PSY-108 Introduction to Psychology: 6-1 Discussion – Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health

Assessment Description

In this discussion post, you will examine the effects of social media on mental health, focusing on young adults. Draw from course materials and external sources to discuss how platforms like Instagram and TikTok can contribute to issues such as anxiety, depression, and body image concerns. Consider both positive and negative aspects, and propose strategies for healthier social media use.

Task Instructions

Write a 300-500 word discussion post addressing the following:

1. Describe at least two ways social media can negatively affect mental health in adolescents and college students.
2. Discuss one potential positive impact of social media on well-being.
3. Suggest practical steps individuals can take to mitigate harmful effects.

Support your response with at least two scholarly sources, cited in APA format. Post your initial response by Wednesday, and reply to at least two classmates by Sunday.

Requirements

• Word count: 300-500 words (excluding references).
• Formatting: Use APA style for in-text citations and references.
• Submission: Post directly to the discussion board in Brightspace.
• Originality: Ensure your work is original; use LopesWrite for plagiarism check.

Grading Rubric

Total: 20 points

• Content Quality (10 points): Thorough analysis with clear examples and balanced views.
• Support and Citations (5 points): Effective use of at least two sources in APA format.
• Writing and Clarity (3 points): Well-organized, error-free writing.
• Timeliness and Engagement (2 points): On-time post and meaningful replies.

Social media often leads to increased anxiety among young adults by promoting unrealistic comparisons through filtered images and curated lifestyles. Research shows that heavy users report higher levels of depression due to fear of missing out (FOMO). To counter this, setting daily time limits on apps can help maintain better mental balance. As noted in a study, prolonged exposure to social media correlates with poorer sleep quality, exacerbating stress (Woods & Scott 2016, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.03.043).

References

• Twenge, J.M. and Campbell, W.K., 2019. Media use is linked to lower psychological well-being: Evidence from three datasets. Psychiatric Quarterly, 90(2), pp.311-331. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-019-09630-7
• Vogel, E.A., Rose, J.P., Roberts, L.R. and Eckles, K., 2014. Social comparison, social media, and self-esteem. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 3(4), pp.206-222. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000047
• Primack, B.A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J.E., Whaite, E.O., Lin, L.Y., Rosen, D., Colditz, J.B., Radovic, A. and Miller, E., 2017. Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), pp.1-8. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2017.01.010
• Woods, H.C. and 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, pp.41-49. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.05.008
• Orben, A. and Przybylski, A.K., 2019. The association between adolescent well-being and digital technology use. Nature Human Behaviour, 3(2), pp.173-182. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-018-0506-1