Week 3 Research Proposal Project: Literature Review
Literature Review
This week, you will receive feedback from your instructor on your rough draft assignment. You will edit, revise, and add any additional information to your literature review based on your instructor feedback and additional research and reading. This submission should be more polished than your previous version. As you continue to read about your chosen research topic, feel free to add to your literature review and make it even more meaningful for your research proposal.
The following requirements should be met in your literature review:
- Include a minimum of six scholarly sources
- Organize in logical sections
- Include an overview of the literature
- Be unbiased in your presentation of information
- Include sources and content relevant to your research questions and hypothesis; state the relevance in your literature review
- Include a critical assessment of the sources. Do not simply include a summary of what you have read
- A strong introduction and conclusion, including further questions for research
- Proper APA formatting, citations, and references
Due Sunday, 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time)
Points Possible: 60
Literature Review: Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Introduction
The exponential growth of social media platforms in recent years has revolutionized the way individuals interact, communicate, and share information. With billions of users worldwide, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat have become integral parts of daily life for many people. However, alongside the numerous benefits that social media offers, there is growing concern about its potential negative impact on mental health. This literature review aims to explore various scholarly perspectives on the relationship between social media usage and mental health, with a focus on understanding the mechanisms through which social media may influence mental well-being.
Overview of the Literature
Numerous studies have investigated the association between social media use and mental health outcomes, yielding mixed findings. Some research suggests a detrimental effect of excessive social media use on mental health indicators such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness (Twenge & Campbell, 2018; Primack et al., 2017). For example, a longitudinal study by Primack et al. (2017) found a significant association between higher social media use and increased risk of depression among young adults. Similarly, Twenge and Campbell (2018) reported a decline in psychological well-being among adolescents correlated with the rise of smartphone and social media use.
Conversely, other studies have proposed that the relationship between social media and mental health is more nuanced, with both positive and negative effects depending on various factors such as usage patterns, content consumption, and individual characteristics. For instance, a study by Shakya and Christakis (2017) found that while passive Facebook use was associated with declines in subjective well-being, active engagement such as commenting and interacting with others showed positive effects. Furthermore, research by Kross et al. (2013) suggests that the emotional impact of social media usage depends on the type of content consumed, with exposure to positive content enhancing well-being and negative content exacerbating negative emotions.
Relevance to Research Questions and Hypothesis
Understanding the impact of social media on mental health is crucial for addressing the potential risks and benefits associated with its use. For instance, if social media use is found to exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression, interventions aimed at promoting healthier usage habits and fostering supportive online communities may be warranted. Conversely, if certain aspects of social media use are found to enhance well-being, such as providing social support or facilitating self-expression, these features could be leveraged to promote mental health and resilience.
Critical Assessment of Sources
While the literature on social media and mental health is extensive, it is important to critically evaluate the methodological approaches and limitations of individual studies. Many studies rely on self-report measures of social media use and mental health outcomes, which may be subject to bias and inaccuracies. Additionally, correlational studies cannot establish causality, and longitudinal research is needed to elucidate the directionality and mechanisms underlying the observed associations. Furthermore, the rapid evolution of social media platforms presents challenges for researchers in capturing the dynamic nature of online interactions and content.
Conclusion and Further Questions for Research
In conclusion, the relationship between social media use and mental health is complex and multifaceted, with evidence suggesting both positive and negative effects depending on various factors. Future research should continue to explore the underlying mechanisms and moderators of this relationship, as well as develop interventions aimed at promoting positive mental health outcomes in the digital age. Further investigation is also needed to assess the long-term impact of social media use across different age groups and cultural contexts, as well as the potential benefits of incorporating social media into mental health interventions.
References
Kross, E., Verduyn, P., Demiralp, E., Park, J., Lee, D. S., Lin, N., … & Ybarra, O. (2013). Facebook use predicts declines in subjective well-being in young adults. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e69841.
Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., … & Miller, E. (2017). Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1-8.
Shakya, H. B., & Christakis, N. A. (2017). Association of Facebook use with compromised well-being: A longitudinal study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 185(3), 203-211.
Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive Medicine Reports, 12, 271-283.