2025 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Social Media Usage

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-15-2025

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Shikhar Sarin

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

How does social media usage contribute to the decline of consumers' mental health?

METHODOLOGY:

We collected survey data using the Qualtrics online survey tool by leveraging our personal and professional networks to maximize participation. The survey link was distributed to peers, including fellow students, as well as to family members through direct messages and family group chats. We also shared the survey within our work networks by reaching out to co-workers, and we expanded our reach further by posting it on various social media platforms. This approach allowed us to gather responses from a diverse range of participants, including close family, distant relatives, friends, and professional acquaintances.

SAMPLE:

We received completed surveys from 254 respondents. The average age of respondents in our sample was on average 18-24 and varied from 18 - 55. The employment status of the respondents was a high of 40% of full time workers then following, 24 % part-time, 24% student, 7% unemployed and 5% of the respondents are retired. Another demographic we found is the survey was 54% male, 42% female, and 5% preferred not to say.

ANALYSIS:

We used our quantitative data from our survey to show the observed relationship between social media and the effect on their everyday routines, self-esteem, and mental health. Using SPSS statistical software to find the descriptive statistics, we then could gain further insight by way of inferential statistics. We used Pearson correlation tests to find the overall strength between the variables.

KEY FINDINGS:

Our findings indicate a complex relationship between social media use and behavioral tendencies, emotional health, and self-perception. Regarding the effect of social media on their everyday routines, self-esteem, and mental health, participants expressed differing degrees of agreement. The study shows that excessive social media use is linked to elevated anxiety, mood swings, and self-comparison, but positive relationships were found between some aspects of social media use and mental health with preserving long-distance relationships. Every relationship, difference, and outcome shown here was statistically significant.

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