Background/Overview Of The Issue

Social media has become an integral part of teenagers’ lives, but there is growing concern about
its potential effects on mental health. The use of platform like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat
has spared discussions on issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and the pressures of
social comparison.
Studies suggest that social media can both positivity and negatively affect mental well-being,
depending on usage patterns. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable due to their developmental
stage and social environments.

1
 Problem Statement
Does the increase use of social media among teenagers lead to a rise in mental health issues,
such as anxiety and depression? This research will focus on understanding the correlation
between time spent on social platforms and the mental health outcomes among adolescents aged
16-18.

2
 Research Objectives
 To determine whether excessive use of social media has a significant effect on teenagers’
mental health.

 To explore how different social media platforms influence teenagers’ feelings of self-
worth, anxiety, and social isolation.

 To evaluate the differences in mental health outcomes between teens who use social
media for socializing versus those who use it for entertainment or information.


3
 Methodology
This study aims to examine the impact of social media on the mental health of teenagers. To
achieve this, data will be collected through a structured online survey distributed to a selected
sample of students.

Sample Selection
The sample for this study will consist of 10 teenagers aged 16 to 18 years from New Silvercity
Secondary School. A combination of random and convenience sampling will be used to select
participants. Convenience sampling will be applied to ensure accessibility, while random
selection within this group will help reduce selection bias and allow for a diverse range of
experiences to be captured.

Participants will be chosen based on their active use of social media for at least three hours per
day. This criterion ensures that the sample consists of frequent users who are more likely to
experience the potential effects of social media on their mental well-being. By focusing on this
specific group, the study aims to provide more relevant insights into the relationship between
social media usage and mental health.

Data Collection Instrument

A structured online survey will be designed and administered to collect data. The survey will
consist of a combination of closed-ended and open-ended questions, allowing for both
quantitative and qualitative analysis. Closed-ended questions will provide measurable data, while
open-ended questions will offer deeper insights into participants’ personal experiences and
perceptions.

 The survey will include questions on the following topics:

 The average amount of time participants spend on social media daily.

 The specific platforms they use most frequently (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat).

 Their experiences with cyberbullying, peer comparison, and social media-induced stress.
4
  Their perceptions of how social media affects their emotions, self-esteem, and mental
well-being.

Justification for Data Collection Method

The online survey method was chosen because it is efficient, cost-effective, and allows
participants to respond comfortably and honestly without external pressure. Additionally, since
the study focuses on social media users, an online survey aligns well with the participants’ digital
habits, increasing the likelihood of accurate and relevant responses. The mixed approach of
quantitative and qualitative questions will provide a more comprehensive understanding of social
media’s effects on mental health.

Limitation of the Data Collection Method

One limitation of using an online survey is the possibility of response bias. Participants may
misreport their social media usage or experiences due to social desirability bias or difficulty in
accurately recalling their online habits. Additionally, the small sample size of 10 students may
limit the generalizability of the findings to a broader population. However, this study serves as an
exploratory investigation that can provide a foundation for further research with a

5
Analysis and Interpretation

The data collected from the survey of teenagers aged 16-18 reveals significant insights into the impact of
social media on mental health.

Data Analysis:

Time Spent on Social Media: A large percentage of participants (53%) reported spending more than 3
hours a day on social media, with TikTok being the most popular platform among the group.

Frequency of Use: More than half of the respondents indicated that they check their social media accounts
constantly or multiple times an hour. This high frequency of use suggests that social media plays a central
role in their daily routines.

Feelings of Pressure: When asked if they ever felt pressured to look a certain way because of social
media, 27% of participants agreed. This points toward the influence of online appearance standards and
their potential link to self-esteem issues.

Findings:

Connection with Mental Health: Those who reported higher time spent on social media and frequent
account checking also tended to report feelings of social pressure or anxiety, indicating a possible
correlation between usage patterns and mental health outcomes like stress and low self-esteem.

Platform-Specific Impact: Platforms like TikTok, which emphasize visual content and trends, may
contribute more to self-comparison and appearance-related pressures. In contrast, Instagram use, while
still popular, showed slightly lower associations with self-esteem concerns among this group.

6
Interpretation:

These findings suggest that frequent and prolonged social media use is associated with mental health
challenges among teenagers. This supports the hypothesis that increased exposure to social media
correlates with heightened anxiety and self-comparison.

The results align with existing research on the negative effects of social media on teenagers’ mental
health, underscoring the vulnerability of this age group to issues like self-esteem challenges and social
isolation.

7
 Conclusion

This study concludes that excessive use of social media has a measurable impact on the mental health of
teenagers, particularly in relation to self-esteem and anxiety. Teenagers who engage frequently with
platforms such as TikTok and Instagram may experience heightened pressure to conform to societal
standards of appearance, leading to issues like anxiety and social stress.

The findings Indicate that while social media provides a space for entertainment and connection, it also
creates environments where teenagers are vulnerable to negative comparisons and self-evaluation. This
highlights the importance of balanced social media use and the potential need for supportive interventions
by parents, schools, and social media platforms.

Limitations of this study include a small sample size and a focus on a specific age group from one school,
which may affect the ability to generalize the findings to a larger population. Future studies could involve
a broader demographic to provide more comprehensive insights.

Recommendations

8
Based on the study findings, several recommendations are proposed to help mitigate the negative effects
of social media on teenagers’ mental health:

For Teenagers:

Limit Screen Time: Encourage teens to set personal limits on the amount of time spent on social media
each day, aiming to engage in other offline activities.

Practice Mindfulness: Teach teenagers to be mindful of their emotional responses to social media content.
For example, if they notice feelings of anxiety or low self-esteem after using a platform, it may be
beneficial to take a break or reduce usage.

For Parents and Educators:

Education on Social Media’s Effects: Organize workshops or discussions that educate teenagers on the
potential mental health impacts of social media. This can help them develop a healthier relationship with
these platforms.

Promote Open Conversations: Encourage an environment where teens feel comfortable discussing their
online experiences. This can help adults provide guidance on healthy usage and intervene if signs of
anxiety or low self-esteem arise.

For Social Media Platforms:

Implement Usage Warnings: Platforms could consider adding features that remind users about the time
spent on the app, helping them to be more conscious of their usage habits.

Provide Supportive Content: Platforms can promote positive content, like body positivity and mental
health resources, to counteract the pressures of social comparison.

9
 Reflection

Conducting this research on the impact of social media on mental health has provided valuable insights
and learning experiences.

Lessons Learned:

 Personal Impact: One key lesson I learned is the significant role that social media can play in
influencing one’s mental health. As I conducted this research, I became more aware of how
frequent use of platforms like Instagram and TikTok can contribute to feelings of anxiety and
self-doubt, especially among teenagers who are still developing their self-identity.

 Academic Growth: This project has also taught me the importance of gathering and analyzing
data to understand complex social issues. I gained practical skills in designing surveys,
interpreting data, and understanding statistical results, all of which are valuable for future
research and academic work.

Ways to Improve the Project:

 Expanding the Sample Size: If I were to redo this project, I would aim to include a larger sample
size, covering a broader range of age groups and backgrounds. This would make the findings
more generalizable and provide a more comprehensive understanding of social media’s effects
across different demographics.

 Incorporating Qualitative Data: Including interviews or open-ended survey questions could add
depth to the analysis, allowing participants to express their experiences and feelings in their own
words. This qualitative data would complement the quantitative findings and provide richer
insights into how social media affects mental health.

10
Social and Economic Impact:

 Social Impact: The findings from this research emphasize the need for greater awareness of social
media’s potential mental health risks among teenagers, parents, and educators. By understanding
these risks, communities can foster healthier online habits and encourage supportive
environments that reduce the likelihood of social comparison and anxiety.

 Economic Impact: Social media platforms are often profit-driven, relying on engagement and
user interaction to generate revenue. Addressing mental health risks might encourage platforms to
implement safer design choices, which could initially impact profitability. However, in the long
term, it may lead to a healthier user base, potentially reducing mental health treatment costs
related to social media-induced issues.

This project has not only expanded my knowledge on the subject but has also raised my awareness of the
responsibilities involved in using social media thoughtfully. I hope that the findings and recommendations
from this study can contribute to positive changes in how teenagers, parents, and social platforms
approach mental health in the digital age.

11
 Overall Presentation

The presentation of this research project adheres to the required structure and guidelines, ensuring clarity
and professionalism throughout.

1. Layout and Organization:

 The project is organized in a logical and coherent manner, following the standard format of an
SBA. It includes all essential components, such as a title page, table of contents, introduction,
methodology, results, analysis, conclusion, recommendations, reflection, and bibliography.

 Each section is clearly labeled, allowing the reader to follow the research process and understand
the flow from the background information to the final recommendations.

2. Formatting and Design:

 The document is formatted consistently, with appropriate headings, font size, and spacing to
enhance readability.

 Graphs and tables are used effectively in the Results section to display data clearly and support
the findings presented in the Analysis section.

 A cover page is included, displaying the project title, the candidate’s name, and other relevant
information.

12
 3. Grammar and Spelling:

 The report is free from major grammatical or spelling errors, demonstrating attention to detail and
careful proofreading. The use of correct spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure adds to the
professionalism of the presentation.

Overall, the project is presented in a well-organized and polished format that reflects a strong
understanding of academic standards and commitment to quality work.

13