and Internet addiction. Yet with this increasing
interest. Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, with billions of people using
social networking platforms.

Background of the study:

The impact of social media on mental health has garnered significant attention in recent years.
Studies have indicated that excessive use of social media platforms can lead to various mental
health issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Factors contributing to these
negative outcomes include cyberbullying, unrealistic comparisons, and the addictive nature of
social media engagement. Additionally, the constant exposure to curated and often idealized
images and lifestyles on social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and FOMO (fear of
missing out). Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing e active interventions and
promoting healthier online behaviours multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy
social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal
thoughts. Social media may promote negative experiences such as: Inadequacy about your life or
appearance.

Need for the Study:

1.Growing Usage of Social Media: Social media platforms have become integral to the lives of
youth globally, influencing their behaviours, interactions, and perceptions.

2.Rising Mental Health Concerns: There is increasing concern about mental health issues
among youth, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which may be influenced by
social media use.

3.Limited Understanding: Despite widespread usage, there is still a limited understanding of

the specific mechanisms through which social media affects mental health, particularly among
youth.

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4.Educational and Policy Relevance: Research findings can inform educators, parents, and
policymakers about the potential risks and benefits of social media use among youth.

Significance of the Study:

1.Informing Mental Health Interventions: By understanding the impact of social media on

mental health, interventions can be developed to promote healthier social media habits and
mitigate negative effects.

2. Empowering Youth: Research can empower youth with knowledge about the potential
consequences of their social media use, helping them make informed decisions about their online
behaviours.

3.Parental and Educational Guidance: Findings can guide parents, teachers, and caregivers in
supporting youth to navigate social media in a way that enhances their well-being.

4.Policy Formulation: Policymakers can use evidence-based research to formulate guidelines

and regulations that protect youth from harmful aspects of social media while fostering its positive
potential.

5.Contributing to Academic Discourse: The study contributes to academic understanding by

providing empirical data and insights into the complex relationship between social media use and
mental health outcomes among youth.

6.Addressing Public Health Concerns: Given the public health implications, the study can
contribute to broader discussions on mental health strategies and initiatives that incorporate
digital and social media influences.

In conclusion, investigating the impact of social media on the mental health of youth is not only
timely but also crucial for addressing contemporary societal concerns and promoting the well-
being of younger generations in an increasingly digital world.

Problem Definition:
Using social media more often, though, increases FOMO [Fear Of Missing Out] and feelings of
inadequacy, dissatisfaction, and isolation. In turn, these feelings negatively an etc your mood and
worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Positive Effects:

Connection and Support: social media allows people to connect with friends, family, and
communities, providing a sense of belonging and support.

Information and resources: Platforms can disseminate valuable information about mental health
resources, coping strategies, and support groups.

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Expression and Creativity: Social media platforms o er spaces for self-expression, creativity,
and advocacy, empowering individuals to share their stories and experiences.

Negative Effects:

Addiction and Dependency: Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, leading to
excessive use and dependency, which can negatively affect in sleep, productivity, and overall
well-being.
Cyberbullying and Harassment: Online harassment, bullying, and trolling on social media
platforms can cause significant psychological distress, leading to anxiety, depression, and even
suicidal thoughts.

Negative Comparisons: Constant exposure to curated and often unrealistic portrayals of other
people's lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and low self-esteem.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): social media often creates a fear of missing out on experiences,
events, or social gatherings, which can lead to anxiety and stress.

Sleep Disruption: Excessive use of social media, particularly before bedtime, can disrupt sleep
patterns, leading to insomnia and fatigue, which in turn can impact mental health.

Invasion of Privacy: Concerns over privacy and data security on social media platforms can
contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety, especially with the growing awareness of data
breaches and misuse of personal information.

Negative Influence on Body Image: Exposure to idealized and often unrealistic body images on
social media can lead to body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and poor self-image, particularly
among young people.
Isolation and Loneliness: Paradoxically, excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of
isolation and loneliness, as it may replace real-life social interactions with superficial online
connections.
Exacerbation of Mental Health Issues: For individuals already struggling with mental health
issues such as depression, anxiety, or trauma, social media can exacerbate symptoms and
contribute to a worsening of their condition.

Filter Bubbles and Echo Chambers: Social media algorithms often create filter bubbles and
echo chambers, where individuals are only exposed to content that reinforces their existing beliefs
and perspectives, potentially leading to polarization and social media.

Addressing these issues requires a combination of individual awareness, responsible platform

design, and societal measures to promote a healthier relationship with social media and prioritize
mental well-being.

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Research Objectives:

➢ Determine the correlation between social media usage patterns (frequency, duration,
content consumption) and various dimensions of mental health (e.g., anxiety, depression,
self-esteem).
➢ Investigate the role of social comparison on social media platforms and its e acts on mental
well-being.
➢ Examine how the event types of social media content (e.g., images, videos, text) an etc
mental well-being.
➢ Assess the impact of cyberbullying and online harassment on psychological well-being
among social media.
➢ Individuals over time to observe changes in mental health associated with social media use.
➢ Allows for understanding of long-term effects and potential causal relationships. Sure,
here's a methodology for studying the impact of social media on mental health broken down
into points:
➢ Tack individuals over time to observe changes in mental health associated with social
media use. Allows for understanding of long-term effects and potential causal relationships.

Approach Of the Problem :literature Review:

A literature review on the impact of social media on mental health would typically cover various
studies exploring correlations between social media use and mental health outcomes, such as
depression, anxiety, loneliness, and self-esteem. It would likely analyse different theoretical
frameworks used to understand these effects, including social comparison theory, the fear of
missing out (FOMO), and the role of cyberbullying. Additionally, it might delve into the potential
positive effects of social media on mental health, such as social support and connectedness.
Overall, it would aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between
social media use and mental well-being based on existing research. Many researchers highlight
the role of social comparison as a key mechanism through which socially media use impact on
mental health. Focusing on positive interaction and connection rather than social comparison or
negative content.

Limitation of the study :

• Measurement Challenges: Defining and measuring mental health outcomes and the impact of
social media use can vary widely across studies, affecting the reliability and comparability of
results.

• Ethical Considerations: Ensuring participant privacy and minimizing potential harm when
discussing sensitive mental health issues is crucial but can be challenging in research involving
youth.

• Dynamic Nature of Social Media: Rapid changes in platforms and usage trends can quickly
make study findings outdated or less relevant to current social media behaviors.

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Self-Reporting and Bias: Participants may not accurately report their social media habits or
mental health status, influenced by factors like social desirability bias or lack of self-awareness.

2.Research Methodology:
Literature Review : Identify existing studies, theories, and frameworks related to social media
and mental health. Analyze past research methodologies, findings, and gaps in understanding.

Surveys: Gather self-reported data on social media usage and mental health symptoms.Assess
correlation between frequency of use, types of platforms, and mental health indicators.

Longitudinal Studies: Tack individuals over time to observe changes in mental health
associated with social media use. Allows for understanding of long-term effects and potential
causal relationships.

Qualitative Interviews: Explore individuals' experiences, perceptions, and behaviours related

to social media and mental health. Provide deeper insights into the subjective impact and
mechanisms involved.

Data Analysis: Statistical methods such as regression analysis to identify associations between
social media use and mental health outcomes. Content analysis to understand the nature of
interactions and content consumption.

Hypotheses :

Hypotheses are statements that express the expected relationship between variables in your study.
In the context of social media and youth mental health, you might have:

-Null Hypothesis (H₀): "There is no significant relationship between social media usage and
mental health outcomes among youth."

-Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): "Social media usage is significantly associated with negative
mental health outcomes among youth."

These hypotheses guide our research design and provide a framework for interpreting our
findings.

Research Design :
Choosing the right research design is crucial for the validity and reliability of this study:
-Longitudinal Study: Follows participants over a period of time to observe changes in social
media use and mental health outcomes. This allows you to examine causal relationships and
temporal patterns.

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 -Cross-sectional Study: Collects data at a single point in time to assess the relationship between
social media use and mental health outcomes. This design is less resource-intensive but doesn’t
capture changes over time.

Source of Data Collection :

Decide on methods for gathering data:

• -Surveys/Questionnaire: Quantitative tools to gather data on social media use patterns

and mental health indicators. Ensure these instruments are validated and reliable.
• -Interviews: Qualitative approach to gain deeper insights into participants' experiences
with social media and how it affects their mental health. This can provide context to
quantitative findings.

Variables:
-Independent Variable: This is the variable that you manipulate or observe to see its effect on
another variable. In this case, the independent variable is social media usage. This could include
factors like frequency of use, duration of use per session, types of platforms used (e.g., Instagram,
Facebook, twitter), and specific activities engaged in (e.g., posting, liking, commenting).

-Dependent Variable: This is the variable that you measure to see how it is affected by the
independent variable. For your study, the dependent variable is mental health outcomes. This
could include measures of anxiety (e.g., using standardized scales like the Generalized Anxiety
Disorder scale), depression (e.g., using scales like the PHQ-9), self-esteem, and overall
psychological well-being.

Population:
Target Population: Specify the group of people your study aims to generalize findings to—in
this case, youth aged 12-25 who are active users of social media.
Sampling Method: Determine how we will select participants from this population. Random
sampling from schools, colleges, or online platforms could be effective. This helps ensure that
your sample is representative and reduces biases.

Method of Data Collection :

Decide on methods for gathering data:

• -Surveys/Questionnaire: Quantitative tools to gather data on social media use patterns

and mental health indicators. Ensure these instruments are validated and reliable.
• -Interviews: Qualitative approach to gain deeper insights into participants' experiences
with social media and how it affects their mental health. This can provide context to
quantitative findings.

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Drafting a questionnaire :
Certainly! Here’s a sample questionnaire survey on the topic of the impact of social media on
mental health in youth .

Introduction:We are conducted a survey to understand how social media influences mental health
among young people. Your responses will remain anonymous and will be used for research
purposes only.
1. Age:

- 12-15

- 15-18

- 18-22

- 22-25

2. Gender:

- Male

- Female

3.Location:

- Urban

- Suburban

- Rural

4. How many hours per day do you spend on social media?

- Less than 1 hour

- 1-2 hours

- 3-4 hours

- 5 or more hours

5. Which social media platforms do you use most frequently? (Select all that apply)

- Facebook

- Instagram
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 - Twitter

- Snapchat

- YouTube

- Other

6. How often do you post updates or content on social media?

- Multiple times a day

- Daily

- Weekly

- Rarely

- Never

7. How do you feel social media affects your mood?

- Very positively

- Somewhat positively

- Neutral

- Somewhat negatively

- Very negatively

8. Do you often compare yourself to others on social media?

- Yes, frequently

- Yes, occasionally

- Rarely

- Never

9.Have you ever taken a break or reduced your social media usage to improve your mental health?

- Yes, I have taken a break

- Yes, I have reduced my usage

- No, I have not

- I have considered it but not yet acted

10. do you have any additional suggestions or comments about the impact of social media on mental health of
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Pilot Survey: Reliability and Validity of the Instrument
1. Reliability of the Instrument:

Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of a measure or instrument over time and
across different conditions. For a pilot survey on the impact of social media on the mental
health of youth, ensuring reliability is essential to trust the results and conclusions drawn from
the study.

Steps to Ensure Reliability and Validity in the Pilot Survey:

1. Pilot Testing: Administer the survey to a small sample of youth to identify any issues
with clarity, comprehension, or appropriateness of questions.
2. Refinement of Items: Based on pilot feedback, refine survey items to ensure they are
clear, relevant, and representative of the constructs being measured.
3. Data Analysis: Use statistical techniques such as Cronbach's alpha for internal
consistency and correlations for validity checks to assess the reliability and validity of
survey responses.
4. Feedback Incorporation: Incorporate feedback from pilot participants and experts in
mental health and survey methodology to improve the instrument further.
5. Continuous Evaluation: Throughout the study, monitor and assess the reliability and
validity of the survey instrument to ensure that it consistently and accurately measures
the impact of social media on the mental health of youth

3.Data Analysis :
• -Quantitative Analysis : Use statistical methods (e.g., correlation, regression analysis) to examine
relationships between social media use and mental health outcomes.
• Qualitative Analysis: Analyze interview transcripts using thematic analysis or other qualitative methods
to explore themes and patterns in participants' experiences.

Responses of the Questionnaire that are based on the survey :

This survey are conducted for the understanding of the impact of social media on mental
health of youth. We received responses from 23 participant. Th data collected will provide
a comprehensive overview of how social media affects young people’s mental well-being.
We are currently analyze the results to draw meaningful conclusion and identify key
trends.

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Ethical Considerations :
Ethics are paramount in research involving human subjects:

o Informed Consent: Obtain consent from participants or guardians, clearly explaining the purpose,
procedures, risks, and benefits of the study.
o Confidentiality: Ensure that participants' identities and responses are protected. Anonymize data
wherever possible.
o Minimizing Harm: Provide resources and support for participants who may experience distress related
to the study topic.

Conclusion and Implications :

Summarize the potential impact of your findings:

- Discuss how our results contribute to existing knowledge on social media and youth mental health.

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 - Suggest practical implications for policymakers, educators, parents, and mental health professionals.

- Recommend future research directions to address limitations or unanswered questions from your study.

By addressing each of these components thoughtfully and systematically, we can design a descriptive research
study that provides valuable insights into the impact of social media on the mental health of youth.

Recommendations :
Based on the research on the impact of social media on the mental health of youth, the following recommendations
are proposed:

Enhanced Digital Literacy Education: Implement educational programs in schools to improve digital literacy
among youth, focusing on understanding social media's effects and fostering healthy online habits.

Parental Guidance and Support: Encourage parents to engage in open conversations with their children about
social media use and its potential impacts on mental health. Provide resources and guidelines to help them support
their children effectively.

Development of Supportive Platforms: Advocate for social media platforms to develop and integrate features
that promote mental well-being, such as tools for managing screen time, providing mental health resources, and
creating safer online environments.

Regular Monitoring and Research: Conduct ongoing research to monitor the evolving impact of social media
on mental health. Regularly update policies and interventions based on new findings to address emerging
challenges.

Promotion of Positive Online Communities: Support initiatives that encourage the creation and engagement in
positive, supportive online communities that can help mitigate negative effects and enhance overall well-being.

Mental Health Resources Accessibility: Increase the accessibility and visibility of mental health resources for
youth, both online and offline, to provide timely support and intervention for those experiencing difficulties
related to social media use.

These recommendations aim to address the challenges identified and promote a healthier balance between social
media use and mental health among young people.

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