PSY 1113 Week 4 Unit 1 Assignments Part 1c Topic Selection

PSY 1113 Ew04f24funit 1 Assignmentsiop Part 1c Topic Selection Works

Review the instructions for Part 1A: Topic Selection Instructions and Part 1B Topic Options to select your topic. Once you have your topic selected, download and complete this worksheet. Once finished you will submit your assignment as a .docx or pdf here.

Identify your chosen topic and explain why it drew your interest. Describe the topic in your own words. Explain how the topic is personally relevant to you. Identify and define key keywords in your topic statement. Clearly state your support or opposition regarding the topic. Discuss the strength of your opinion on this topic. Summarize your current knowledge about the topic and describe the source of this knowledge.

Paper For Above instruction

The psychology topic I have chosen is "The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health." I was drawn to this topic because of the pervasive presence of social media platforms in the lives of young people and the growing concern about their mental well-being in relation to digital engagement. As a future psychologist, understanding this relationship is essential because it influences how mental health interventions can be tailored to adolescents navigating digital environments.

The topic, in my own words, revolves around how social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat affect the psychological health of teenagers. It explores both potential benefits, like social connection, and risks, including anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. The relevance of this topic to me stems from my interest in adolescent psychology and the increasing importance of digital environments in everyday life. As someone who interacts with teenagers and their parents, understanding these dynamics can contribute to more effective counseling and mental health promotion strategies.

Key keywords in this topic are "social media," "adolescents," "mental health," "depression," "anxiety," "self-esteem," and "digital environment." Social media refers to online platforms enabling social interaction; adolescents are individuals typically aged between 10 and 19; mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being; depression and anxiety are common mental health disorders among teenagers; self-esteem relates to one's sense of self-worth; and digital environment refers to the online spaces where social interactions occur.

Support for the impact of social media on adolescent mental health is substantial, with numerous studies indicating both positive and negative effects. Opposing views suggest that social media can foster social support and identity development but may also lead to increased anxiety and depression. My personal opinion leans towards viewing social media as a double-edged sword—beneficial when used mindfully but potentially harmful when overused or misused.

Currently, my knowledge about this topic comes from academic articles, news reports, and personal observations. I am aware of research indicating a correlation between social media use and mental health issues, particularly among vulnerable teens. However, I also acknowledge the complexity of confounding factors, such as pre-existing mental health conditions, family environment, and individual personality traits.

The source of my knowledge ranges from peer-reviewed psychological studies to reputable health organizations’ reports, such as the American Psychological Association and the National Institute of Mental Health. These sources provide evidence-based insights into how social media influences adolescent mental health, highlighting the importance of developing balanced usage guidelines and mental health support tailored for digital-native youth.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Social Media and Mental Health. APA.
• Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: The influence of social media on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 79-93.
• Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among US adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3-17.
• Orben, A., & Przybylski, A. K. (2019). The association between adolescent well-being and digital technology use. Nature Human Behaviour, 3(2), 173-182.
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Digital media use and adolescent mental health. NIMH.
• Georgiou, M., & Voulgaridou, K. (2021). Social media and adolescent mental health: A review. Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, 7(3), 202-215.
• Best, P., Manktelow, R., & Taylor, B. (2014). Online communication, social media and adolescent wellbeing: A systematic narrative review. Children and Youth Services Review, 41, 27-36.
• Pew Research Center. (2022). Teens, Social Media & Technology 2022. Pew Research Center.
• Leung, L. (2017). Social media's impact on adolescent mental health: A review of recent literature. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 25, 13-17.
• Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2018). Social comparisons on social media: The impact on body image concerns. Body Image, 26, 90-97.