Javid Elliot 1040289

MST4102
PROJECT REPORT SUBMISSION
1. SAMPLE SIZE- 500 participants
A sample size of 500 participants can be considered appropriate for
several reasons:

1. Sufficient Power: A larger sample size generally provides greater

statistical power, increasing the likelihood of detecting true effects or
relationships. With a sample size of 500, you have a reasonably high
chance of detecting meaningful associations between social media usage
and mental health outcomes if they exist.

2. Representativeness: The sample size should be large enough to ensure

that it represents the target population adequately. A sample of 500
participants can help reduce sampling error and increase the likelihood of
obtaining a representative sample, especially if proper sampling
techniques are employed.

3. Precision of Estimates: A larger sample size generally leads to more

precise estimates. With 500 participants, you can obtain more reliable and
stable estimates of the prevalence of mental health outcomes, the strength
of relationships, or differences between groups related to social media
usage.

4. Subgroup Analysis: A sample size of 500 allows for subgroup analysis,

where you can examine specific subgroups within your sample, such as
different age groups, genders, or levels of social media usage. This can
provide valuable insights into potential variations in the relationship
between social media usage and mental health outcomes across different
subgroups.

5. Statistical Assumptions: Many statistical tests and analyses assume a

certain sample size to produce reliable results. With a sample size of 500,
you are likely to meet the assumptions of various statistical tests, such as
normality assumptions for parametric tests, ensuring robust and valid
statistical analysis.

6. Feasibility: The choice of sample size also depends on practical

considerations, such as time, resources, and the scope of the study. A
sample size of 500 is often feasible within reasonable time frames and
resource constraints, allowing for efficient data collection and analysis.
2. SAMPLING TECHNIQUE- Stratified Random Sampling
Stratified sampling is a good method to use when examining the
relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes for
several reasons:

A. Representative sample: Social media usage and mental health

outcomes can vary among different demographic groups, such as
age, gender, and socioeconomic status. By employing stratified
sampling, researchers can ensure that the sample includes an
adequate representation of individuals from each subgroup. This
helps to minimize bias and increase the generalizability of the
findings to the larger population.

B. Precision and efficiency: Stratified sampling allow researchers to

allocate their sample size more effectively. By dividing the
population into relevant strata, such as different age groups or social
media usage patterns, researchers can allocate a proportionate
number of participants from each stratum. This approach ensures that
the sample size is sufficient within each subgroup, enabling more
precise and reliable estimations of the relationship between social
media usage and mental health outcomes.

C. Increased statistical power: Stratified sampling enhances statistical

power by providing an opportunity to examine relationships within
each stratum. Researchers can conduct separate analyses for each
subgroup and detect potential associations or patterns that might not
be apparent in a simple random sample. This approach enables a
more detailed understanding of how social media usage affects
mental health outcomes within specific demographic or behavioural
groups.

D. Enhanced comparability: Stratified sampling allows researchers to

compare results across different strata, facilitating meaningful
comparisons between subgroups. By ensuring an adequate
representation of each subgroup, researchers can make valid
 comparisons and explore potential variations in the relationship
between social media usage and mental health outcomes across
different demographic or behavioural factors.

E. Overall, stratified sampling provides a systematic and efficient way

to address the diversity of social media users and their mental health
outcomes, allowing researchers to draw more robust conclusions
from their findings.

3. STATISTICAL TOOLS USED-

When examining the relationship between social media usage and mental
health outcomes, several statistical tools can be used to analyze the data.

A. Descriptive Statistics: Descriptive statistics, such as means,

standard deviations, and frequencies, provide a summary of the
data collected. They offer an overview of the central tendencies,
variabilities, and distributions of the variables under investigation.
Descriptive statistics help researchers gain a basic understanding of
the data before delving into more complex analyses.

B. Correlation Analysis: Correlation analysis measures the strength

and direction of the relationship between two continuous variables.
Researchers can use Pearson's correlation coefficient or Spearman's
rank correlation coefficient, depending on the level of
measurement and the distributional properties of the variables.
Correlation analysis helps determine if there is a significant
association between social media usage and mental health
outcomes.

C. Regression Analysis: Regression analysis allows researchers to

examine the predictive relationship between variables. Multiple
linear regression can be used to investigate how social media usage
(independent variable) predicts mental health outcomes (dependent
variable) while controlling for other relevant factors (e.g.,
demographic variables, social support). Regression analysis helps
 identify the unique contribution of social media usage to mental
health outcomes.

D. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA): ANOVA is used when comparing

means across multiple groups. Researchers can employ ANOVA to
examine whether there are significant differences in mental health
outcomes based on different levels of social media usage or
demographic factors. Post-hoc tests, such as Tukey's Honestly
Significant Difference (HSD) test, can be used to identify specific
group differences.

E. Chi-Square Test: The chi-square test is used to analyze categorical

data and examine the association between variables. Researchers
can employ chi-square tests to explore whether there is a
significant relationship between social media usage (categorical
variable) and mental health outcomes (categorical variable), such
as the presence of mental health disorders. Chi-square tests help
determine if there is a statistically significant association between
the variables.

4. FINDINGS
1. Negative Impact on Mental Health: Several studies have found a
correlation between excessive or problematic social media usage
and negative mental health outcomes. These outcomes may include
increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, loneliness, decreased
self-esteem, and poor body image.

2. Cyberbullying and Victimization: The prevalence of cyberbullying

on social media platforms has been linked to adverse mental health
outcomes. Individuals who experience cyberbullying may be at
higher risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety,
depression, and suicidal ideation.

3. Fear of Missing Out: social media can contribute to feelings of fear

of missing out, where individuals feel anxious or stressed about
missing out on social events or experiences depicted on social
 media. This fear of missing out has been associated with higher
levels of anxiety and lower well-being.

4. Social Comparison and Body Image Concerns: Social media

platforms often present idealized versions of others' lives, leading
to social comparison and body image concerns. Research has
indicated that exposure to images promoting unrealistic body
standards can contribute to body dissatisfaction, negative self-
perception, and disordered eating behaviors.

5. Sleep Disturbances: Excessive social media usage, particularly

before bedtime, has been associated with poor sleep quality and
sleep disturbances. The use of electronic devices emitting blue
light, along with psychological stimulation from social media
content, can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, mood
disturbances, and impaired cognitive functioning.

6. Positive Mental Health Benefits: While many studies highlight the

negative impacts, there are also findings suggesting positive effects
of social media usage on mental health. For example, social media
can provide a platform for social support, connection, and
information sharing, which may enhance well-being in certain
contexts.

5. SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS
To address the potential negative effects of social media usage on mental
health, here are some recommendations and suggestions:

1. Education and awareness: Increase public awareness about the potential

impact of excessive or unhealthy social media use on mental health. Educate
individuals about the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to
social media and the potential risks associated with excessive use.
2. Digital literacy and media literacy programs: Promote digital literacy and
media literacy programs in schools and communities to help individuals
develop critical thinking skills, evaluate the credibility of online information,
and understand the potential impact of social media on mental health.

3. Mindful social media use: Encourage individuals to adopt mindful social

media practices. This includes setting limits on usage, taking breaks from
social media, and being intentional about the content and interactions they
engage with online.

4. Peer and social support: Foster supportive environments both online and
offline to help individuals cope with the potential negative effects of social
media. Encourage positive interactions, empathy, and kindness among social
media users to create a more nurturing and inclusive online community.

5. Mental health resources and support: Increase access to mental health

resources and support services, including helplines, counseling, and therapy,
to assist individuals who may be experiencing mental health challenges
related to their social media use. Collaborate with mental health
professionals and organizations to provide relevant and evidence-based
support.

6.Responsible social media platform practices: Encourage social media

platforms to implement responsible practices that prioritize user well-being.
This can include features such as time management tools, content
moderation policies, privacy controls, and promoting positive content.

7. Parental guidance and support: Educate parents and caregivers about the
potential impact of social media on mental health, and provide guidance on
how to support children and teenagers in maintaining healthy social media
habits. Encourage open conversations and establish guidelines for
responsible social media use within families.
 8. Personal responsibility and self-care: Encourage individuals to take
personal responsibility for their social media use and prioritize self-care.
Encourage offline activities, healthy relationships, physical exercise, and
mindfulness practices as ways to maintain overall well-being.

HOW SOCIETY/GOVERNMENT BENEFITS FROM THIS RESEARCH

Society and governments can benefit from research on the effects of social
media usage on mental health in several ways:

1. Informed policies and regulations: Research findings can inform the

development of evidence-based policies and regulations related to social media
and mental health. Governments can use research data to design guidelines for
responsible social media use, protect vulnerable populations, and address
potential risks.

2. Public health initiatives: Research can contribute to public health initiatives

aimed at promoting mental well-being and raising awareness about the potential
negative impacts of excessive social media use. It can help identify high-risk
groups, inform preventive strategies, and guide interventions to address mental
health issues related to social media.

3. Resource allocation: Research can guide the allocation of resources, both

financial and human, toward addressing mental health challenges arising from
social media use. Governments can prioritize funding for mental health services,
education campaigns, and digital literacy programs based on research evidence.

4. Intervention and support programs: Research can provide insights into

effective interventions and support programs to mitigate the negative effects of
social media on mental health. Governments can invest in implementing and
scaling up evidence-based programs that promote healthy social media habits,
digital well-being, and mental health support.
5. Education and awareness campaigns: Research findings can be used to
develop educational materials and awareness campaigns targeted at individuals,
families, and communities. These campaigns can promote responsible social
media use, raise awareness about the potential risks, and provide information on
available resources for mental health support.

6. Collaborations and partnerships: Research on the effects of social media on

mental health can foster collaborations between government agencies,
researchers, mental health professionals, social media platforms, and other
stakeholders. These collaborations can lead to joint initiatives, shared resources,
and coordinated efforts to address the challenges and promote positive mental
health in the digital age.

7. Long-term societal well-being: By understanding the impacts of social media

on mental health, society can work towards creating a healthier and more
supportive online environment. Research can contribute to a broader cultural
shift where individuals prioritize their mental well-being, engage in healthier
social media practices, and build resilience against potential negative effects.

Overall, research on the effects of social media on mental health can help
governments and society at large make informed decisions, develop targeted
interventions, and create supportive environments that promote mental well-
being in the digital era.