Research Paper Grade10
Research Paper Grade10
Grade 10 Amethyst
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for
English 10
Grade 10 - Amethyst
June 15, 2023
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ii
INTRODUCTION 1
Background of the Study 1
Statement of the Problem 2
Significance of the Study 2
Definition of Terms 3
Review of Related Literature 10
METHODOLOGY 12
Procedure 12
Participants of the Study 12
Instrument 12
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 13
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 16
REFERENCES 17
APPENDIX 20
Appendix A: Questionnaire 20
ii
INTRODUCTION
In the era of digital connectivity, social media has revolutionized the way we
communicate, share information, and connect with others. Platforms like Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat have become an integral part of our daily lives,
especially among younger generations. While social media offers numerous benefits and
opportunities, there is a growing concern about its impact on mental health. The
relationship between social media and mental well-being has become a topic of intense
research and discussion
The pervasiveness of social media in our lives cannot be ignored. It has
transformed the way we seek validation, form relationships, and perceive ourselves and
others. However, as its influence continues to expand, studies suggest that excessive use
of social media can have adverse effects on mental health, particularly among young
people (Strickland, 2014). Understanding and addressing these impacts are crucial for
promoting the well-being of individuals in the digital age.
Emerging scientific research indicates that extended use of social networking sites
(SNS) may result in symptoms comparable to those associated with substance-related
addictions (Andreassen, 2015). As previously discussed (Kuss and Griffiths, 2017), a
small portion of individuals may develop an intense focus on their SNS use, considering
it as the most significant activity in their lives
Excessive use of social media has been associated with various mental health
challenges. Studies have found a significant correlation between high social media use
and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among students. The constant
exposure to idealized versions of others' lives, the pressure to conform to societal
expectations, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can contribute to feelings of
inadequacy and low self-esteem. Moreover, cyberbullying and online harassment are
prevalent on social media platforms, leading to negative psychological impacts on
students.
1
Statement of the Problem
The pervasive influence of social media in today's society raises concerns about
its impact on mental health. As individuals increasingly engage with social media
platforms, questions arise regarding the potential negative consequences it may have on
mental well-being. The problem at hand is to understand and address the effects of social
media on mental health, including the risk factors, underlying mechanisms, and potential
long-term implications for individuals' psychological well-being.
Firstly, students are among the most active users of social media platforms,
making them particularly vulnerable to its effects. Understanding how social media
influences their mental health is crucial for identifying potential risks and developing
targeted interventions to support their well-being.
Secondly, mental health issues among students have been on the rise in recent
years, with studies reporting higher rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Exploring the role of social media in contributing to these challenges can provide
valuable insights into the broader factors influencing students' mental well-being.
Moreover, the findings of this study can inform the development of digital well-
being guidelines and policies in educational institutions. By raising awareness about the
impact of social media on mental health, schools can implement appropriate guidelines
and educational programs to empower students with the necessary skills to navigate
social media platforms in a healthy and balanced manner.
2
Definition of Terms
Integral:
Technical definition - Essential to completeness. (merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - Refers to something that is essential, necessary, or indispensable
for the proper functioning or completion of a system or process
Perceive:
Technical definition - To become aware of through the senses. (merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - The process of interpreting, recognizing, and understanding
something based on sensory.
Adverse:
Technical definition - Acting against or in a contrary direction. (merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - A negative or harmful impact or effect on a person or situation
Correlation:
Technical definition - A relation existing between phenomena or things or between
mathematical or statistical variables which tend to vary, be associated, or occur together
in a way not expected on the basis of chance alone. (merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - The degree to which two or more variables are related or
associated and how one variable changes with the variation in another variable.
Anxiety:
Technical definition - Apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an
impending or anticipated ill. (merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - A state of heightened worry, nervousness, and stress, often
triggered by specific events, situations, or even without a clear cause.
3
Depression:
Technical definition - A mood disorder that is marked by varying degrees of sadness,
despair, and loneliness and that is typically accompanied by inactivity, guilt, loss of
concentration, social withdrawal, sleep disturbances, and sometimes suicidal tendencies.
(merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - A prolonged and intense state of negative emotions, such as
sadness, despair, loneliness, and apathy that impact a person's ability to function and
enjoy their life.
Conform:
Technical definition - To act in accordance with prevailing standards or customs.
(merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - The action of adapting one's behavior, beliefs, and attitudes to
match the standards and norms of a particular group or society.
Societal
Technical definition - Noting or pertaining to large social groups, or to their activities,
customs, etc. (dictionary.com)
Operational definition - It encompasses the collective behaviors, beliefs, values, norms,
institutions, and systems that exist within a society.
Inadequacy:
Technical definition - The state or condition of being inadequate; insufficiency.
(dictionary.com)
Operational definition - The feeling or belief of not being good enough, capable, or
sufficient in certain areas of life, such as work, relationships, or personal
accomplishment.
Self-esteem:
Technical definition - A realistic respect for or favorable impression of oneself; self-
respect. (dictionary.com)
Operational definition - A subjective evaluation of one's own worth, based on one's own
beliefs and standards, and influenced by past experiences, social comparisons, and
personal attributes.
4
Cyberbullying:
Technical definition - The electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person
(such as a student) often done anonymously. (merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - The act of harassing, belittling, or threatening an individual or
group using digital technology, which can cause psychological harm, depression, anxiety,
and social isolation.
Prevalent:
Technical definition - Generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored : widespread.
(merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - Referring to the degree to which a particular phenomenon or
condition is widespread or commonly found in a particular population or context.
Psychological:
Technical definition - Pertaining to the mind or to mental phenomena as the subject
matter of psychology. (dictionary.com)
Operational definition - Pertaining to the emotional, mental, and behavioral processes and
their study and analysis.
Implemented:
Technical definition - Carried out; put into effect, usually by means of a definite plan or
procedure. (dictionary.com)
Operational definition - The act of putting a plan or idea into action, utilizing resources,
tools, and strategies to reach pre-defined goals.
Demographic:
Technical definition - A single vital or social statistic of a human population, as the
number of births or deaths. (dictionary.com)
Operational definition - Data and characteristics related to the age, gender, education,
income, and other social and economic factors of a specific group.
Abstinence:
5
Technical definition - The practice of abstaining from something : the practice of not
doing or having something that is wanted or enjoyable. (merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - Voluntarily choosing to stop or refrain from engaging in a
particular behavior or habit.
Relapse:
Technical definition - A recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of
improvement. (merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - A recurrence of symptoms or behavior, usually referring to an
individual who has previously exhibited addictive or harmful behavior.
Cognitive:
Technical definition - Of, relating to, being, or involving conscious intellectual activity.
(merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - Relating to mental processes such as thinking, perception,
memory, and problem-solving.
Pervasive:
Technical definition - Existing in or spreading through every part of something. (merriam
webster.com)
Operational definition - Existing or spreading widely throughout an area or domain, often
with a strong influence or impact.
Underlying:
Technical definition - Evident only on close inspection. (merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - Referring to something fundamental, hidden, or serving as a basis
or foundation for other aspects or phenomena.
Mechanisms:
Technical definition - A process, technique, or system for achieving a result. (merriam
webster.com)
Operational definition - Referring to the processes, systems, or methods that are involved
in the functioning or operation of something.
6
Implications:
Technical definition - Something implied or suggested as naturally to be inferred or
understood. (dictionary.com)
Operational definition - The potential consequences, effects, or outcomes that arise from
a particular action, decision, or situation.
Vulnerable:
Technical definition - Capable of being physically or emotionally wounded. (merriam
webster.com)
Operational definition - Being susceptible to harm, damage, or negative impacts, often
due to factors that make someone or something more exposed or at risk.
Crucial:
Technical definition - Involving an extremely important decision or result; decisive;
critical. (dictionary.com)
Operational definition - Extremely important, essential, or decisive in determining the
success, outcome, or functioning of something.
Institutions:
Technical definition - A public or private place for the care or confinement of inmates,
especially mental patients or other persons with physical or mental disabilities.
(dictionary.com)
Operational definition - Established organizations or structures within a society that serve
specific functions, such as government bodies, educational establishments, or social
organizations.
Awareness:
Technical definition - Knowledge and understanding that something is happening or
exists. (merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - Having knowledge, understanding, or consciousness about
something, often related to being informed or attentive to a particular issue or topic.
7
Navigate:
Technical definition - To direct or manage (a ship, aircraft, or guided missile) on its
course. (dictionary.com)
Operational definition - To find one's way through or manage successfully, often
involving making choices, decisions, or adjustments to reach a desired goal or
destination.
Prevalence:
Technical definition - The quality or state of being prevalent. (merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - The extent or frequency of occurrence of a particular
phenomenon or condition within a population or specific context.
Contribute:
Technical definition - To give or supply (something, such as money or time) as a part or
share. (merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - To actively and positively add to or enhance something, often by
providing support, input, resources, or efforts towards a particular goal or outcome.
Valuable:
Technical definition - Having considerable monetary worth; costing or bringing a high
price. (dictionary.com)
Operational definition - Having worth, importance, or usefulness, often referring to
something that is highly regarded, appreciated, or beneficial.
Insights:
Technical definition - An instance of apprehending the true nature of a thing, especially
through intuitive understanding. (dictionary.com)
Operational definition - Referring to the deep understanding, perceptions, or
interpretations gained from a particular study, analysis, or experience.
Aim:
8
Technical definition - To point a weapon at an object. (merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - Directed or focused with a specific purpose or intention.
Foster:
Technical definition - To care for a foster child or a pet as a temporary guardian.
(dictionary.com)
Operational definition - Encouraging, promoting, or nurturing the development, growth,
or improvement of something or someone.
Resilience:
Technical definition - An ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.
(merriam webster.com)
Operational definition - The ability to recover, adapt, or bounce back from difficult or
challenging circumstances, often demonstrating strength, flexibility, and positive coping
strategies.
Disseminated:
Technical definition - Widely dispersed in a tissue, organ, or the entire body. (merriam
webster.com)
Operational definition - Spread or distributed widely, often referring to the sharing or
transmission of information, knowledge, or findings to a larger audience or population.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) - anxiety or stress caused by the feeling that one is
missing out on social experiences or events that others are participating in.
9
Related Literature Review
(Pellegrino A, Stasi A and Bhatiasevi V (2022) Research trends in social media addiction and
problematic social media use: A bibliometric analysis. Front. Psychiatry
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1017506/full)
(D'Arienzo MC, Boursier V, Griffiths MD (2019) Addiction to social media and attachment
styles: A systematic literature review. Int J Ment Health Addict.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332519837_Addiction_to_Social_Media_and_Attachm
ent_Styles_A_Systematic_Literature_Review)
Excessive Internet use is linked to social media addiction; while this may appear to be less
dangerous than drug or gambling addiction, don't be fooled. Social media addiction, like any
other addiction, can have negative, long-term mental health consequences. According to a 2017
study of adolescents published in Plos One, 4.5 percent of young adults were addicted to social
media. These same young individuals had low self-esteem as well as high levels of depression.
According to studies, those who are addicted to social media believe that other users are more
successful and happy. Social media fosters an environment in which people compare themselves
to one another, which can be harmful to one's mental health. Addiction to social media produces
10
not only unhappiness with life, but also an increase in despair and anxiety. This raises self-
consciousness and may result in social anxiety disorder. Social media addiction has become a
severe problem, particularly among teens. By comparing oneself to others, this leads to low self-
esteem and eating disorders.
(Stevens M (2021) Effects of Social Media Addiction: Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy
https://cyberpsychology.eu/article/view/11562)
Several studies have been conducted around the world to determine whether the Internet and its
services are safe. Whether or not applications are addictive. For example, in a study that was
attended in China it was discovered that 24% of the participants in a study of 2,620 pupils were
addicted to social media. One important factor to note here is that students with high addiction
scores have poor time management skills. Furthermore, internet-addicted teens contributed
important outcomes in emotional symptoms, problem solving, hyperactive circumstances, and so
on lower levels of social behavior.
(Simsek A, Elciyar K, and Kizilhan T (2019) A Comparative Study on Social Media Addiction
of High School and University Students: Research Article
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1213656.pdf)
According to Baumeister and Leary (1995) and Wang (2013), human beings have inherent needs
for social belonging and interpersonal connection, with communication playing a crucial role.
However, the arrival of internet-based social media platforms such as Facebook, WeChat, and
Instagram has significantly transformed interpersonal communication in recent decades (Smith &
Anderson, 2018; Stone & Wang, 2018). With the widespread availability of social media and
easy internet access, there is a growing concern about the potential for social media addiction,
characterized by excessive and irrational usage that interferes with daily life (Griffiths, 2000,
2012). This addiction has been associated with various emotional, relational, health, and
performance issues (Echeburua & de Corral, 2010; Kuss & Griffiths, 2011; Marino, Finos,
Vieno, Lenzi, & Spada, 2017; Marino, Gini, Vieno, & Spada, 2018)
(Strickland A (2014) Exploring the Effects of Social Media Use on the Mental Health of Young
Adults
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses1990-2015/1684/)
11
METHODOLOGY
Through this section, we aim to provide transparency and clarity regarding the research
process, allowing readers to evaluate the resilience and validity of our study's findings.
By presenting a detailed account of the methods used, we demonstrate the systematic and
structured approach employed to address our research questions and objectives.
In summary, the methodology section of this research study serves as a vital component
in establishing the credibility and integrity of the findings. It outlines the research design,
data collection methods, and data analysis techniques, providing a roadmap for
conducting a comprehensive investigation into the impact of social media on the mental
health of grade 10 amethyst students.
Procedure
The questionnaire was disseminated online through the messaging platform, specifically
via Messenger, to a group chat including all the participants involved in this study.
Participants of the study consisted of 44 students from Grade 10 Amethyst, with a gender
distribution of 20 males and 24 females. The age range of the participants averaged
between 15 and 17 years old. The age range of 15 to 17 was chosen to focus on the
adolescent population, as this age group is known to be active users of social media
platforms. The selection of Grade 10 Amethyst students as participants provides a
specific context for investigating the impact of social media on student mental health
within this particular grade level.
Instrument
The instrument used in this study is a questionnaire designed to gather data on the impact
of social media on student mental health. The questionnaire consists of two sections:
social media usage pattern and the impact on mental health. The social media usage
patterns section explores the specific social media platforms used by participants and the
average time spent on social media per day. The impact on mental health section explores
into the emotional experiences of participants while using social media, including
feelings of anxiety or stress. It also examines the pressure to present an idealized self-
image and the negative emotions that may arise from comparing one's life to others on
social media. Additionally, it assesses the influence of social media on self-esteem, body
image, and experiences of cyberbullying or negative comments.
Overall, this questionnaire aims to gather comprehensive data on various aspects of social
media usage and its impact on student mental health. It provides researchers with
valuable insights into participants' behaviors, emotions, and perceptions, helping to
explore the complex relationship between social media and mental well-being.
12
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results of the study revealed several important findings regarding the
relationship between social media and mental health.
Majority of participants reported using social media multiple times a day. In terms
of social media usage patterns, the majority of participants reported using multiple social
media platforms, with Facebook and Tiktok being the most commonly used ones. The
average time spent on social media per day varied, with a significant portion of
participants spending more than four hours engaging with these platforms. When
exploring the impact on mental health, the findings indicated that a number of
participants reported feeling anxious or stressed while using social media. This suggests
that social media use can contribute to negative emotional experiences among students.
Furthermore, a concerning number of participants acknowledged feeling pressured to
present an idealized version of themselves on social media, which can have implications
for self-esteem and body image. Comparisons with others on social media were found to
be prevalent, with a notable percentage of participants reporting feelings of inadequacy or
unhappiness when comparing their lives to others. This highlights the potential negative
effects of social media on self-perception and well-being. Additionall, a significant
portion of participants reported experiencing cyberbullying or receiving negative
comments on social media, pointing to the importance of addressing online harassment
and promoting positive digital interactions. However, despite how social media
negatively affects their mental health majority reports they are satisfied with the amount
of time they spend on social media. A significant portion also reported they have
attempted to reduce social media usage.
The data collected were also analyzed in quantitative method as shown in the
tables below.
13
Table 3. Average time spent on social media per day.
Less than 30 minutes 0%
30 minutes to 1 hour 0%
1 to 2 hours 4.5%
2 to 4 hours 18.2%
More than 4 hours 77.3%
Table 4. Have they ever felt anxious or stressed while using social media?
Yes 59.1%
No 40.9%
Table 5. Have they ever compared their life to others' on social media?
Yes 72.7%
No 27.3%
Table 9. Are they satisfied with the amount of time they spend on social media?
Yes 72.7%
No 27.3%
Table 10. Have they ever attempted to reduce tsocial media usage?
Yes 72.7%
No 27.3%
14
Overall, the findings suggest that social media can have both positive and
negative impacts on the mental health of students. While it provides a means for
connection, entertainment, and information sharing, it can also contribute to stress,
pressure, and negative self-comparisons. The study highlights the importance of
promoting digital well-being and developing strategies to lessen the potential negative
effects of social media use among students.
The implications of these findings are significant for educators, parents, and
policymakers in developing interventions and educational programs that promote healthy
social media habits and digital literacy. By fostering a supportive and positive online
environment, students' mental health can be better protected, and their well-being
enhanced.
15
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this study examined the impact of social media on the mental
health of students. The findings clarified the complex relationship between social media
use and mental well-being. It was evident that social media has both positive and
negative effects on students' mental health. On the positive side, social media provides a
platform for connection, entertainment, and information sharing. It allows students to stay
connected with friends and family, discover new opportunities, and express themselves
creatively. However, the study also revealed several negative impacts of social media on
students' mental health. Excessive use of social media was associated with increased
feelings of anxiety, stress, and pressure. The constant exposure to carefully chosen and
idealized images on social media platforms led to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of
inadequacy. Additionally, experiences of cyberbullying and negative comments further
intensified the negative effects on mental well-being. While this study provides valuable
insights into the impact of social media on student mental health, it is important to
acknowledge its limitations. The study focused on a specific group of students, and the
findings may not be generalizable to other populations. Future research should explore
varied samples and employ long-term designs to better understand the long-term effects
of social media on mental well-being.
RECOMMENDATIONS
16
REFERENCES
Asur S and Huberman BA. “Predicting the future with social media,” in 2010
IEEE/WIC/ACM International Conference on Web Intelligence and Intelligent Agent
Technology, Vol. 1. IEEE (2010). p. 492–9. doi: 10.1109/WI-IAT.2010.63
Hou, Y., Xiong, D., Jiang, T., Song, L., & Wang, Q. (2019). Social media addiction: Its
impact, mediation, and intervention. Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research
on Cyberspace, 13(1), Article 4. https://doi.org/10.5817/CP2019-1-4
17
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.
Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2011). Online social networking and addiction—a review
of the psychological literature. International Journal of Environmental Research and
Public Health, 8(9), 3528-3552.
Mahamid, F.A., Berte, D.Z. Social Media Addiction in Geopolitically At-Risk Youth. Int
J Ment Health Addiction 17, 102–111 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-017-98708
Özge, B. K. (2019). The Relationship between Social Media Addiction and Self-Esteem
among Turkish University Students: A research article, 6(1) , 175‒190
http://adodicta.cm.tr/en/
Pellegrino A, Stasi A and Bhatiasevi V (2022) Research trends in social media addiction
and problematic social media use: A bibliometric analysis. Front. Psychiatry
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1017506
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 US. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1-8.
Strickland, A (2014) "Exploring the Effects of Social Media Use on the Mental Health of
Young Adults". HIM 1990-2015. 1684.
Wang, J., Wang, P., & Zhao, M. (2017). Effects of social media usage and social media
multitasking on the academic performance of university students. Computers in Human
Behavior, 68, 286-291.
Woods, H. C., & Scott, H. (2016). #Sleepyteens: Social media use in adolescence is
associated with poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Journal of
Adolescence, 51, 41-49.
19
APPENDIX
Appendive A: Questionnaire
Instructions: Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability. Your
responses will remain confidential and will be used for research purposes only. There are
no right or wrong answers. Thank you for your participation.
2. Which social media platforms do you use? (Please select all that apply)
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Tiktok
20
3. On average, how much time do you spend on social media per day?
4. Have you ever felt anxious or stressed while using social media?
Yes
No
5. Have you ever compared your life to others' on social media and felt inadequate or
unhappy?
Yes
No
6. Has social media usage negatively affected your self-esteem or body image?
Yes
No
21
7. Have you ever experienced cyberbullying or negative comments on social media?
Yes
No
8. Do you feel that social media enhances or reduces your overall well-being?
Enhances
Reduces
No significant impact
9. Are you satisfied with the amount of time you spend on social media?
Yes
No
10. Have you ever attempted to reduce your social media usage?
Yes
No
22