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Benchmark – Research Report
Grand Canyon University
PSY - 452: Experimental Psychology
, 2
Introduction and Literature Review
Introduction: Overview of the Research Topic and Variables
Social media has become a central part of daily life, especially among young adults. With
platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok dominating communication, entertainment, and
social interaction, it is crucial to understand how social media affects mental health. Previous
research has suggested mixed outcomes regarding the impact of social media on young adults,
with some studies linking increased use to negative psychological effects such as lower self-
esteem, anxiety, and depression, while others argue that social media can offer social support
and positive engagement (Kuss & Griffiths, 2017; Best et al., 2014). This study aims to explore
the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes in young adults aged 18-
25, a group particularly active on social media.
Research on the impact of social media on self-esteem has shown that social comparison
is a key factor influencing how individuals feel about themselves when using these platforms.
Studies have demonstrated that exposure to idealized images and lifestyles can lead to feelings of
inadequacy and lower self-worth (Fardouly et al., 2015; Tiggemann & Slater, 2014). On the
other hand, some research has highlighted that social media can also provide opportunities for
self- expression and social connection, potentially enhancing self-esteem for some individuals
(Steers et al., 2014). This suggests that the effect of social media on self-esteem may vary
depending on usage patterns and individual characteristics.
In addition to self-esteem, there is a growing body of literature examining the relationship
between social media use and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Studies
have found that increased time spent on social media is correlated with higher levels of
anxiety,
Benchmark – Research Report
Grand Canyon University
PSY - 452: Experimental Psychology
, 2
Introduction and Literature Review
Introduction: Overview of the Research Topic and Variables
Social media has become a central part of daily life, especially among young adults. With
platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok dominating communication, entertainment, and
social interaction, it is crucial to understand how social media affects mental health. Previous
research has suggested mixed outcomes regarding the impact of social media on young adults,
with some studies linking increased use to negative psychological effects such as lower self-
esteem, anxiety, and depression, while others argue that social media can offer social support
and positive engagement (Kuss & Griffiths, 2017; Best et al., 2014). This study aims to explore
the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes in young adults aged 18-
25, a group particularly active on social media.
Research on the impact of social media on self-esteem has shown that social comparison
is a key factor influencing how individuals feel about themselves when using these platforms.
Studies have demonstrated that exposure to idealized images and lifestyles can lead to feelings of
inadequacy and lower self-worth (Fardouly et al., 2015; Tiggemann & Slater, 2014). On the
other hand, some research has highlighted that social media can also provide opportunities for
self- expression and social connection, potentially enhancing self-esteem for some individuals
(Steers et al., 2014). This suggests that the effect of social media on self-esteem may vary
depending on usage patterns and individual characteristics.
In addition to self-esteem, there is a growing body of literature examining the relationship
between social media use and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Studies
have found that increased time spent on social media is correlated with higher levels of
anxiety,
