Table of content

Major Terms in the Topic

Rationale, Research Background, and Research Motivation
Background
Literature Review
Literature Gap
Relevance and Necessity of the Topic
Research Questions and Objectives
Hypothesis Development
Hypothetical Research Model
Reference

Impact of Social Media on Mental Health of Adolescents

and Young Adults

Major Terms in the Topic

● Social Media: Digital platforms and applications that facilitate social interactions, such
as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
● Mental Health: Psychological well-being encompassing aspects such as depression,
anxiety, self-esteem, and overall emotional health.
● Adolescents and Young Adults: Individuals typically aged 13-24 who are in a critical
developmental stage.

Rationale, Research Background, and Research Motivation

Rationale: The widespread use of social media among adolescents and young adults has led to
growing concerns about its impact on their mental health. Understanding this relationship is
essential for developing interventions that can mitigate negative outcomes.
Research Background:
● Practical Issue: Adolescents and young adults are prolific users of social media, often
engaging in activities that expose them to cyberbullying, social comparison, and sleep
 disruption. These factors can contribute to mental health issues like depression and
anxiety.
● Theoretical Issue: While several studies have explored the relationship between social
media use and mental health, gaps remain in understanding the mechanisms behind these
effects, the role of different social media platforms, and the long-term consequences on
mental health.
Research Motivation: Investigating the impact of social media on mental health is crucial for
informing public health policies, guiding educational programs, and aiding parents and educators
in supporting young people. This research aims to fill existing gaps and provide a comprehensive
understanding of how social media influences mental health.

Background
The rapid proliferation of social media has profoundly transformed the way individuals interact,
communicate, and perceive the world around them. Adolescents and young adults, in particular,
have become the most active users of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram,
Snapchat, TikTok, and Twitter. This demographic shift raises significant concerns and
opportunities regarding mental health, necessitating an in-depth examination of the relationship
between social media usage and psychological well-being.
Social media is defined as digital platforms and applications that facilitate the creation and
sharing of content, as well as interactions among users (Swar & Hameed, 2017). The pervasive
use of social media among adolescents has led to substantial discourse in public health and
psychological research communities about its potential impacts. Adolescents are in a critical
developmental stage marked by rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive changes, making them
particularly susceptible to external influences, including social media.
Recent studies have highlighted both the positive and negative aspects of social media use. On
the one hand, social media provides opportunities for connection, self-expression, and access to
valuable information. It allows adolescents to maintain social ties, seek social support, and
engage in creative activities (Royal Society for Public Health, 2018). On the other hand,
excessive and problematic use of social media has been associated with adverse mental health
outcomes such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and even suicidal ideation (Gupta et al.,
2022).
The literature review conducted by Kaur et al. (2022) emphasized the significant association
between social media use and the psychological well-being of adolescents. Their research
indicated that the overuse of social media could lead to mental tiredness, fear of missing out
(FOMO), depression, and social isolation. These findings are corroborated by studies that show a
direct correlation between high social media usage and negative emotional states (Lenhart et al.,
2010; Adams & Kisler, 2013).
Moreover, social media's impact extends beyond psychological health to influence social
behavior and academic performance. Adolescents often experience cyberbullying, peer pressure,
and exposure to harmful content online, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and social
anxiety (Frith, 2017). Additionally, the distraction and procrastination associated with social
media use can negatively affect academic outcomes and cognitive development (Meier et al.,
2016).
The nuanced role of social media in adolescents' lives calls for a balanced perspective that
acknowledges both its potential benefits and risks. While it offers a platform for socialization
and self-expression, it also poses significant challenges that can affect mental health. Therefore,
understanding the complex dynamics of social media use and its implications for adolescent
mental health is critical for developing effective interventions and policies.
In conclusion, the background of this study underscores the urgent need to explore the
multifaceted relationship between social media use and mental health among adolescents and
young adults. By examining both the positive and negative aspects, this research aims to provide
a comprehensive understanding of how social media influences the psychological well-being of
this vulnerable demographic.

Literature Review
The burgeoning field of research on social media's impact on mental health has yielded a
plethora of studies, particularly focusing on adolescents and young adults. This literature review
synthesizes the findings from key studies, exploring both the detrimental and beneficial aspects
of social media usage.

● Psychological Impacts
The psychological implications of social media use have been extensively documented. Kaur et
al. (2022) highlighted the significant correlation between excessive social media use and mental
health issues among adolescents. Their study indicated that high levels of social media
engagement could lead to mental tiredness, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These
findings align with earlier research by Lenhart et al. (2010) and Adams & Kisler (2013), which
observed that adolescents who spend considerable time on social media are more prone to
experience depressive symptoms and anxiety disorders.
Moreover, the concept of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), a psychological phenomenon where
individuals feel anxious about missing social interactions or experiences online, has been
identified as a significant stressor. Beyens et al. (2016) and Elhai et al. (2016) found that FOMO
is closely linked to increased social media use, contributing to heightened anxiety and overall
mental distress among adolescents.

● Social and Behavioral Impacts

The social ramifications of social media use are equally concerning. According to Gupta et al.
(2022), social media platforms can facilitate cyberbullying, peer pressure, and social isolation,
exacerbating mental health issues. Frith (2017) reviewed evidence indicating that adolescents
often face cyberbullying and harassment online, which significantly impacts their emotional
well-being and social development.
In addition, social media use has been associated with disruptions in academic performance.
Meier et al. (2016) discussed how social media can lead to procrastination and decreased
academic engagement, as students may prioritize online interactions over their studies. This
negative impact on academic outcomes is compounded by the addictive nature of social media,
which often leads to sleep deprivation and poor cognitive functioning.

● Benefits of Social Media

Despite the risks, social media also offers potential benefits. The Royal Society for Public Health
(2018) reported that social media can enhance social connections, provide emotional support,
and foster a sense of community among adolescents. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram
allow users to maintain relationships and seek support, which can be particularly beneficial for
those experiencing social or emotional challenges.
Furthermore, social media can serve as a valuable tool for health promotion and education.
Research by Strasburger et al. (2012) and Rajamohan et al. (2019) suggested that social media
can be utilized to disseminate health information, promote mental health awareness, and
encourage positive behaviors among adolescents.

Literature Gap
While the existing body of research provides substantial insights into the impact of social media
on mental health, several gaps remain.
● Longitudinal Studies: Most current studies, such as those by Kaur et al. (2022) and
Gupta et al. (2022), are cross-sectional, providing a snapshot of social media's impact at a
single point in time. There is a need for longitudinal studies to understand the long-term
effects of social media use on mental health.
● Diverse Populations: Much of the research focuses on specific demographic groups,
primarily in Western contexts. Studies like those by Lenhart et al. (2010) and Frith (2017)
predominantly involve participants from the United States and Europe. Research should
expand to include diverse populations across different cultural and socioeconomic
backgrounds to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
● Mechanisms of Impact: While studies have identified correlations between social media
use and mental health outcomes, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Further
research is needed to elucidate how specific features of social media platforms contribute
to mental health issues. This includes examining the roles of algorithms, content types,
and user behaviors.
● Positive Outcomes: The potential benefits of social media use are often overshadowed
by the focus on negative outcomes. More research is needed to explore how social media
can be harnessed for positive mental health interventions, support systems, and
educational purposes.
 ● Parental and Educational Interventions: Few studies, such as those by Rajamohan et
al. (2019), provide insights into effective parental and educational interventions. There is
a need for research on strategies that parents and educators can use to mitigate the
negative impacts of social media while enhancing its benefits.
While significant progress has been made in understanding the impact of social media on mental
health, addressing these gaps is essential for developing comprehensive strategies to support
adolescents and young adults in the digital age.

Relevance and Necessity of the Topic

The impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents and young adults is a topic of
paramount importance in today's digital age. Several factors underline the relevance and
necessity of this research:
● Widespread Use of Social Media: Adolescents and young adults are the most prolific
users of social media platforms, spending significant portions of their daily lives engaged
in online interactions. According to recent surveys, nearly 97% of adolescents use at least
one social media platform, with many reporting constant connectivity. This ubiquity
makes understanding the effects of social media on their mental health crucial.
● Mental Health Crisis: There is an increasing prevalence of mental health issues among
adolescents and young adults, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Studies such as those by Kaur et al. (2022) and Gupta et al. (2022) highlight the potential
link between social media use and these mental health challenges. Addressing this topic
can contribute to the broader effort to mitigate the mental health crisis among young
people.
● Critical Developmental Stage: Adolescence is a critical period of emotional,
psychological, and social development. The habits and experiences formed during this
stage can have long-lasting effects on individuals' mental health and well-being.
Understanding the influence of social media during this formative period is essential for
developing interventions that promote healthy development.
● Balance of Risks and Benefits: While social media poses several risks, including
cyberbullying, social isolation, and addiction, it also offers benefits such as social
connectivity, emotional support, and access to information. By exploring both the
positive and negative impacts, this research can help maximize the benefits while
minimizing the risks associated with social media use.
● Informed Policy and Interventions: Policymakers, educators, and parents need
evidence-based insights to develop effective strategies to support adolescents' mental
health. This research can provide valuable data to inform policies and interventions
aimed at fostering healthy social media habits and mitigating its adverse effects.
● Rapid Technological Advancements: The digital landscape is continually evolving,
with new platforms and features emerging regularly. Continuous research is necessary to
keep pace with these changes and understand their implications for mental health. This
ensures that interventions remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing
environment.
 ● Global Relevance: The impact of social media is a global phenomenon, affecting
adolescents and young adults across different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.
This research can offer insights that are applicable worldwide, contributing to a global
understanding of how to manage and harness the power of social media for positive
outcomes.
Working on the topic of social media's impact on the mental health of adolescents and young
adults is both relevant and necessary. It addresses a pressing public health concern, provides
insights into a critical developmental stage, balances risks and benefits, informs policy and
intervention strategies, keeps pace with technological advancements, and has global relevance.
This research has the potential to make a significant contribution to improving the mental health
and well-being of young people in the digital age.

Research Questions and Objectives

Research Question 1:
What are the psychological and social effects of social media use on adolescents and young
adults?
● Research Objective 1: To investigate the prevalence and severity of mental health issues
(e.g., depression, anxiety, low self-esteem) among adolescents and young adults who use
social media.
● Research Objective 2: To examine the social impacts of social media use, such as
cyberbullying, social isolation, and peer pressure, among adolescents and young adults.

Research Question 2:
What are the potential benefits of social media use for adolescents and young adults?
● Research Objective 3: To explore how social media platforms can provide social
support, foster emotional well-being, and enhance community building among
adolescents and young adults.
● Research Objective 4: To evaluate the role of social media in health promotion,
education, and access to information for adolescents and young adults.

Research Question 3:
What factors moderate the impact of social media use on the mental health of adolescents
and young adults?
● Research Objective 5: To identify demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, cultural
background) that influence the relationship between social media use and mental health
outcomes.
● Research Objective 6: To assess the impact of contextual factors, such as parental
guidance, peer support, and educational interventions, on the mental health effects of
social media use.
Research Question 4:
How can social media be leveraged to promote positive mental health outcomes among
adolescents and young adults?
● Research Objective 7: To develop evidence-based recommendations for parents,
educators, and policymakers to encourage healthy social media use among adolescents
and young adults.
● Research Objective 8: To propose strategies for using social media platforms as tools
for mental health support and positive behavioral interventions.

These questions and objectives aim to comprehensively address the multifaceted impact of social
media on the mental health of adolescents and young adults, providing a foundation for effective
interventions and policies.

Hypothesis Development
Internal Factors:

● Self-Esteem: Lower self-esteem is associated with higher negative impacts on mental

health due to social media use.
● Body Image Concerns: Higher body image concerns correlate with increased mental
health issues among adolescents.
● Emotional Regulation: Poor emotional regulation skills are linked to higher levels of
anxiety and depression from social media use.

External Factors:

● Social Comparison: Frequent social comparison on social media platforms increases

the risk of depression and anxiety.
● Cyberbullying: Experiencing cyberbullying significantly increases the risk of mental
health problems.
● Peer Pressure: Peer pressure on social media platforms leads to higher stress and
anxiety levels.
● Exposure to Negative Content: Exposure to negative or harmful content on social
media is associated with increased mental health issues.

Organism Factors:

● Active vs. Passive Use: Passive use of social media (e.g., scrolling without interacting)
is more likely to result in negative mental health outcomes compared to active use (e.g.,
posting, commenting).
● Social Support: Perceived social support through social media can buffer against
negative mental health impacts.
Moderator Variables:

● Age: The impact of social media on mental health varies across different age groups
within adolescence and young adulthood.
● Gender: Gender differences may moderate the relationship between social media use
and mental health outcomes.
● Parental Involvement: Parental guidance and involvement can moderate the negative
impacts of social media on mental health.

Hypothetical Research Model

The hypothetical research model integrates the identified factors and considers the moderating
effects of age, gender, and parental involvement. This model aims to illustrate how internal,
external, and organism factors interact to influence the mental health of adolescents and young
adults due to social media use.

Figure 1: This model illustrates the relationships between the internal, external, and organism
factors, and their impact on the mental health of adolescents and young adults, along with the
moderating effects of age, gender, and parental involvement.

Reference

Sampasa-Kanyinga, H. and Lewis, R.F., 2015. Social media use intensity, social media use
problems, and mental health among adolescents: Investigating directionality and mediating
processes. Computers in Human Behavior, 55, pp. 714-722.

Kelly, Y. and Zilanawala, A., 2019. Is social media bad for mental health and wellbeing?
Exploring the perspectives of adolescents. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 16(4), pp. 516-
533.

Woods, H.C. and Scott, H., 2016. Impact of social media on mental health. Journal of Health
Psychology, 21(12), pp. 1653-1662.
Primack, B.A. and Shensa, A., 2017. Social media use and mental health among young adults.
Psychiatric Quarterly, 88(4), pp. 779-786.

Levenson, J.C. and Shensa, A., 2016. The association between social media use and sleep
disturbance among young adults. Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, pp. 113-116.