NAME: JOHN STEVEN A.

DELANTAR DATE:

Research Paper Scaffold

Research Question

What is the impact of social media usage on mental health among teenagers?

Hook

What is interesting about this question? Hook your readers with an interesting fact that might

make them curious about this topic.

Do you want to know interesting facts about this topic? According to a recent study, teenagers

use social media sites for an average of 7.5 hours every day. This data shows the huge effect that social

media has on the lives of young people. However, the possible consequences of this extensive

consumption on their mental health are alarming. By investigating this study topic, we can get interesting

insights into the relationship between social media and teenage mental health, shedding light on whether

excessive screen time on these platforms contributes to concerns such as poor self-esteem, increased

anxiety, or even depression. Understanding these topics in today's generation might have far-reaching

consequences for creating better digital environments and developing tailored treatments to benefit the

mental health of the future generation.

According to Swar and Hameed (2017), the use of social media has grown significantly in the last

few years. Social media refers to "the websites and online tools that facilitate interactions between users

by providing them opportunities to share information, opinions, and interests."

1. They spend a considerable amount of their daily life using social

media such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram and Twitter. Today ‘s

teens share self-created content, post their opinions, and link to other content online more

than any other group (Lenhart et al., 2010).

2. The use of social media can negatively influence adolescents. For example, playing video

games could increase aggressive behavior among teenagers (Anderson et al., 2007).

3. Psychological and physical problems such as sleep deprivation, excessive fatigue, back or

eye strain, social isolation and lack of real-life social relationships have all been identified as

consequences of excessive Internet use (Gross, 2004).

4. It was also observed that many adolescents sleep with their phones, especially under their

pillow and wake up after sleep onset to read and answer texts (Adams, & Kisler, 2013).

5. Research has shown that watching television and playing video games is associated with

physical inactivity and weight during adolescence (Koezuka, , &Koo, Allison, Adlaf, Dwyer,

Faulkner Goodman, 2006).

In summary, this study reviewed the effects of social media usage on mental health. It found that social

media activity, such as time spent on social networks, can have a positive impact on mental health

outcomes related to anxiety and depression. However, the included studies had limitations, primarily

consisting of cross-sectional designs and methodological constraints in sampling. Further research using

qualitative methods and longitudinal cohort studies is needed to better understand the relationship

between social media and mental health. The widespread growth of social media usage in recent years

emphasizes the importance of continued investigation into its implications for mental well-being. By

gaining a deeper understanding of these effects, we can develop strategies to mitigate potential negative

impacts and promote positive mental health in the digital age.

the younger’s use for cyberbullying and trolling which is a hazard for youngster’s mental health.

1. Williams& Teasdale (2018) studied that the individuals who utilize social media excessively long,

they may stick in mental health issue.

2. Oberst, et al. (2017) the effects of online networking that particularly impacts on youngsters’

psychological wellness, the overutilization of internet-based life causes emotional wellbeing

issues.

3. Pater & Mynatt (2017) depicted that social media causes for hostile and unsafe conduct in this

manner it is harmful to the emotional well-being of a person, particularly for youngsters.

4. Parmar (2017) expressed that in 21st -century youth has been investing their energy in various

social contraptions, a normal 12-15 hours per day on stimulation media, including, telephones,

PCs, workstations, TVs, just as some others gadgets. With the assistance of these gadgets, they

use WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and some others.

5. Gipson, et al. (2015) portrayed that an immaturity period youth's psychological well-being and

feeling prosperity, yet they have an absence of data, further requested that how state they are

solid or how to keep this condition

In the study by Barrense-Dias (2019), it is argued that social media platforms can be detrimental to

the mental health of youth due to the prevalence of cyberbullying and trolling. The author suggests

that these negative behaviors pose a significant risk to the well-being of young individuals. Social

media, in this context, is seen as the worst platform for youth due to the potential harm it can cause in

terms of mental health. This viewpoint highlights the need for addressing the issue of cyberbullying

and promoting a safer online environment for young people.

Pearson,2011; Rosen,2011) Social media could be regarded as a ‘double-edged sword’.

1. A systematic review of 11 studies measuring social media use and depressive symptoms in

children and adolescents showed a small but statistically significant relationship (McCrae,

Gettings, & Purssell,2017)

2. A meta-analysis of 23 studies showed correlation of problematic Facebook use and psychological

distress in adolescent and young adults (Marino, Gini, Vieno, & Spada, 2018).

3. Relationship between social media use and depression (Best, Manktelow, & Taylor, 2014; Hoare,

Milton, Foster, & Allender, 2016).

4. A meta-analysis by Asare (2015) showed that sedentary behaviour has a deleterious effect on

mental health in young people, although the direction of this relationship is unclear: people with

mental health problems may be more likely to be less physically active.

5. Understanding the impact of social media on adolescents’ well-being has become a priority due to

a simultaneous increase in mental health problems (Kim,2017).

In conclusion, the perspective of various authors including Deters & Mehl (2013), Lenhart et al. (2015),

Lilley, Ball, & Vernon (2014), O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson (2011), and Rosen (2011) suggests that social

media can be seen as a 'double-edged sword.' This implies that social media platforms have both positive

and negative aspects. While they offer opportunities for communication, connection, and self-expression,

they also present challenges such as social comparison, privacy concerns, cyberbullying, and potential

negative effects on mental health. Recognizing social media as a 'double-edged sword' underscores the

need for individuals to approach its use with caution, being mindful of both the benefits and risks, in order

to optimize the positive impact while mitigating the potential drawbacks.

The fourth source, (Festinger, 2010) states the impact of social media on mental health may differ

between adolescents who engage in downward social comparison (comparing themselves to lower

performers) and those who use higher performers as a reference point.

interaction and both depression and anxiety

2. Similarly, Appel, Gerlach, and Crusius (2016) found that passive Facebook use predicts social

comparison and envy, which in turn lead to depression.

3. Interestingly, such behaviour is more common in adolescents than in younger children and adults

(Krayer, Ingledew, & Iphofen, 2008; Myers & Crowther, 2009).

4. Reviewing 70 studies, Seabrook, Kern, and Rickard (Citation2016) found an inverse correlation

between supportive online interaction on social media and both depression and anxiety.

In conclusion, Festinger (2010) suggests that the impact of social media on mental health can vary

depending on the type of social comparison individuals engage in. Specifically, the study proposes

that adolescents who engage in downward social comparison, comparing themselves to individuals

they perceive as lower performers, may experience different effects on their mental health compared

to those who use higher performers as a reference point. The study implies that the way individuals

engage with social media, particularly in terms of comparison tendencies, can shape the potential

impact on their well-being. This highlights the importance of considering the specific dynamics of

social comparison when examining the relationship between social media and mental health

outcomes among adolescents.

Analysis

I found four main ideas about the impact of social media usage on mental health among teenagers:

Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

Social Comparison and Body Image Concerns

Sleep Disruptions and Addiction

Explain how the ideas are different or the same.

a common foundation of recognizing the potential negative effects of social media. However, they differ in

their specific focuses and aspects of impact.

The first idea highlights the increased risk of mental health issues associated with excessive social media

use among teenagers. It addresses the broader impact, encompassing anxiety, depression, and low self-

esteem resulting from constant exposure to curated and idealized representations of others' lives.

The second idea explores the specific issue of cyberbullying and online harassment facilitated by social

media platforms. It emphasizes the detrimental effects of anonymity and ease of communication, leading

to heightened stress, anxiety, and even thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

The third idea delves into the sphere of social comparison and body image concerns. It underscores how

social media perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and fosters a culture of comparison, leading to

body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and negative self-perception among teenagers.

The fourth idea focuses on the disruptive effects of social media on sleep patterns and addiction. It

highlights how the addictive nature of social media, coupled with the constant availability of platforms, can

disturb teenagers' sleep routines, resulting in irritability, mood swings, and decreased cognitive

functioning.

While all ideas acknowledge the negative impact of social media on mental health, they differ in terms of

the specific aspects they address, ranging from broader mental health issues to cyberbullying, body

image concerns, and sleep disruptions. Together, these ideas provide a comprehensive understanding of

the various dimensions in which social media can influence the mental well-being of teenagers.
How would you test the idea you think most sense

To test the impact of social media usage on teenagers' mental health, a comprehensive research

approach can be taken. This may involve conducting large-scale longitudinal studies with experimental

designs, using qualitative research methods, and using a survey questionnaire as a tool. By utilizing these

approaches, researchers can gather data to assess the relationship between social media usage and

mental health outcomes among teenagers while considering both short-term and long-term effects. This

multifaceted research strategy aims to provide a deeper understanding of the impact of social media on

teenagers' mental well-being and inform interventions and policies to promote positive mental health in

this population.

Results:

Table 1. Profile of the respondents

Gender Respondents

Male 25

Female 25

Total 50

Most Used App

Figure 1

10%
Facebook
Instagram
30% 50%
Tiktok
Twitter
10%
 Psychological impact of social media
on the users
4.5
Figure 1
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Mental tiredness Anxiety Lack of self Depression
Esteem

Figure 2

Conclusion

Based on the findings from the survey of 50 respondents, Figure 1 demonstrates that Facebook is

the most popular social media app among teenagers, accounting for 50% of the results. TikTok follows

with a usage rate of 30%, while Instagram and Twitter each have a usage rate of 10%. In Figure 2, the

results indicate that anxiety is the most prevalent psychological impact experienced by social media

users, with a majority reporting feelings of anxiety. This is followed by depression, mental tiredness and a

lack of self-esteem as other notable impacts.

The most likely explanation seems to be that the central rationale of the study was to examine the

relations between social media and wellbeing of individuals. A significant strong association was found
between adolescents' social media exposure and their social wellbeing. There is no doubt that better

internet access has proved beneficial. However, adolescent age is the crucial period that can decide a

person's future. There are various applications over the app store, and further access to various social

media sites happens to be a serious problem. In addition, they waste their precious time, which can be

used for study and extra curriculum activities. Further, people who use social media try to avoid

conversations with their family members because they remain busy in chatting and texting.

References:

Koezuka, N., Koo, M., Allison, K.R., Adlaf, E.M., Dwyer, J.J.M., Faulkner, G., Goodman,

J. (2006). The relationship between sedentary activities and physical inactivity among

adolescents

Bashir, H. and Ahmad, B. S. (2017). Effects of Social Media on Mental Health: A

Review. The International Journal of Indian Psychology, Volume 4, (3)

Amedie, Jacob (2015). "The Impact of Social Media onSociety". Advanced Writing: Pop

Culture Interse