RESEARCH PROPOSAL

On

The Impact of social media on Mental Health

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
May, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS

S. No
Topic Page Number
.

1. Executive Summary 3

1. Background 3

1. Problem Definition 3-4

1. Research Objectives 4

1. Methodology 4-5

1. Approach Of the Problem 5

Executive Summary:
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 behavior and cause psychiatric disorders.
Several studies have indicated that the prolonged use of social networking sites (SNS), such as Facebook, 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 children and adolescents. 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:
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.

Problem Definition:
Using social media more often, though, increases FOMO 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.

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.

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 di event types of social media content (e.g., images, videos, text) an etc mental well-being di errantly.

Assess the impact of cyberbullying and online harassment on psychological well-being among social media.

Inividuals 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:

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.

Experimental Designs:

Manipulate variables (e.g., time spent, content exposure) to observe direct effects on mental health outcomes.Control
groups help isolate the impact of social media use.

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.

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.