revised-deviant
revised-deviant
revised-deviant
In Partial Fulfilment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY
November 2024
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Chapter 1
Adolescents are in a critical stage of social and emotional development, which makes
them highly susceptible to the powerful influences of social media. Since 2019, research has
consistently shown a strong correlation between high levels of social media usage and an
increased likelihood of engaging in deviant behaviors. This connection arises from several key
factors, including peer influence, exposure to harmful or inappropriate content, and the
normalization of risky or unethical actions through viral trends and challenges (Navarro, 2024;
Felson & Richard, 2023). Social media platforms, where adolescents often seek validation and
form identities, amplify these risks by presenting environments that frequently glorify violent,
criminal, or otherwise deviant acts. Such exposure not only heightens the likelihood of online
misconduct but also significantly increases the chances of these behaviors translating into
offline contexts (Sampasa-Kanyinga & Lewis, 2020). As a result, social media use emerges as
both a medium for exposure and a catalyst for behavioral influence, underscoring its critical
online challenges, and other forms of rule-breaking, finds a conducive environment within the
digital realm of social media. This phenomenon is largely driven by the anonymity,
immediacy, and social validation inherent to these platforms (Kircaburun et al., 2020).
Adolescents, often in search of peer approval, are particularly prone to imitating risky
behaviors showcased online, even when such actions conflict with ethical or legal standards.
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Research highlights a direct relationship between increased screen time and heightened
content or trends amplifies the likelihood of mimicry (Huang, 2021). Furthermore, the
perceived anonymity afforded by social media acts as a psychological buffer, reducing the
fear of real-world consequences and emboldening adolescents to act in ways they might
otherwise avoid (Kowalski et al., 2019). Together, these elements highlight the complex
interplay between social media environments and the emergence of deviant behaviors among
adolescents.
The link between social media use and deviant behavior is increasingly supported by
research, highlighting the platform's role in shaping adolescent actions. Social media offers a
unique environment where anonymity and peer influence converge, creating conditions that
encourage risky and rule-breaking behaviors. Adolescents, who are in a developmental phase
through viral challenges, glamorized depictions of deviance, and the constant visibility of peer
actions. Studies consistently reveal that prolonged exposure to such digital environments
increases the likelihood of mimicking these behaviors, as adolescents are drawn into patterns
of conduct that prioritize social approval over ethical considerations (Kircaburun et al., 2020;
Huang, 2021; Kowalski et al., 2019). This demonstrates the critical interplay between social
media use and deviant tendencies, with the digital landscape acting as both a catalyst and a
similar risks prevalent in the broader digital landscape. Factors such as peer influence, the
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desire for social validation, and the accessibility of potentially harmful content can contribute
to the manifestation of deviant behaviors both online and offline. Addressing these issues
and community awareness programs, to mitigate the potential negative impacts of social
Although a substantial amount of research has explored the effects of social media on
young people, the direct relationship between the intensity of social media use and the
inclination toward deviant behaviors has received limited attention. Most studies tend to focus
on specific issues, such as cyber bullying, social media addiction, or general behavioral
engagement with social media platforms might shape adolescents' decision-making processes
and increase their vulnerability to deviant behaviors. Filling this research gap is essential for
developing targeted strategies to mitigate the potential negative effects of social media on
youth behavior.
This study aims to investigate the levels of social media use among adolescents and
examine how this usage correlates with deviant behavioral tendencies. The research seeks to
uncover the ways in which social media platforms influence attitudes and actions, both
social norms and peer dynamics. By identifying patterns and triggers of deviant behaviors
linked to excessive or inappropriate social media use, this study intends to provide valuable
The study further aims to address the broader issue of social media misuse among
adolescents by identifying specific risk factors and protective measures. The objectives
include assessing the prevalence of social media use among adolescents, including frequency,
duration, and types of platforms most commonly used, analyzing the relationship between
social media use and the emergence of deviant behaviors, such as cyber bullying, participation
as digital literacy programs, mental health support, and community-led initiatives, to empower
Finally, this study seeks not only to shed light on the risks associated with social media
use but also to propose practical solutions for mitigating its negative impacts, fostering a safer
Theoretical Framework
This study is anchored to Social Cognitive Theory by Albert Bandura (1986) and
Ecological Systems Theory adapted to the digital context by Bronfenbrenner and Morris
(2021) to explore the impact of social media on youth mental health and deviant tendency
Social Cognitive Theory emphasizes the unique way individuals acquire and maintain
behavior, considering both internal cognitive processes and the social environment where
behaviors are performed. It accounts for how past experiences influence reinforcements,
expectations, and outcomes that shape behavior. Adolescents, in particular, are susceptible to
the behavioral models they encounter, especially on platforms where social interactions are
amplified.
observational learning, where individuals adopt behaviors modeled by others. For instance,
studies by Anderson and Jiang (2018) emphasize that adolescents frequently mimic behaviors
—both positive and negative—that they observe online, particularly when such behaviors are
feedback creates a cycle of reinforcement that may encourage deviant behaviors, such as
behaviors, such as aggression and risky decision-making, stemming from exposure to negative
or harmful content on social media. This aligns with the theory’s assertion that reinforcement
individual adopts a behavior. Conversely, exposure to positive role models on platforms can
between individuals and their environments. Adapted to the digital context, it examines how
Social media serves as a bridge between these systems, deeply integrating itself into
adolescents’ daily lives. Yau and Reich (2019) note that interactions within the exosystem,
such as peer connections and digital communities, can contribute to both prosocial behaviors
(e.g., advocacy and community support) and antisocial behaviors (e.g., trolling or
cyberbullying), depending on the content and engagement patterns. The macrosystem, shaped
by cultural norms and societal values, also plays a critical role in shaping adolescents’ digital
behaviors, as trends and norms on platforms often reflect broader societal dynamics.
excessive social media use and negative mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and
depression, which can exacerbate the likelihood of deviant behaviors. In contrast, the same
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platforms can also provide access to supportive communities and positive peer interactions,
By combining these theories, the study seeks to explore how social media operates as
both a risk factor and an opportunity for positive influence among youth in Tangub City.
Social Cognitive Theory underscores the individual learning processes facilitated by digital
environments, while the Ecological Systems Theory provides a broader view of how online
The theoretical framework will guide this study in understanding the interplay between
social media behaviors and deviant tendencies, offering insights into local dynamics and
broader patterns. Lastly, this integrative approach aims to provide a foundation for evidence-
based interventions that address the risks of deviant behaviors while leveraging the potential
The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of social media use and its relation to
deviant behavior tendency among adolescents in Tangub City. Specifically, the study aims to
1.1 Age,
1.2 Gender,
2. What is the level of social media use among the respondents in terms of;
3. Is there a significant relationship between the respondents' social media use and their
4. Based on the findings, what protective factors can help mitigate the risk of deviant
This study on level of social media use and the deviant tendency behavior among
Community. The findings of this research will help the local community in Tangub City
better understand how social media influences youth behavior and mental health.
leaders and organizations can develop programs to educate young people about
responsible online behavior and provide support for those at risk of deviant
tendency behaviour.
Parents and Guardians. Parents will benefit from this study by gaining insights into
how social media usage impacts their children’s mental health and behavior.
using social media positively while being aware of warning signs of behavioral
Educators. Teachers can use these findings to integrate digital literacy and mental health
Future Researchers. This study will serve as a reference for future research exploring
understanding of these issues, paving the way for further exploration in similar
contexts.
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This study focuses on the level of social media use and its relation to the deviant
barangays that have high reports on deviant behaviors linking to social media use. The
research will assess how the frequency and type of social media content consumed
influence youth behavior and emotional well-being. Data will be collected from
adolescents residing in Tangub City, specifically targeting those who are active on social
media platforms. The study aims to provide insights into the relationship between social
The study is limited to the youth demographic within Tangub City and does not
include other populations or regions, making the findings specific to this locality.
Furthermore, the reliance on self-reported data through surveys introduces the potential
for response bias, as participants may overestimate or underestimate their social media
usage or behaviors. Time constraints and resource availability may also limit the sample
size, affecting the generalizability of the results. Additionally, the study does not delve
into other factors influencing youth mental health and behavior, such as family dynamics
Research Methodology
This chapter discusses the research design, respondents, sampling methods, research
design to examine the relationship between social media use, and deviant
appropriate for systematically analyzing the frequency and type of social media
use and its associated behavioral effects, while correlational analysis allows for
measurable insights.
social media use. This urban locality is ideal for studying the phenomenon due to
the growing accessibility of social media platforms and their influence on local
youth behavior. Public and private institutions, community centers, and homes in
Respondents. The respondents for this study will be youth aged 13 to 19 years old who
are active on social media platforms. The number of the respondents involved in
this study will be determine using the Raosoft sample size calculator. The exact
sample size will depend on the population size of the cities being studied and the
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the general population within the three cities. This means the sample will include
data and sufficient diversity in the responses. According to Cochran's formula for
sample size calculation, when the population is large, a sample size of 150 to 300
is often sufficient to maintain the desired confidence level and margin of error,
ensuring that the sample is representative of the larger population without being
excessively large.
educational level (Etikan & Bala, 2017). The population will be divided into
Research Instrument. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire titled: “Use
of Social Media Use Scale (SMUS) by Lin, Wang, and Chen (2016) and Deviant
such as sex, age, class, and name of school. Section two, consist of six (6) items
on use of social media and section three measure deviant behavior tendencies
constructed in a four (4) point rating scale ranging from Strongly Agree (SA) 4
points, Agree (A) 3 points, Disagree (D) 2 points, and Disagree (SD) 1 points.
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Likert Scale will be used to assess the frequency, intensity, and attitudes of social
Validity and Reliability. The questionnaire will undergo content validation by adviser,
panel, and guidance officer. A pilot test with 30 respondents from a similar
instrument (Taherdoost, 2020). Feedback from the pilot test will be used to refine
Data Collection Procedure. Data collection will take place as soon as the letter pf
Data Analysis. The collected data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential
summarize demographic profiles and social media use patterns (Creswell, 2020).
Correlational analysis will explore the relationships between social media use,
and deviant tendency behavior. Statistical tests, such as Pearson correlation will
1. Simple Percentage. This analysis tool is used to describe the demographic profile of
the respondents in terms of Age, Gender, Year Level and Social Media Platform
Use.
P = F/N (100)
Where:
P = computed percent
2. Weighted Mean is a statistical tool that is particularly useful when different data points
the weighted mean will be applied to respondents frequency of social media use
3. Pearson Correlation coefficient (𝑟) is a statistical measure that calculates the strength
emphasizing that participation was entirely voluntary and free from coercion.
compliance with Republic Act No. 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of
2012. To safeguard their anonymity, participants were given the option to omit
their names from the research instrument, and their identities were kept
confidential. Additionally, they were informed that all responses would be treated
Definition of Terms
(Creswell, 2019).
Deviant Behavior.. Deviant behavior refers to actions or conduct that violate societal
standards. Deviant behavior often challenges the social order and can
(2012).
Frequency of Use. The measure of how often an individual accesses and uses social media
Risk-Taking Behaviors. Actions that involve a potential for harm or loss, often driven
Social Media Use. The engagement with online platforms and applications that enable
users to create, share, and interact with content (Boyd & Ellison,
2020).
Type of Content Engaged With. The nature of media consumed or interacted with,
al., 2020).
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