Capstone Research Project

1

Capstone Research Project

Livan Hernandez

Florida National University

07/22/2023

Introduction

In the contemporary era of digital technology, there is a growing concern regarding the impact of social media on the self-esteem of adolescents and young individuals. Due to the extensive prevalence of social media, individuals are consistently exposed to carefully curated images and content that frequently present idealized representations of life. Exposure to social media can foster social comparisons and adversely affect one's self-esteem. In light of concerns surrounding the potential influence of online platforms on mental health and overall well-being, it is imperative to explore possible associations between the utilization of social media among this demographic and suicide rates. The increasing use of social media and networking sites has led to a notable decline in self-esteem and self-development among the younger generation (Steinsbekk et al., 2021). Globally, the number of individuals utilizing social media exceeds 4.48 billion, with an average monthly visitation rate of 6.6 social media platforms per user. A significant majority, precisely 65.86%, of monthly users on popular platforms such as Facebook use social media daily (Dean, 2023).

This study aims to investigate the impact of social media on the self-esteem of adolescents and the correlation between social media usage and suicide rates among this demographic in the United States. The advent of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok facilitates widespread connectivity among individuals, enabling the exchange of textual content, videos, music, and photographs on a significant scale(Jiang & Ngien, 2020). In contemporary society, social media platforms have assumed the dual roles of newspapers and television. Social media has emerged as the primary destination for gathering information and is where fashion trends and beauty standards are established. The proliferation of social media and networking sites has led to a notable decline in self-esteem and hindered personal development among the younger generation. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of social media on adolescents' self-esteem and its correlation with suicide rates among the youth population in the United States.

Background of the Problem

Adolescents and young individuals currently spend a significant portion of their time engaging with social media platforms. Although social media platforms provide individuals with opportunities for interaction and self-expression, they also subject them to a continuous influx of content that can adversely affect their self-perception and self-worth. Negative self-perceptions and low self-esteem can arise from many factors, encompassing societal expectations regarding conventional beauty ideals, social comparisons with peers, online harassment, and the fear of missing out (FOMO). There have been raised concerns regarding a potential correlation between the excessive utilization of social media and increased suicide rates among adolescents and young adults in the United States. Significantly, a substantial body of research has focused on the impact of social media on adolescents and young individuals. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to examine the influence of social media utilization on adolescents' self-esteem and establish a correlation between social media usage and suicide rates in contemporary society.

Social media refers to a computer-mediated technology that facilitates online communication and the exchange of information among individuals. Individuals can share various forms of information, such as images, videos, thoughts, news, and other typical events, on this platform. Social media presents notable challenges that exceed the capabilities of the younger generation in the digital age. On average, adolescents dedicate more than nine hours daily to online activities, excluding time allocated for academic obligations (Anderson, 2018). Given their propensity for addiction and disruptive tendencies, managing the emotional and cognitive consequences of using social media platforms as educational tools is imperative.

Statement of the Problem

Given the rapid advancement and transformative nature of social media, it is imperative to contemplate its impact on the confidence and self-esteem of its users. Individuals who engage with social media platforms consistently prioritize the number of likes, shares, and followers they receive(Dean, 2023). A straightforward necessity exists to adhere to the trends propagated by the visual representations showcased on various social media platforms. Occasionally, individuals establish unattainable benchmarks that have the potential to negatively impact an individual's self-perception should they fail to meet said standard. This proposal aims to investigate the existing research gap about the potential impact of social media on the self-esteem of adolescents and young adults. Additionally, it seeks to explore the potential correlation between social media usage and suicide rates within these demographic groups.

Purpose of the Study

The outcomes of this research will contribute to improving self-esteem in adolescents and young adults and mitigating suicide rates within this demographic(Patwari & Seth Grover, 2022). The results and the suggested course of action will guide the development of policies and regulations to improve young individuals' management in the digital technology era. Policymakers can utilize the findings and recommendations to integrate educational initiatives to educate young individuals about the appropriate utilization of social media platforms and the effective integration of social media information into their personal lives(Anderson, 2018). The research will also facilitate the researcher's comprehension of utilizing social media platforms to mitigate the adverse impacts on individuals' mental well-being.

Psychology encompasses the examination of cognitive processes and behavioral patterns. The concept includes all factors contributing to the individual's mental health, behavioral habits, and emotional experiences, encompassing biological, societal, and environmental determinants. Individuals have the potential to enhance their self-awareness and develop a more comprehensive comprehension of others through the acquisition of a broader and more profound understanding of psychology(Every-Palmer et al., 2020). The field of social psychology will gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of social media and its impact. Social psychology is an academic discipline investigating how individuals develop their intentions, aspirations, and emotions within a social context, influenced by their actual or perceived interactions with others. Consequently, this study examines the impact of individuals' actions on human behavior and the factors that contribute to social behavior and the manifestation of emotions.

Limitations and Assumptions

It is imperative to acknowledge the constraints and acknowledge that they may result in errors in the analysis and interpretation of data and outcomes. One of the primary limitations of this study pertains to the generalizability of its findings. The study will generalize the findings to unexplored institutions due to the utilization of a limited sample. This methodology does not yield results that can be considered reliable or, more precisely, applicable to a broader context. The outcomes are skewed in favor of limited application. In order to address the concern regarding generalization, the study will employ a diverse range of information sources, incorporating findings from previous investigations. The study will examine four prominent commercial social networking platforms n: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. The population of interest will consist of individuals residing in a specific city, whose inclusion will be determined by their participation in a survey. Furthermore, all participants will be limited to a particular age bracket. The demographic being examined may exhibit a specific bias towards self-esteem and suicide.

Methods of Searching

This study will comprehensively review the scholarly literature using various internet databases such as PsycINFO, PubMed, and Google Scholar. In order to locate empirical research, theoretical frameworks, and other relevant publications, appropriate keywords and search phrases about social media, self-esteem, adolescents, young adults, suicide rates, mental health, and psychological factors will be employed. Priority will be given to peer-reviewed studies published within the past decade, focusing specifically on the influence of social media on self-esteem and the correlation between social media usage and suicide rates among adolescents and young adults in the United States, following the established inclusion criteria.

References

Anderson, M. (2018, May 31). Teens, Social Media and Technology 2018. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/05/31/teens-

Dean, B. (2023, March 27). Social Network Usage & Growth Statistics: How Many People Use Social Media in 2021? Backlinko; Backlinko. https://backlinko.com/social-media-users

Every-Palmer, S., Jenkins, M., Gendall, P., Hoek, J., Beaglehole, B., Bell, C., Williman, J., Rapsey, C., & Stanley, J. (2020). Psychological distress, anxiety, family violence, suicidality, and well-being in New Zealand during the COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study. PLOS ONE, 15(11), e0241658. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241658

Patwari, P., & Seth Grover, S. (2022). Relationship Between Subjective Happiness and Social Media Usage: Self-Esteem as a Mediator. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 10(2), 604–613.

Steinsbekk, S., Wichstrøm, L., Stenseng, F., Nesi, J., Hygen, B. W., & Skalická, V. (2021). The impact of social media use on appearance self-esteem from childhood to adolescence – A 3-wave community study. Computers in Human Behavior, 114(114), 106528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106528

Jiang, S., & Ngien, A. (2020). The Effects of Instagram Use, Social Comparison, and Self-Esteem on Social Anxiety: A Survey Study in Singapore. Social Media + Society, 6(2), 205630512091248. sage pub. https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305120912488

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