COMM2210 Research & Writing 1

Activity 2
Literature Review
5% of Final Grade

In Preparation for the Research Paper

th th
List of Sources (in APA format, 6 or 7 ed.):

1. Campbell, M., Bauman, S., Hawkins, A., Myside, S., & McDaniel, C. (2017). Using social media to engage adolescents and young adults with their mental health. Clinical Social Work Journal, 45(2),
170-178.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4433153/

2. Primack, B., Shensa, A., Sidani, J., Whaite, E., Lin, L., Rosen, D., ... & Miller, E. (2017). Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the U.S. PLOS ONE, 12(6), e0179611.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28279545/

3. Vannucci, A., & McCauley Ohannessian, C. (2019). Social media use subgroups differentially predict psychosocial well-being during early adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 48(1), 146-
15.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31256313/

SYNTHESIS MATRIX AND QUESTIONS
Questions
1. How does excessive use of social media
affect mental health?
2: What role does cyberbullying on social media
play in affecting mental health?
3: How can individuals manage their social
media use to protect their mental health?
Campbell M
Social media use is linked to increased anxiety
and depression in some individuals.
Constant exposure to curated and idealized
content on social platforms.
Contributes to negative self-comparisons.
Resulting in lower self-esteem and mental health
issues. (Para.1).
Cyberbullying encompasses online harassment
and negative comments on social media.
Research has established a strong correlation
between cyberbullying and various mental health
issues, including:
Depression
Anxiety
Suicidal ideation
Adolescents, who are more vulnerable to the
effects of cyberbullying, often experience
heightened emotional distress and stress (p.3).
Set time limits: Allocate specific time slots for
social media use to prevent overexposure.
Designated breaks: Incorporate regular breaks
between social media sessions to create a
healthier digital routine.
Reduce screen time: Limit overall screen time,
Primack B
Social media can offer social support and
connectedness to individuals.
Engaging in online communities can provide a
sense of belonging and support.
Encouragement from friends and family through
social media can boost emotional well-being.
This sense of connection can reduce feelings of
isolation and loneliness.
Positive interactions on social media may
contribute to improved mental health (p.1).
- Research indicates a significant impact of
cyberbullying on victims' well-being.
- Victims frequently report heightened levels of
stress and emotional distress.
- The anonymity provided by online platforms
can worsen the issue, as it makes it challenging
for individuals to either escape from or address
their bullies (Para.2).
Digital detox and self-care strategies
Mindfulness and meditation practices
Disconnecting from constant social media
updates
Maintaining a healthy balance between online
and offline life (P.2, Para1).
COMM2210 Research & Writing 2
Vannucci A
The impact of social media on mental health
varies among individuals.
Factors influencing this impact include:
Type of content consumed on social media
platforms.
The amount of time spent on these platforms.
Individual vulnerability to mental health issues.
These factors collectively determine whether
social media usage has a positive or negative
influence on an individual's mental health (P.1).
- Education and awareness campaigns can play
a crucial role in addressing cyberbullying.
- Social media platform policies should be
designed and enforced to prevent and respond
to cyberbullying effectively.
- Promoting online kindness and respectful
behavior is essential in creating a more positive
online environment.
- Providing resources and support for those
affected by cyberbullying is vital for their well-
being and mental health (P.2, Para.1).
Education on social media's impact:
Understanding the potential effects of social
media on mental health.
Digital literacy: Developing skills to critically
evaluate the content encountered on social
media.

not just on social media, to avoid digital
overconsumption.
Avoid harmful content: Be selective about the
content you engage with, and consider muting or
unfollowing accounts that may negatively impact
your mental health (Para11, p1).
COMM2210 Research & Writing 3
Informed choices: Empowering individuals to
make conscious decisions about their online
activities.
Content consumption: Being selective and
mindful about the type of content one engages
with.
Platform choices: Making informed decisions
about the social media platforms used,
considering their impact on mental well-being
(P.2).