An investigation into the relationship between social media use and stress levels in young people.

PROPOSED TITLE, TOPIC AND AIMS

Assessment criteria

[Table for you to complete]

1.2

What is your title?

An investigation into the relationship between social media use and stress levels in young people.

1.1

What is the topic area you are investigating?

This investigation is situated within the field of psychology, specifically focusing on mental health and the potential impact of social media use on psychological wellbeing, with reference to stress.

1.3

What is your rationale?

Social media has become an important part of daily life, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Various platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are used extensively for communication, entertainment, and social interaction. However, increasing research and media attention suggest that high levels of social media use may be associated with negative mental health outcomes, including high level of stress, anxiety, and reduced wellbeing.

This study is important because it aims to explore whether a measurable relationship exists between time spent on social media and stress levels.

1.3

What is your aim?

The aim of this investigation is to examine whether there is a relationship between the amount of time spent on social media and stress levels in young people.

1.3

What is your hypothesis? (we have already given you this)

“There will be a significant correlation between the level of social media use and the level of stress”

1.3

What is your null Hypothesis?

There will be no significant relationship between time spent on social media and stress levels.

1.3

What are your objectives?

To measure social media use and stress levels, analyse their relationship, identify any correlation, and evaluate findings to understand the impact of social media on psychological wellbeing.

PROPOSAL

Assessment criteria

[Table for you to complete]

2.3

Type of experimental/ non-experimental method

I will use a non-experimental method because I am investigating the relationship between social media use and stress without manipulating any variables.

2.2

Variable 1

Independent variable (IV)- Amount of social media use

2.2

Variable 2

Dependent variable (DV)- Stress levels

2.2

Who will you conduct your investigation on?  How many people?  What type of sampling is this?

I will conduct this investigation on my family members, friends and some colleagues. There will be around 10-15 people. The type of sampling is Opportunity sampling, as I will be selecting participants who are willing to take part in this investigation, be easily accessible and are convenient to reach.

2.2

How will participants stress and social media use be measured?  How will you collect this data from your participants?  What instructions will you give to your participants?

Participants stress and social media use will be measured by conducting interviews, where they will be asked some questions about their stress levels while using social media. This will be measured in a scale of 1 to 5 (1= low stress level, 5= high stress level). They will be asked to report the average number of hours they spend on social media per day, why they use it, and how many social media platforms they use on a daily basis.

Participants will be given clear instructions before taking part in this investigation. They will be informed that the study is about social media use and stress, and that their participation is voluntary. They will also be asked to answer all questions honestly and reminded that there are no right or wrong answers. Responses will be collected anonymously to encourage honesty and protect privacy.

2.2, 3.2

Other variables which may affect measurements

Other factors which may affect measurements are the age and gender of the people I will be conducting the investigation on, sleep patterns, mental health issues, lifestyle factors etc.

2.2, 3.2

2.2, 3.2

Ethical considerations

Some ethical considerations while carrying out this investigation are obtaining consent from the participants, confidentiality, transparency about the aim of this investigation etc.