My first research question is, how does social media impacts teenagers mental health? Many teens spend hours online every day, constantly comparing themselves to what they see, whether it’s influencers, friends, or random strangers who seem to have “perfect” lives. These content interactions can lead to low self esteem, body image issues, anxiety, and even depression. On the other hand, some teens find social media to be a source of support and self expression, especially when they follow communities that make them feel seen and accepted. I want to research real life experiences that show both sides of how social media can hurt teens emotionally, but also how it can sometimes help them feel less alone.
My second question is, how does social media influence how teenagers communicate and build relationships? This question will help me look into how social media affects our communication skills and the way we connect with others. Before technology, people had to talk face-to-face or over the phone, but now so much of our communication happens through texts. I want to find out if this makes relationships stronger or weaker. For example, social media helps teens stay in touch with friends no matter where they are, but texting can also make conversations less personal. Do people act differently online than they would in person? Are friendships online as meaningful as real life ones?
My third and final question I have is, how does social media shape teenage identity and self expression. Social media gives people a way to express their personality, interests, and creativity through posts, photos, and videos. But when your post something online there is always pressure to look a certain way or act a certain way. I want to understand if social media helps teens discover who they really are or if it pushes them to become someone they’re not. By reaching this, it will help me see how social media plays a role in shaping confidence, individuality, and authenticity among teens today.
This question is really important to me because I’ve grown up surrounded by social media to the point where it’s part of my daily routine. I’ve recently started to noticed how it can be both good and bad. Social Media can connect people, but it can also cause insecurity. Learning more about this will help me understand how it’s actually shaping me and other teens around me. For my community, this question matters because almost everyone around me uses social media, but not many people stop to think about how it’s affecting us. By researching this, I hope to bring more awareness to how social media influences the way we think, act, and connect and maybe even help others use it in a healthier way.
Sources that will help me in the future:
https://childmind.org/article/how-using-social-media-affects-teenagers
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/04/22/teens-social-media-and-mental-health
https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens–screens-and-mental-health
Hi Sydney!
I really enjoyed reading your blog post! Your topic is extremely relevant and something all teenagers can relate to. I like that you focused on both the positives and negatives of social media instead of strictly focusing on one. The questions you came up with are strong and connect well with each other. In the future, is bolding your questions or titles, so its easier to follow! Overall, you did a great job explaining your ideas and keeping it interesting to read. I can’t wait to read more in the future.
Here are some helpful sources:
https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Consumer_Updates/Adolescents_and_Social_Media.aspx
https://thereachinstitute.org/mind-over-minutes-how-youths-screen-habits-are-impacting-their-mental-health/
Hey Sydney!
I really enjoyed reading your post and how clearly you broke down your three research questions. I like how you explained both the positive and negative effects of social media on teens, making your inquiry feel thoughtful. Your personal connection to the topic makes your writing engaging and relatable, and adds a deeper engagement with the readers. One suggestion for improvement is to go deeper with your examples by including specific situations, studies, or real-life stories that show how social media affects those factors. This would make your points even stronger and help readers see the impact more clearly. Overall, your post does a great job showing why this topic matters both to you and to your community, and I am excited to continue reading your posts, and hoping that it will impact me as well.