Notes

Date of Application: 11 / 19 / 23

Research Team Leader: Ancheta, Mark John, C.

Research Design: Cross-Sectional Study

Research Title: The Impact of Social Media Usage on Mental Health Among Adolescents

Place, Date/Time, and Duration of Study:
- The study was conducted in Manila, and Caloocan Cities in Philippines. The study was completed in approximately 2-3 weeks.

Introduction:
Social media has become an integral part of the lives of adolescents, with platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter dominating their daily interactions. While social media offers numerous benefits, including enhanced connectivity and access to information, there is growing concern about its impact on mental health among adolescents. This research aims to investigate the relationship between social media usage and mental health among this vulnerable population.

The prevalence of social media usage among adolescents has skyrocketed in recent years. According to a study by Pew Research Center, 95% of adolescents in the United States have access to a smartphone, and 45% report being online "almost constantly." This constant connectivity exposes them to a wide range of experiences, including cyberbullying, social comparison, and exposure to unrealistic body standards. These experiences can potentially have detrimental effects on their mental well-being.

One of the key concerns surrounding social media is its association with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues among adolescents. Several studies have found a positive correlation between excessive social media use and symptoms of depression and anxiety. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that adolescents who spent more time on social media platforms had higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to those who used social media less frequently.

Moreover, social media has been linked to negative body image and low self-esteem among adolescents. The constant exposure to carefully curated and edited images on social media platforms can lead to feelings of inadequacy and poor body image perception. This, in turn, can contribute to the development of eating disorders and other psychological distress.

However, it is important to note that the impact of social media on mental health is not solely negative. Social media can also provide a supportive environment, allowing adolescents to connect with peers, seek advice, and share experiences. Positive interactions and support on social media platforms have been associated with increased well-being and improved mental health outcomes.

Given the complex nature of the relationship between social media usage and mental health among adolescents, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive investigation to better understand the mechanisms and nuances involved. This research aims to contribute to the existing literature by examining the impact of social media usage on mental health outcomes, considering both the positive and negative aspects.

By employing a rigorous research design and utilizing a sample of adolescents, this study will explore the potential causal relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes. Additionally, it will aim to identify the specific mechanisms through which social media may influence mental health, such as cyberbullying, social comparison, or social support.

The findings of this research will have implications for parents, educators, and mental health professionals who work with adolescents. Understanding the impact of social media usage on mental health can help inform interventions and strategies aimed at promoting healthy social media habits and mitigating potential negative effects.

In Conclusion:
The increasing prevalence of social media usage among adolescents has raised concerns about its impact on mental health. This research aims to investigate the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes, considering both the positive and negative aspects. By providing insights into this complex relationship, this study seeks to contribute to the existing literature and inform strategies for promoting healthy social media habits among adolescents.


Research Goals:
- Research Question: How does social media usage affect the mental health of adolescents?

- Rationale: This research aims to investigate the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes among adolescents in order to understand thoe potential risks and benefits.

- Significance: The findings of this study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the impact of social media on mental health, providing insights for parents, educators, and mental health professionals.

- Plan for Findings: The findings will be used to inform the development of educational programs and interventions aimed at promoting healthy social media use among adolescents.

- Questions for Participants: The participants will be asked about their social media usage habits, their perception of its impact on their mental health, and any experiences of negative or positive effects.

Data Collection Method:
- Surveys
- Interviews
- Focus Groups
- Social Media Analytics
-Case Studies

Recruitment of Participants / Sampling Procedure:
- Target Population
- Age range
- Inclusion Criteria
- Sampling Method
- Sample Size
- Confidentiality and anonymity
- Ethical Considerations

Informed Consent:
- To ensure confidentiality, privacy, and safety of participants and data collected, the following measures will be implemented:
1. Participants will be informed about the purpose of the study, the data collection process, and their rights.
2. Consent forms will clearly state that participation is voluntary, and participants can withdraw at any time without penalty.
3. Measures will be taken to protect the anonymity of participants, such as using participant codes instead of personal identifiers.
4. Data will be stored securely and only accessed by the research team.
5. Only aggregated data will be reported to ensure individual participant confidentiality.

Confidentiality Agreement:
- Secure Storage
- Limited Access
- Proper Labeling
- Safety Equipment
- Safety Procedures
- Emergency Procedures
- Training
- Regular Inspections
- Data Protection
- Data Sharing and Reporting
- Legal Obligations
- Participant identifiers
- Consent for Publication
- Ethical Considerations
- Duration of Data Retention

Risk Assessment:
- To ensure safety in materials, instruments, area, and substances used, the following measures will be implemented:
1. All materials and instruments used in the study will be safe and appropriate for the participants.
2. The research area will be a designated space within the school premises, ensuring a safe and controlled environment for data collection.
3. Any substances used, if applicable, will be non-hazardous and handled following appropriate safety guidelines.
4. The research team will undergo necessary training to handle any potential risks or emergencies during data collection.
5. A risk assessment plan will be developed and reviewed by the research team and relevant stakeholders to address any potential risks and ensure participant safety.