The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Among University Students (2023)

Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Dissertation – This dissertation explores the connection between social media use and mental health among university students focusing specifically on those studying at King’s College London, Imperial College London and Queen Mary University of London. As social media becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, concerns about its effects on mental well-being, particularly among young adults in academic settings, have grown. While platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Twitter offer ways to connect with others, express oneself and access information, they also come with potential downsides, such as heightened anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how social media impacts students at these three prestigious London universities, considering both its positive and negative aspects.

The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. A 12-question Likert scale survey was distributed to 78 students across the three universities to assess their social media habits and mental health outcomes. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 selected participants to gain deeper insights into their experiences and perceptions. The findings highlight a complex relationship between social media use and mental health among students at these institutions. On the one hand, social media plays a crucial role in maintaining friendships, offering emotional support and creating a sense of belonging.

Research Questions

• What is the relationship between social media usage and mental health among students at King’s College London, Imperial College London and Queen Mary University of London?
• How do different types of social media platforms affect mental health outcomes in this population?
• What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of social media use for students at these institutions?

Dissertation Objectives

• To examine the extent and patterns of social media usage among students at the three universities.
• To explore the positive and negative effects of social media on their mental health.
• To provide recommendations for promoting healthier social media habits and improving mental well-being.

• 10,000 words – 42 pages in length
• Excellent use of literature
• Excellent analysis of data
• Well written throughout
• Includes questionnaire
• Ideal for marketing and media communications students

1 – Introduction
Research Background
Dissertation Rationale
Research Questions and Objectives
Theoretical Framework
Significance of the Study
Dissertation Structure

2 – Literature Review
Prevalence and Patterns of Social Media Usage Among University Students
Theoretical Frameworks
Uses and Gratifications Theory
Social Comparison Theory
Positive Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
Social Connectivity and Support
Self-Expression and Identity Formation
Academic Collaboration
Negative Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
Psychological Impact of Cyberbullying
Gender and Cyberbullying
Institutional Responses to Cyberbullying
Literature Gaps

3 – Research Methodology
Research Design
Research Instruments
Quantitative Instrument: Questionnaire
Qualitative Instrument: Semi-Structured Interviews
Sampling Strategy
Sample Size
Data Collection Methods
Quantitative Data Collection
Qualitative Data Collection
Data Analysis Techniques
Quantitative Data Analysis
Qualitative Data Analysis
Ethical Considerations
Informed Consent
Confidentiality and Anonymity
Research Limitations
Sample Size and Representativeness

4 – Data Analysis
Quantitative Analysis
Demographic Information
Social Media Usage Patterns
Correlation Analysis
Key Findings and Interpretation
Qualitative Analysis
Social Media as a Double-Edged Sword
Pressure to Present a Perfect Image
Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
Social Media as a Coping Mechanism

5 – Conclusion
Key Findings
Positive Effects
Negative Effects
Research Implications
Implications for Practice
Recommendations for Students
Recommendations for Future Research
Final Thoughts

References

Appendix
Survey Questionnaire
Semi-Structured Interview