Week 1 Discussion 2: Your Initial Discussion Thread Is Due

Week 1 Discussion 2your Initial Discussion Thread Is Due On Day

Review the assignment instructions to prepare a well-structured initial discussion post. The task involves selecting a research topic, articulating the intended argument, selecting keywords for research, formulating a thesis statement, and reflecting on the development process, including any questions or areas of confusion. The post should be between 200 and 300 words, demonstrating thoughtful reflection and clarity in expression. Additionally, incorporate insights from the specified readings, tutorials, and resources to enhance the quality of your discussion.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of preparing an initial discussion for a research-based class requires careful planning and thoughtful reflection. As I approach selecting a research topic, I am mindful of choosing one that is not only interesting but also allows for a clear argument supported by factual evidence. After reviewing the course materials, including Chapters 1, 3, 4.2, and Appendix A from the textbook, as well as additional resources such as the “Research Paper Guidelines,” “An Introduction to Argument,” and tutorials on developing thesis statements, I have begun to formulate my approach.

My chosen research topic is the impact of social media on mental health in teenagers. I aim to argue that excessive use of social media platforms contributes to increased levels of anxiety and depression among adolescents. The significance of this argument stems from the pervasive presence of social media in young people's lives and the rising concerns about its psychological effects. I intend to support this claim through recent studies, psychological theories, and statistical data illustrating the correlation between social media use and mental health issues.

For my library research, I have identified five keywords: “social media,” “teen mental health,” “anxiety,” “depression,” and “digital addiction.” These keywords are chosen to focus my research on the relationship between digital interactions and psychological well-being, helping me gather relevant scholarly articles, reports, and credible online sources. These terms are specific enough to narrow down search results but broad enough to encompass various perspectives and research findings.

My thesis statement is: “Excessive social media usage among teenagers significantly contributes to heightened levels of anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for greater awareness and intervention.” This clear, concise thesis emerged after reviewing the Two-Minute Tutorial on thesis statements, which encouraged structuring the thesis as a single assertion that guides the paper’s focus. I developed my thesis by evaluating the evidence collected during preliminary research and ensuring it aligns with the argument I intend to make, following the Thesis Checklist to ensure clarity and specificity.

Throughout this development process, I encountered some uncertainties regarding how narrowly or broadly to define “excessive” social media use and how to balance presenting both sides of the argument. I plan to address these questions through further research and seek feedback from classmates and instructors. Engaging with these resources and tutorials has helped me formulate a more focused and supported thesis, providing a strong foundation for my upcoming research paper.

References

• Barnett, K. (2018). The impact of social media on adolescent mental health. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 47(8), 1661–1673.
• 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.
• Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Social Networking Sites and Addiction: Ten Lessons Learned. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3), 311.
• Odgers, C., & Jensen, M. (2020). Annual Research Review: Adolescents’ digital technology use and mental health—Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 61(3), 336–348.
• Orben, A., & Przybylski, A. K. (2019). The association between adolescent well-being and digital technology use. Nature Human Behaviour, 3(2), 173–182.
• Pantic, I. (2014). Online Social Networking and Mental Health. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(10), 652–657.
• Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L., Rosen, D., ... & Miller, E. (2017). Social Media Use and Perceived Social Isolation Among Young Adults in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1–8.
• Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3–17.
• Woods, H. C., & Scott, H. (2016). #Sleepyteens: Social media use and adolescent sleep patterns. Journal of Adolescence, 51, 41–49.
• Valkenburg, P. M., & Peter, J. (2013). The Differential Susceptibility Model: Theoretical Perspectives on the Effects of Social Media. Journal of Media Psychology, 25(4), 123–136.