Week 6 Final Research Propsal

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Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Research Proposal

Research Methods in Psychology (PSY-535)

Abstract

The rapid increase in the use of social media across the globe has created a whole transformation in the world by creating a virtual community that is closely connected. Indeed, recent studies have increasingly been focused on understanding the complex relationship between the use of social media and mental health outcomes. Though social media offers various benefits related to providing instant modes of communication and access to information, it also poses many psychological challenges. This research proposal investigates the impact of social media on mental health, focusing on 25-34-year-old females who are not native ICT users and, hence, have to adapt to the proliferation of social media as adults. The research will take place within a congregation in Cary, NC. There will be a longitudinal mixed-methods design with quantitative and qualitative measures to analyze social media use's long-term mental health effects. This study consisted of qualitative interviews, momentary ecological assessment tools, and real-time data analytics to capture a comprehensive picture of participants' social media usage and psychological impact. What will be strived for is to cross beyond establishing a correlation to establishing causality, providing clear insight into how social media impacts mental health. The proposed research will sample from the congregants and other community centers in its surrounding environment, with strategies put in place to ensure its diversity and representativeness. Attention will also be paid to ethical concerns, including privacy and cultural sensitivity, while protecting participants' autonomy to create an atmosphere wherein their rights and well-being are safeguarded. Some compensation will be provided for their efforts to ensure a low level of attrition and a high level of engagement over the course of the study.

Literature Review

Introduction

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) presented 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 was that social media platforms have hurt college students.

Naslund et al. (2020) also presented 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 was 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) asserted 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) asserted 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 asserted 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 in understanding the impact of social media on their mental health. Coyne et al. (2020) assessed 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 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 was 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 critical perspective to understand. It is essential to ensure that researchers researching the topic remain aware that many factors 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) discussed 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 alluded to this benefit, showing the value of social media in enhancing well-being.

The bad aspects included 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 focused 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) asserted that using technology is the next step toward investigating social media's impact on health. The authors claimed that a lot of data is generated concerning social media use each day. The article emphasized using techniques such as text analysis, image analysis, and social interactions to properly determine the impact social media can have on mental health (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. Social media platforms have revolutionized communication and provided a means of sharing information and world perception. With their growth, however, there is an increase in concerns regarding the impact these platforms have on mental health. Growing social media has exerted both positive and negative effects on mental health outcomes, as different researchers have put forward for argument in their studies. The literature review discusses these impacts and provides insight into the complex relationship between mental health outcomes and factors of social media use.

Positive Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health:

Probably a more intrinsic benefit of social media is that it provides the functionality needed to give people a sense of support and connectedness. According to Naslund et al. 2020, consumers on social media were in a position to offer peer-support networks to people living with mental illness. These networks provided a sense of community and access to resources that would be otherwise, if not impossible, very difficult to accrue. For example, online support groups could provide a platform where emotional support and meaningful advice are available for managing their conditions. Beyond this, social media can be used to create awareness in cases that the global mental health community might entirely ignore. Social media might help in the de-stigmatization of traditional conventional mental health issues through awareness and societal education on how to coexist with people living with mental illness (Naslund et al., 2020). The more awareness is created, the more informed the acceptance and support for those affected become.

Negative Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health:

Still, despite all of these bright sides, social media poses several risks to mental health. Cyberbullying is a major issue, more precisely to vulnerable groups of people, such as those who have mental illness and adolescents. Naslund et al. (2020) identified how cyberbullying can contribute to already existing mental health issues that result in severe outcomes: the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. Moreover, social media might feed unfavorable social comparisons since users will begin to compare themselves with others through usually unrealistic, filtered versions of life. Braghieri et al. (2022) revealed that such a comparison style could decrease the level of self-esteem and increase the symptoms of poor mental health in college students. The more the system bombarded students with unattainable, unrealistic standards, the greater the symptoms of depression and anxiety took on pronounced dimensions.

Impact on Adolescents and Long-Term Mental Health:

Since adolescents are the most physically active demographic on social media, they are more prone to its harm. O'Reilly, M. (2020) The impacts into the good, the bad, and the ugly. As Naslund et al. (2020) observed, the good is an increased social network and fewer feelings of isolation. At the same time, the bad involves low self-esteem through social comparison and disturbed sleep patterns due to excessive screen time. The ugly ones are much worse, including cyberbullying, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. In their longitudinal study conducted among children aged 10-13, Coyne et al. (2020) established that excessive use of social media is perhaps relevant to increased depression and anxiety rates over some time. However, the repeated warning from these studies is that 'correlation does not imply causality'; hence, these findings need to be treated very carefully.

Advanced technologies can integrate into the research of social media and mental health as they branch further into development. Wongkoblap et al. (2017) considered applying text analysis, image analysis, and social interaction analysis to go deeper into understanding the influence of social media on mental health. These techniques can help dampen biases and extract more precise insights from large cross-sectional datasets churned daily on social media sites.

Methods Used in the Study

The research design intended to be utilized is the longitudinal mixed-methods design. This method allows for incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods over an extended period. This will aid in correctly 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) used the same technique and got 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 better help finetune social media's impact on mental health using real-time analytics.

Population and Participants to Use

The participants chosen for this study are female adults aged 25-34. The focus is on Christian women in the city of Cary. 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 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 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 our confidentiality measures. 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.

The intent is to conduct only two tests. The first is interviewing the focus group to gauge their mental health and acuity (Pickering, 2017). This is in addition to the other psychological assessments that can bring better insights into the participant's mental health. Another intended test 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 be the congrats of a ministry in Cary, NC, which has a large population of individuals who meet my participation criteria—another source of participants in community centers and churches around the Cary, NC, demographics. 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 Cary, NC, 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 regarding the participants to keep in mind. 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 disturbances, then that would be the right time to stop the study for them and begin recommending psychological care for them. The participant's mental health is of utmost importance, and maintaining it even above research is the way to overcome 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 negatively 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 Christian females 25-34 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 considered. 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.