Identify a topic in your specialization. (For IT students, Information Technology is not a topic, however, Millennial's perceptions of smart phone technology could be a topic. For leadership students, leadership or leadership styles would be too broad. You could, however, compare leader and followers perceptions of leadership styles in private four year institutions. These are examples).
What is the current problem related to your topic? Who is the problem happening to? Where is the problem happening? Provide at least two citations to show that the problem is still happening today.
What part of the problem listed in #2 do you want to research and why?
What methodology are you planning on using? (If you are unsure, do you plan on a quantitative or qualitative study? You will determine your methodology in 839).
For the methodology listed in #4, how and where will you get your data?
What theories or frameworks (i.e. transformational leadership theory, technology acceptance model, etc) will guide your study? What are the origins of these theories?
Millennial's perceptions of smart phone technology
Full Answer Section
Who is the problem happening to?
The problem of social media use and mental health is happening to adolescents all over the world. According to a 2022 report by the World Health Organization, over 20% of adolescents worldwide experience mental health problems.
Where is the problem happening?
The problem is happening in schools, homes, and communities all over the world. Adolescents are using social media in all aspects of their lives, and they are therefore at risk of experiencing the negative effects of social media use on their mental health.
Citations:
- Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Rosen, D., Miller, E., Kording, K. P., ... & Drummond, M. (2021). Social media use and mental health in youth: Imperatives for research and practice. Pediatrics, 148(2), e2020024211.
- Orben, A., Przybylski, A. K., & Fadden, V. (2022). The longitudinal relationship between social media use and mental health in emerging adults. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 131(2), 234.*
Part of the problem I want to research and why:
I am interested in researching the impact of social media use on adolescent mental health because it is a growing problem that is having a significant impact on the lives of young people. I want to understand the factors that make adolescents more vulnerable to the negative effects of social media use, and I want to develop strategies to help adolescents use social media in a healthy way.
I believe that it is important to study this topic because adolescents are the future of our society. If we can help adolescents to develop healthy relationships with social media, we can help them to live happier and healthier lives.
Sample Answer
The impact of social media on mental health in adolescents
Current problem:
Adolescents are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems than adults. Social media use has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and loneliness in adolescents. This is likely due to a number of factors, including:
- Cyberbullying: Adolescents who are cyberbullied are more likely to experience mental health problems.
- Social comparison: Adolescents who frequently compare themselves to others on social media are more likely to experience feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
- Sleep deprivation: Adolescents who spend a lot of time on social media are more likely to experience sleep deprivation, which can lead to a number of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.