ANIL SURENDRA MODI SCHOOL OF COMMERCE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE MENTAL WELL-BEING

OF INDIVIDUALS

ADMIN GROUP 7
SYBBA G
PARTH GADHVI-31
PRANAV GULATI-32
PRERNA RAMESH-33
PUNEET DIDWANIA-34
RAJAT LILA-35
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. ABSTRACT
2. INTRODUCTION
3. LITERATURE REVIEW
4. RESEARCH METHOD
4.1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
4.2 RESEARCH VARIABLES
4.3 HYPOTHESIS
4.4 SAMPLE SELECTION
4.5 DATA COLLECTION
4.6 METHODOLOGY USED
5. FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
5.1 GENDER AND LEVEL OF SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS
5.2 IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IS GREATER IN
FEMALE USERS AS COMPARED TO MALE USERS
5.3 MENTAL WELL-BEING OF FEMALE USERS IS
AFFECTED MORE THAN THE MAKE USERS DUE TO
SOCIAL MEDIA.
5.4 ADDITIONAL DATA FROM THE SURVEY
6. CONCLUSION
7. REFERENCES
8. APPENDIX

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 1. ABSTRACT

Today’s world is built on technology and it is this technology which has virtually
reduced geographical distances between places and people. The world has become
a modern village. Along with technology, interactive platforms have been
developed to help people talk to each other and feel connected although they may
be in different parts of the world. However, these social media platforms have
become one of the main reasons that effect the emotional and mental health of
individuals. Emotions such as self-consciousness, jealousy, envy, need for social
acceptance as at an all time high today due to insecurities bred by social media.
This research aims to study the effects that social media has on people’s mental
health and its reasons.

2. INTRODUCTION

The modern world is fast paced and driven by technology. Technology has seen
multiple transitions over the past decade. One such life altering transition is the
introduction of social media in people’s lives.

What is Social Media? Social Media are interactive computer-mediated

technologies that facilitate the creation and sharing of information, ideas, career
interests and other activities via virtual communities and networks. There are
different social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat,
Whatsapp, Skype, Twitter, etc. People use these platforms as a means of knowing
what’s going on around in the world in various industries, for showcasing their
talent, sharing pictures and also to connect with their friends and family. Thus, it is
as much a source of entertainment as it is informative.

What is mental well-being? Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in

which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the

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normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make
a contribution to her or his community.The positive dimension of mental health
is stressed in WHO's definition of health as contained in its constitution: "Health
is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity."

Today, people have become too attached to social media to a point that it has
started affecting their personality, thinking and behavior. Social media is no
longer used as a recreational tool but it’s being used to influence people’s
mindset and affect them at a personal level i.e. by affecting their mental well-
being. Thus, social media has been stated as one of the prime causes for higher
levels of loneliness, envy, anxiety, depression, narcissism and decreased social
skills.

The following research aims to understand how social media affects people by
taking into account their age, gender, marital status and various other factors.

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 3. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

(Nicole C. Krämer, The Relationship of Self-Esteem, Extraversion, Self-

Efficiency, and Self-Presentation Within Social Networking Sites,2008) The
study is carried on to find out the linkage between the social factors affected with
the use of social networking sites by the people. Major sectors are the online
impression management and self-esteem. The survey was conducted to collect the
data from people in Germany. The results extracted included that extraversion is a
major influencer and people like to express themselves on the social platforms and
self-presentation on social profiles.

(Deborah Richards, Patrina HY Caldwell and Henry Go, Impact of social

media on the health of children and young people,2015), This paper focuses to
find out the effect of social media on the health of children and young people. Self-
esteem and well-being are the major factors discussed in the paper. The research
was conducted in Australia on secondary data. The results achieved includes that
social media have some negative impact on the mental wellbeing and behavioral
self-esteem of the youngsters and they are highly influenced by the use of social
media on day to day basis, also in some cases it causes depression in them and they
want to express themselves to people on social platforms.

(Ahn, The effects of Social network sites on Adolescents' Social and Academic
Devlopment: Current Theories and Controversies, 2011) carried out a study in
order to understand the effects of social media on an adolescent’s performance and
development in the social and academic spheres of his/her life. This research was
based on secondary data. The author had considered adolescents between the age
of 12-18 years for the purpose of this study. The research findings stated that
adolescents bring already existing social, psychological, and emotional
characteristics into the online community. These human factors interact with the
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respective SNS platform to influence how individuals network and communicate.It
is ultimately these communication behaviors that may provide the causal link to
the social outcomes of interest.

(Ghulam Shabir, 2014) analyzed the impact of the use of social media on the
youth of the City of Bawalpur, Pakistan using 300 youngsters between the ages 15-
30 years. Descriptive method was used to carry out this study. They found that
youth in Pakistan uses social media more for chatting, messaging, video link
sharing whereas the positive effects such as research, worldwide information were
not used by the youth to its full potential. The present day studies reveals that
social media has a positive effect on the youth if used properly and in control with
a potential of negative effects. This is supported by the authors of this paper.

(Qingya Wang, Wei Chen, Yu Liang, The Effects of Social Media on College
Students, 2011) This research was conducted to find out the effect Social Media
has on College Students. The main problem the paper discuses is how social media
effects the study efficiency and if it is interfering with the academic lives. The data
collected was primary data in the Johnson & Wales University. The research
showed both positive and negative aspects of social media on a students life. The
research has revealed that college students were very likely to be affected by social
media resulting in the grades being affected as well.

(Lindsay H Shaw. Larry M.Gant, 2004) . This paper shows studies that were
carried out in order to understand the effects of digital media on the mental health
of young adults. There were 4 variables considered for this paper: Loneliness,
Depression, Perceived Social Support and Self-Esteem. The sample size for this
study was 40 people. This study consisted of five structured Internet chat sessions
between anonymous participant dyads and examined the effects of Internet
usage—specifically chatting with another person. The study found that although
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factors such as anonymity and self-disclosure, which are critical variables in
Internet communication, can be manipulated experimentally, much could be
learned from studying actual online interactions. Whether it is determined that the
Internet helps or harms users, research findings could have significant legal and
social ramifications.

(Quinn, 2018) analyzed the cognitive effects of social media use the case of older
adults using 47 participants above 65 years with minimal social media use. Various
test such as The California Older Adult Stroop Test, Wechsler Digit Span—
Forward and Backward subtest. Study revealed that there was a slight difference
between the control and the intervention group at baseline in processing speed, but
in other respects the two groups showed no significant differences. The study
reveals there is an improvement in processing speed and upliftment of mood but
not in any other aspect. Supported by Janelle W Myhre(2016).

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 4. RESEARCH METHOD

4.1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:

1) To identify the importance of social media in a person’s life.

2) To analyze the effects of social media on male and female users.
3) To study the effects of various social media platforms on people’s mental
and emotional health.

4.2 RESEARCH VARIABLES

MARITAL
STATUS OF
THE USERS

RESEARCH GENDER-
AGE OF THE
MALE AND
USERS VARIABLES FEMALE

IMPORTANCE
OF SOCIAL
MEDIA IN
THYE USER'S
LIFE

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 4.3 HYPOTHESIS:
1) Gender of an individual does not affect his/her level of self-consciousness.
2) Social media is of more importance to female users as compared to male
users.
3) Social media affects the mental well-being of females more than if affects
that of the males.
4.4 SAMPLE SELECTION
In order to understand the topic more in detail, a sample size of 133
individuals was selected. The selection of this sample was carried out in the
form of a survey using Google Forms, being circulated through Whatsapp.
The parameters for selection of the samples are the research variables
mentioned above.
4.5 DATA COLLECTION
This study made of use of Primary Data Collection Technique in the form of
a survey which helped us understand and collect data that truly represented
the viewpoint of people for our research subject. The type of survey we used
for this research study is that of a Questionnaire. It was formulated using
Google form software which is a very effective and efficient method of data
collection and each respondent has to answer the same set of questions.

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4.6 METHODOLOGY USED

While analyzing the impact of social media on an individual’s mental well-being,

We are using the Correlation method of analysis to understand the relationship

between the Gender of an individual and effect on the level of self-consciousness
he/she feels.

Next, we are using the Pivot Chart and Table to study the importance of social
media among men and women and find out who feels the need for social media
more than the other. This can help determine their level of dependence on social
media in order to find mental peace and satisfaction.

Lastly, we are using Pivot Chart and Table to find the impact social media has on
male and female users. This will help to determine who is more affected by social
media and whose mental well-being is at risk by excessive use of social interactive
platforms.

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5. FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS.

5.1 GENDER AND LEVEL OF SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS

CORRELATION

GENDER SELF CONSCIOUSNESS

GENDER 1
SELF
CONSCIOUSNESS 0.164756384 1
TABLE 1

ANALYSIS

We have considered the data obtained from 133 respondents in order to calculate
the correlation between the gender of a person and its effect on their level o self-
consciousness. In order to check this effect, we conducted a correlation test which
showed a positive correlation of 0.1647 between the two variables.

This correlation value 0.1647 depicts that there is a weak correlation between the
gender of an individual and the level of self-consciousness they experience. This
means that there Gender of a person does not impact the level of their self-
consciousness.

5.2 IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IS GREATER IN FEMALE

USERS AS COMPARED TO MALE USERS

The following analysis has been done using two variables from the questionnaire:

1. Gender
2. Importance of social media in the life of the user.

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In order to fulfill this research objective, Pivot Chart and Table were used to
calculate the total score of the level of importance of social media between male
and female users.

PIVOT CHART AND TABLE

SUM OF IMPORATANCE OF
ROW LABELS SOCIAL MEDIA
FEMALE 251
MALE 174
Grand Total 425

TABLE 2

FIGURE 1

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ANALYSIS

From the table and chart given above, the following observations are drawn:

1. The importance of social media for female users is 251.

2. The importance of social media for male users is 174.

Thus, it can be seen that the importance of social media is much higher in female
users than in male users.

5.3MENTAL WELL-BEING OF FEMALE USERS IS AFFECTED MORE

THAN THE MAKE USERS DUE TO SOCIAL MEDIA.

In order to understand this objective, two variables from the questionnaire have
been considered:

1. Gender
2. Does Social media affect the mental well-being of the respondent.

We have used Pivot Chart and Table in order to analyze and draw conclusions for
our objective.

PIVOT CHART AND TABLE

Row Sum of MENTAL WELL

Labels BEING RANKING
FEMALE 82
MALE 52
Grand
Total 134
TABLE 3

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 FIGURE 2

ANALYSIS

From the table and chart given above, the following observations can be drawn:

1. The sum of mental well-being ranking for female users is 82

2. The sum of mental well-being ranking for male users is 52.

Thus, we can say that social media usage affects the mental well-being of women
more that it affects men.

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5.4 ADDITIONAL DATA RECEIVED FROM THE SURVEY

FIGURE 3: PERCENTAGE OF AGE OF RESPONDENTS IN THE

SURVEY

FIGURE 4: THE RATIO OF FEMALE: MALE USERS IS 60:40

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 FIGURE 5: THE PERCENTAGE OF MARRIED USERS IS LESS THAN
THAT OF UNMARRIED USERS.

FIGURE 6: MAJORITY OF THE RESPONDENTS IN THE SURVEY ARE

ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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 6. CONCLUSION

The research aimed to study and analyze the impact of social media on an
individual’s mental well-being. This research studied the impact based on the age,
gender, hours spent on social media, importance of social media, how it impacts a
person and if it is less of work and more a source of entertainment leading to
addiction.

From the study which had a sample size of 133, the following conclusions were
drawn:

 The primary users of social media are adolescents and youngsters between
the ages 15-25 years.
 In relation to statement given above, it was also found that majority of the
users are unmarried.
 The ratio of female:male users is approximately 60:40.
 Almost 97% of the sample size are active on some form of social media.
 Whatsapp is the most used social media platform; followed by Facebook,
Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn and twitter.
 The average number of hours spent on social media per day is 2-4 hours
 Social media impacts all its users; some more than the others.
 Social media has a harsher impact on female users in terms of mental well-
being as compared to the male users.
 Social media affects individuals the most by increasing their level of self-
consciousness; followed by fatigue, need for social acceptance and
loneliness.

Although social media has become an integral part of our lives, it does not need
to become our life. This study shows a very mild impact that social media has

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 on a person’s mental well-being. There are cases where social media has led to
insanity and death of its users. It is very necessary to control your level of
dependence on this method of communication and entertainment and look for
alternate and reliable options for maintaining a healthy mind.

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY

 https://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/en/

 Lindsay H. Shaw Larry M. Gant(2004) Citation: In Defense of the

Internet: The Relationship between Internet Communication and
Depression, Loneliness, Self-Esteem, and Perceived Social Support.
Retrieved from:
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/109493102753770552

 June Ahn(2011) Citation: The Effect of Social Network Sites on

Adolescents’ Social and Academic Development: Current Theories and
Controversies. Retrieved from:
http://ahnjune.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/0Final-
Ahn2011JASIST.pdf

 Kelly Quinn(2018) Citation: Cognitive Effects of social media use: A

case of older adults. Retrieved from:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2056305118787203

 Ghulam Shabir, Yousef Mohmood Yousef Hameed, Ghulam Safdar,

Syed Muhammed Farouq Shah Gilani(2014): The Impavt of social media
on youth: A case study of Bahawalpur City. Retrieved from:

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 https://www.academia.edu/35448381/The_Impact_of_Social_Media_on_
Youth_A_Case_Study_of_Bahawalpur_City

 Qingya Wang(2011): The effects of social media on college students.

Retrieved from: https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/mba_student/5/

 Deborah Richards, Patricia HY Caldwell, Henry Go.(2015): Impact of

Social Media on the health of children and young people. Retrieved from:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jpc.13023

 Nicole C. Krämer(2008):The Relationship of Self-Esteem, Extraversion,

Self-Efficacy and Self-Presentation Within Social Networking Sites.
Retrieved from:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stephan_Winter3/publication/20077
2602_Impression_Management_20_The_Relationship_of_Self-
Esteem_Extraversion_Self-Efficacy_and_Self-
Presentation_Within_Social_Networking_Sites/links/0deec535ade0894b
c8000000.pdf

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8.APPENDIX

QUESTIONNAIRE: Analysis of the effects of Social Media on an individual's

mental well-being.

A survey to collect and analyze data to measure the impact of social media on an

individual's mental health.This research is conducted by the students of ASMSOC

NMIMS, Mumbai solely for academic purposes. Thank you for sparing a couple of

minutes!

*Required

Top of form

Name*

Age*
Mark only one oval
o Below 15
o 16-25
o 26-35
o 36-45
o 45-55
o Above 55

Gender*
Mark only one oval
o Male
o Female
o Other

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What is your marital status?*
Mark only one oval
o Married
o Unmarried

What social media platforms do you use?

Check all that apply
 Whatsapp
 Facebook
 Instagram
 Snapchat
 Twitter
 LinkedIn
 Other

How many hours do you spend on social media on an average per day?
Mark only one oval
o Less than 2 hours
o 2-4 hours
o More than 4 hours

On a scale of 1 to 5, rate the importance of social media in your life.

Mark only one oval
o 1
o 2
o 3
o 4
o 5

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Do you consider yourself addicted to social media?
Mark only one oval
o Yes
o No
o Maybe

Rate the following content based on the social media pages you follow (1 being
the highest and 7 being the lowest)
Mark only one oval
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Humor
Movie personalities
Fitness
Sports
Lifestyle
Fashion
Motivational

Do you think use of social media affects your mental well-being?

Mark only one oval
o Yes
o No
o Maybe

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If yes, in what ways?
Check all that apply
 Fatigue
 Loneliness
 Need for social acceptance
 Self-consciousness
 Other

Bottom of the form

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