Phase 2 – Group 5

REPORT ON RESEARCH EVALUATION:

RESEARCH STRATEGY:
 Performed methodical searches utilizing keyword combinations such as "social
media," "adolescents," "mental health," "effects," and platform names like
"Instagram," "Snapchat," etc. on academic databases like PubMed, PsycINFO, and
Google Scholar.

 Used filters to narrow down search results according to relevance, study kind, and
publication date.

 Examined primary research articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses to obtain

in-depth understanding of the subject.

 Looked up more sources in the references of pertinent publications.

 Looked for official positions and data on reliable websites and reports from
organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Academy of
Pediatrics.

FINDINGS:
OVERALL SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACT ON ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH:
 Using social media has been linked to a number of mental health conditions,
including anxiety, sadness, low self-esteem, and issues with body image.
Research shows that social media use and mental health outcomes are correlated,
with excessive use aggravating pre-existing disorders and vice versa.

 Teenagers frequently use social media platforms for peer comparison, which makes
them feel inadequate and unsatisfied with their own life.

 Those who use social media extensively frequently report experiencing disturbed
sleep habits and diminished wellbeing.

PARTICULAR SOCIAL MEDIA SITES AND THEIR IMPACTS:

 INSTAGRAM: Because of the abundance of idealized photographs, it is associated

with increased body dissatisfaction and a poor body image.

 SNAPCHAT: Because of its transient nature and emphasis on real-time updates, it is

associated with elevated feelings of social pressure and FOMO (fear of missing out).
 Phase 2 – Group 5

 FACEBOOK VS. TIKTOK: Studies indicate that the two platforms have different
impacts; Facebook is linked to passive consumption and unfavorable social
comparisons, whilst TikTok encourages creativity but may still be a factor in low self-
esteem.

 CYBERBULLYING: Though it can take many different forms on various platforms,

image-based bullying on Facebook and Instagram is a common kind of cyberbullying.

DIFFERENCES IN DEMOGRAPHICS AFFECTING SOCIAL MEDIA EFFECTS:

 Gender: Research indicates that boys and girls respond to social media differently,
with boys being more vulnerable to cyberbullying and girls more likely to experience
issues with body image.

 Socioeconomic Status (SES): There is little study on this topic, although adolescents
from poorer SES households may encounter various pressures online.
Cultural Factors: Adolescents' perceptions of social media are shaped by cultural
norms and values, which vary depending on the culture and how it affects mental
health.

PSYCHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS UNDERPINNING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA:

 Social Comparison: Teenagers compare themselves to others, both positively and

negatively, which can make them feel envious, inferior, or superior.

 Coping Mechanisms: While some teenagers turn to social media in order to find
support from others, others may become more stressed out as a result of being
exposed to offensive or harassing content.

 Peer Influence: Adolescents' behaviors and mental health outcomes might be

positively or negatively impacted by their online peer interactions.

SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND INTERVENTION TECHNIQUES:

 Digital literacy programs: They are good at encouraging teenagers to use social
media responsibly and to think critically.

 Parental Guidance: Parents are essential in keeping an eye on and directing their
kids' internet behaviour, encouraging honest dialogue, and offering emotional
support.
Phase 2 – Group 5
 Phase 2 – Group 5

 School-Based Interventions: Putting in place guidelines to combat cyberbullying and

encourage appropriate online conduct in the classroom.

 Therapeutic Approaches: Mindfulness-based therapies and cognitive-behavioral

therapy (CBT) have demonstrated promise in treating mental health difficulties
associated with social media use.

FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS AND LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS:

 Research on the long-term impact of excessive social media use on the mental health
of adolescents is ongoing, with worries of addiction and dependency.

 Longitudinal research are necessary because early exposure to social media may
have an impact on adult outcomes related to mental health.

 Future studies should concentrate on addressing knowledge gaps, investigating

subtle effects in various cultural and demographic situations, and developing
successful intervention techniques catered to a range of people.

WORKING OUTLINE

I. INTRODUCTION
Overview of the effects of social media on the mental health of adolescents in
the introduction.
Comprehending the subtleties of this correlation is crucial for devising efficacious
intervention tactics.

II. BROAD IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH:

Affects self-worth, body image, and general wellbeing.
 Play a part in forming the social connections and identity of adolescents.

III. PARTICULAR SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS AND THEIR IMPACT:

 Instagram: Issues with body image and the culture of comparison.
 Snapchat: FOMO and social pressure.
 Distinct effects on mental health between Facebook and TikTok.

IV. DEMOGRAPHIC VARIATIONS IN THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA:

 Gender Differences in Mental Health Outcomes.
 Social media usage and its consequences are influenced by socioeconomic
and cultural factors.
 Phase 2 – Group 5

V. MECHANISMS OF PSYCHOLOGY UNDERLYING SOCIAL MEDIA EFFECTS:

 The Consequences of Social Comparison Processes.
 Coping strategies and the dynamics of peer influence.

VI. INTERVENTION TECHNIQUES AND NETWORKS OF SUPPORT

 Parental supervision and digital literacy initiatives
 School-based interventions and therapeutic methods.

VII. LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES AND PROSPECTS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

 Addiction and dependency risks.
 The necessity of focused interventions and long-term research.

VIII. CONCLUSION:

Key findings are summarized, along with suggestions for interested

parties.

 Demand more study to address the growing issues around the usage of
social media and mental health among adolescents.