week five

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If this assignment looks familiar, this class is a retake. I missed the required grade by 3 points back in February. Please see the notes from both professors below. The due date is Monday, July 8, 2024.

Assignment 5.3 Notes and Instructions:

Professor's feedback:

The abstract is too long, and the literature review does not meet the page requirements.  Some areas within the methods section need to be clarified. 

Be sure not to use any first-person references going forward.  Also, use past tense when referring to a study's process and findings.

The interviewing and psychological assessment part seems rather nebulous. I would suggest using one or more surveys that capture various factors. Check out this page for options:  https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/

Instructions

1. Write a draft of your completed Research Proposal. Include these sections:

a. APA cover page

b. An abstract of about 300 words that gives an overview of your proposal

c. 5-page literature review (stating your research questions or hypothesis and using the revisions suggested by your instructor)

d. 2-page methods section (using the revisions suggested by your instructor)

e. 2- page participants section (using the revisions suggested by your instructor)

f. 1-page summary of your proposal stating what your research would add to the body of literature

g. Reference page or pages (double-spaced per APA format

2. Use Times New Roman 12-point font. Double-space all of your work.

3. Use scholarly language and refrain from using "I" statements (first person).

4. Grammarly will note that you are using Passive Voice. This is as it should be. Use Passive Voice.

5. Support your claims with citations. Citations consist of the author's (or authors') last names and the dates of publication.

Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Research Proposal

Research Methods in Psychology (PSY-535)

Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a rise in social media use. The world, which was once separated by oceans and geographical features, has become much smaller and is currently a global village. However, a psychological crisis has arisen with the rise of social media use. In recent times, there have been more and more studies trying to determine the impact that social media has on mental health. This has culminated in more and more people researching the topic to assess the effect of the social media phenomenon on mental health and possible solutions to address the problem.

One of the factors that have been established is that there are certain advantages to using social media. Thirty years ago, if someone mentioned that people send a message and within seconds, I would get a message back from someone in India while they are in the United States, that person would probably have been burned at the stake. However, that is the reality of the world we live in. However, another evident thing is that social media has negative aspects as well. This is particularly true as it relates to mental health.

While several stakeholders have sought to understand the impact of social media on society, the true impact of social media is yet to be truly determined. This is especially true for 25-34-year-olds who are not technology natives. This means that the prevalence of social media came up when they had already gone and had to adapt to the new nature of their surroundings. The fact that they are adults has also meant that many research approaches do not have them in mind, creating a promising avenue for investigation into the true impact of social media on these individuals.

This research proposal aims to delve deeper into strategies to alleviate the ongoing mental health crisis in society by examining the impact of social media. It seeks to enhance understanding social media's effect on mental health and explore potential solutions. The study focuses on the population of Wisconsin, particularly the Holy Hill Basilica, a church with a sizable congregation in the target demographic. Longitudinal techniques will be employed to assess the long-term impacts of social media use. The ultimate goal is to identify these impacts and propose solutions to address the issue.

Literature Review

There has been a lot of research into the topic of social media and its impact on mental health. This is because the topic is one of the contemporary issues that has caused much concern in society. The rising state of mental health cases, which correlates with the increase in social media use, is worrying.

Braghieri et al. (2022) present essential insights on the topic. Their study sought the impact of Facebook, one of the most popular social media platforms, on college students. The study quantitatively analyzed student data collected from the National College Health Assessment survey. The research concluded that the introduction of Facebook increased symptoms of poor mental health among students (Braghieri et al., 2022). They also noted that subpopulations were affected more by prolonged exposure to the social media site. The research also found that the more they were exposed to the site, the more pronounced their symptoms got (Braghieri et al., 2022). This was motivated by unfavorable social comparison, which is very popular in social media use. The main conclusion is that social media platforms have hurt college students.

Naslund et al. (2020) also present similar findings differently. The research sought to investigate the impacts, both positive and adverse, of social media on individuals living with mental illness. This article is relevant because many social media users are still dealing with mental illness, and it is integral to find out whether social media use betters or worsens their situation. Naslund et al. (2020) found that individuals living with mental illness can benefit from social media by finding peer support networks. This can help the individual get access to a company, resources, and a community, which can help them get better. Another positive is that social media can be a tool to destigmatize mental health. For a long time in society, there has been a lot of stigma associated with mental health in society. When people think of the mentally ill, their initial thoughts are individuals moving around waywardly in straitjackets. Social media helps to eliminate this perception by educating members of society concerning mental health and can be of great benefit in leveraging society's stakeholders to fund campaigns that shed more light on the issue.

However, it is not all roses and rainbows when it comes to social media use and those living with mental health issues. Naslund et al. (2020) assert that cyberbullying is of great detriment to these individuals. Cyberbullying refers to the act of sharing, posting, or sending harmful content about someone else. This is very common in social media. Considering the large amounts of stigma associated with mental health, social media provides a platform for individuals with malicious intent to attack individuals and launch insults at them. Some of the messages are often very intense, with some encouraging suicide and some featuring extremely abusive language. This negatively affects the mental health of these individuals.

Social media can also impact personal relationships and overall well-being. Naslund et al. (2020) assert that aside from cyberbullying, the use of social media by these individuals can be detrimental if it is used as a substitute for physical interaction. The article asserts that there has been a lot of research into the importance of interaction with other people as an aid to treating mental illness. When these individuals pick social media in its addictive nature over their relationships, it can be an issue. It can also be detrimental if it comes at the expense of activities that improve well-being. This includes exercise and better sleeping habits.

Children are another essential group to understand the impact of social media on their mental health. Coyne et al. (2020) assess that social media use among children aged 10 to 13 has dramatically increased in recent years. These individuals have undoubtedly felt the impacts of social media use. Coyne et al. (2020) did a longitudinal study that took five hundred families with children in this age bracket and observed them and their social media use over eight years. The results showed that the children using social media eventually developed depression and anxiety.

However, one of the article's conclusions is that correlation does not equal causation. This means that just because an event happens to another does not mean that the first event caused the other (Coyne et al., 2020). This is especially true for a multilayered issue such as mental health. This is a perspective that is important to understand. It is essential to ensure that researchers researching the topic remain aware that there are many factors that influence mental health and how these factors can influence research. (Coyne et al., 2020)

Adolescents are also another group affected by social media use. This group features the most significant number of social media users. O'Reilly (2020) discusses the impacts of social media using three dimensions: the good, the bad, and the ugly. The excellent aspect is based on improving well-being through connection and reducing isolation. Teenagers and adolescents often communicate with one another through social media. Naslund et al. (2020) also allude to this benefit, showing the value of social media in enhancing well-being.

The bad aspects include low self-esteem due to missing out on social media trends. Adolescents on social media are likely to feel pressure to post and attempt to match unrealistic social media standards. This often brings in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as these individuals cannot meet these standards. The bad also features disturbed sleep patterns as these adolescents spend more and more time on social media.

The ugly aspect focuses on cyberbullying, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. At their age, the minds of adolescents are often very malleable. This means that they can be pushed toward suicide and self-harm. This has happened several and continues to occur as a result of bullying and the inability to match extremely unrealistic standards set by social media users, often with the help of filters.

What is evident from the research articles reviewed is that there are adverse and positive impacts associated with social media use. However, what is also apparent is that research concerning the topic is always murky due to the multifaceted nature of mental health. Wongkoblap et al. (2017) assert that using technology is the next step toward investigating social media's impact on health. The authors assert that much data is generated concerning social media use each day. The article emphasizes using techniques such as text analysis, image analysis, and social interactions to determine the impact social media can have on mental health properly (Wongkoblap et al., 2017). This helps to eliminate bias as it only involves the use of statistics. It also aids in dealing with the issue associated with correlation and causation.

Social media and technology at large have had a significant impact on the well-being of society. While the impacts can vary, it is irrefutable that social media has significantly impacted society. It is essential to investigate the phenomenon in a way that presents new insights into the issue while guaranteeing that members of society learn more about the problem so that they can draft and create new ways to deal with the adverse effects of social media.

Methods Used in the Study

The research design I intend to utilize is the longitudinal mixed-methods design. This is a method that allows me to incorporate both quantitative and qualitative methods over an extended period. This will aid me in properly understanding the true impact of social media on mental health. This model is ideal for this study as it can help bring newer insights and perspectives on the issue while aiding in addressing the problems associated with correlation. This design has various pros and cons. The first advantage is that it aids in establishing causality and eliminating correlation. The second advantage is that it provides a holistic approach, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The main disadvantage of this approach is the cost. This approach utilizes a significant amount of resources. These resources include time, funding, and personnel. Another disadvantage is high dropout rates. Longitudinal studies are susceptible to attrition and dropout rates, leading to potential biases in the data. Participants may withdraw from the study over time, affecting the representativeness and generalizability of the findings.

One of the methods the study intends to utilize is qualitative interviews. A diverse group of active social media users will be selected for frequent interviews. Braghieri et al. (2022) employed a similar method, investigating the feelings and experiences of subjects since they began using Facebook. This approach can provide valuable insights into the impact of social media on their social lives.

Another method that the study will be utilizing is the longitudinal study. This long-term study aims to find data on a particular phenomenon. The reason for this is because of the causation and correlation issue. The goal is to find evidence of social media's actual impacts on mental health without the problems associated with correlation, which does not prove causation. The study can gain insights into participants' mental health status and social media use patterns by tracking them over time. Coyne et al. (2020) use the same technique and get precise results, which is why the method is appropriate for the research, as both investigate the phenomenon and have similar goals.

Another method the research intends to use is real-time data analytics. This is to find better insights into the participants' use of social media. Several applications currently exist that monitor social media use, and this can aid in gaining insights into the length of time social media use has existed and the impact this has on a person's mental health. In addition to this, the research intends to use ecological momentary assessment. These methods capture real-time data on an individual's behaviors in their natural environment. This is beneficial for a variety of reasons. The first is that it helps bring a better understanding concerning the variables that could be affecting the person's mental health that are not related to their mental health. The second is that it can help better to finetune social media's impact on mental health using real-time analytics.

Population and Participants to Use

The participants chosen for this study are adults aged 25-34. The focus is on Christian men and women in the city of Wisconsin. This is the population. The reason for choosing these individuals is because they are not technology natives. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, which are very popular and are among the oldest in society, came and found these individuals (Pickering, 2017). The investigation into these individuals might provide meaningful insights into the impacts of social media on mental health. In particular, this study does not exclude anyone based on race and identity. This is because the study is trying to find the impact of social media on this age group and not a particular race or ethnicity. The goal is to determine social media use's effect on this age group, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Recruitment will primarily occur through the Holy Hill Basilica, a church with a sizable congregation in the target demographic. This is the sample that the research will utilize. To recruit participants, the plan is to collaborate with the church administration and community leaders to reach out to potential participants (Pickering, 2017). Additionally, advertising through church bulletins, announcements during services, and online platforms frequented by church members could also be effective strategies. Offering compensation packages as incentives for participation can further attract potential participants. Another approach to ensure the success of this endeavor is to use social media platforms to attract participants to participate in the study. Social media is a good recruitment platform as most of the research subjects are on social media.

To reduce attrition rates, the study aims to provide a compensation package for each participant. The goal is to provide $100 each month for each participant. This can act as an incentive to keep the participant as part of the study. It can also aid them in purchasing the data they may need to access social media, which can bring more insights into their social media use.

From the start of the study, participants will be given detailed information concerning the study. This includes the objectives, procedures, potential risks, and benefits they can get from the survey (Pickering, 2017). They will also be informed of their rights as participants. This will be presented in a written document, which the participants will be encouraged to read before starting the study. Once they are informed of these tenets, the next step will be to meet them and explain to them the confidentiality measures we are taking. This includes anonymizing data and a commitment to report only aggregate findings (Pickering, 2017). The participants will also be informed of the legal and ethical obligations the research team is bound by and the measures they can take if they feel these ethics have been violated. The participants will then get an opportunity to answer questions.

There are only two tests that we intend to conduct. The first is to interview the focus group to gauge their mental health and acuity at the moment (Pickering, 2017). This is in addition to the other psychological assessments that can bring better insights into the participant's mental health. Another test we intend to take is the social media use integration scale. This will give a rough measure of the participants' social media use.

The study does not involve the manipulation of variables. This is because the study is longitudinal (Pacho, 2015). This means that the aim will be to observe mostly and to take notes. This means that there is no need for randomization in the study. The objective will be to collect data from the participants and observe the data to make meaningful conclusions (Pacho, 2015).

The subjects of the study will mainly come from the Holy Hill Basilica. This church has a large population of individuals who meet my participation criteria. Another source of participants is community centers and churches around Holy Hill Basilica. Social media will also provide a great source of participants as it will have several individuals in the desired age bracket and meet the required criteria. The goal is to have at least 150 participants, with at least 70% of them making it to the end of the study (Pacho, 2015).

The findings from the sample may not be generalized for the population. This is because factors associated with mental health and social media use are very multifaceted, and there can be other factors affecting the greater sample, particularly as it relates to Christians and non-Christians (Kitchenham et al., 2010). Another factor that can make generalization difficult is that Wisconsin is a prominent place with many different cultures. This means that there are different experiences. This can make generalization difficult.

Ethical Concerns and Protective Measures

There are a variety of ethical considerations to keep in mind regarding the participants. One of the greatest ethical concerns is privacy. Access to the participants' devices used for social media and frequent meetings with them necessitate maintaining their privacy. To address this concern, strict confidentiality measures must be implemented to protect the participants. Anonymized data should be utilized whenever feasible, and all collected data should be securely stored beyond access by any party.

Another ethical concern is the issue of cultural sensitivity and diversity. Assuming that everyone is affected by social media use in the same way is incorrect and can have disastrous impacts on research outcomes. Acknowledging cultural differences and their impact on mental health and social media effects is crucial. To address this concern, implementing a culturally sensitive design is essential. This involves incorporating procedures and recruitment strategies that are culturally sensitive and respectful toward the diverse cultures involved in the study.

Another ethical concern is protection from harm. While the goal is to understand the impacts of social media use on mental health, it would be unethical to let an individual suffer because of the research. Once a participant starts showing signs of extreme mental illness, then that would be the right time to stop the study for him and begin recommending psychiatric care for them. The participant's mental health is of utmost importance and maintaining it even above research is the way to get over this ethical concern.

Autonomy and dignity are also an ethical concern. During the research, the person may wish to depart from social media. They should not feel coerced into doing what they do not want because they are committed to the research. Instead, participants should be treated with respect and dignity throughout the process. This means that they are free to walk away if they wish to no longer participate in the study. Willing participation is also another ethical concern. To reduce attrition, the research is giving participants $100 a month. This may create an ethical issue if the participant feels they do not wish to continue the study but need the money. This can create an environment similar to that of coercion. To address this, the researchers will conduct monthly mental evaluations. If the person is deemed to be mentally affected by the study, they will be dropped from the study immediately so they can seek professional assistance.

Summary and Conclusion

The impact of social media on mental health is an issue that has a significant effect on society and its members. While many in society are aware of the issue, little has been done to address it. More needs to be done to ensure that the problem is properly addressed. This is why this research is essential. The research begins by analyzing existing literature to find possible solutions and setbacks other researchers have encountered. The methodology is also critical, as it aids in determining what approach the research will take.

The main aim of this research is to determine what is the best way to combat the mental health issues being attributed to social media use. Trying to address the problem without a proper understanding would be futile. As Sun Tzu, the famous Chinese war general, once said, it is only with the knowledge of the enemy and yourself that one develops confidence for war. This research provides an avenue for a better understanding of social media use and mental health, allowing stakeholders to design interventions to address the issue better.

The population chosen is 25-38 year old individuals. The people in this bracket are unique for research because they are not technology natives and are often not features of research. However, specific ethical issues need to be watched out for. These ethical issues include cultural sensitivity, autonomy and dignity, protection from harm, cultural sensitivity, and privacy. These factors need to be kept in mind before undertaking this endeavor to guarantee the safety and well-being of the participants and to ensure that their best interests are maintained.

Reference

Adams, K. S., Tost, J. R., Whatley, M. A., Brown, M. C., Dochney, B. J., Taylor, J. M., & Neal, M. H. (2018). Relationship of Christian beliefs to attitudes toward people with mental illness.  American journal of psychotherapy,  71(3), 104-109.

Braghieri, L., Levy, R. E., & Makarin, A. (2022). Social media and mental health.  American Economic Review,  112(11), 3660-3693.

Coyne, S. M., Rogers, A. A., Zurcher, J. D., Stockdale, L., & Booth, M. (2020). Does time spent using social media impact mental health?: An eight year longitudinal study.  Computers in human behavior,  104, 106160.

De Choudhury, M. (2013, October). Role of social media in tackling challenges in mental health. In  Proceedings of the 2nd international workshop on Socially-aware multimedia (pp. 49-52).

Naslund, J. A., Bondre, A., Torous, J., & Aschbrenner, K. A. (2020). Social media and mental health: benefits, risks, and opportunities for research and practice.  Journal of technology in behavioral science,  5, 245-257.

O'Reilly, M. (2020). Social media and adolescent mental health: the good, the bad and the ugly. Journal of Mental Health,  29(2), 200-206.

Wongkoblap, A., Vadillo, M. A., & Curcin, V. (2017). Researching mental health disorders in the era of social media: systematic review.  Journal of medical Internet research,  19(6), e228.

Kitchenham, B. A., Budgen, D., & Brereton, O. P. (2010, April). The value of mapping studies–A participant-observer case study. In  14th international conference on evaluation and assessment in software engineering (ease) (pp. 1-9).

Pacho, T. (2015). Exploring participants' experiences using case study.  International Journal of Humanities and Social Science,  5(4), 44-53.

Pickering, R. M. (2017). Describing the participants in a study.  Age and Ageing,  46(4), 576-581.