4.16.6 - Portfolio Item: Research Paper Final Draft
Title: The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
Introduction:
Social media is an integral part of our daily lives, but it has been found to have negative effects on mental health. Research has shown that social media can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, and contribute to low self-esteem. In this research paper, I will explore the various ways in which social media affects mental health and suggest ways we can mitigate these negative effects.
Body:
One of the ways social media negatively affects mental health is through the creation of unrealistic expectations regarding body image. Social media platforms are filled with images of flawless models with perfect bodies. This can lead to pressure and dissatisfaction with one's own body, thereby causing anxiety and depression. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have also been linked to low self-esteem and higher rates of anxiety and depression. This is because these platforms create a comparison culture where people compare their lives to others, leading to a feeling of inadequacy.
Another significant way social media affects mental health is through online harassment and bullying. Social media allows people to hide behind anonymous profiles leading to anonymity to bully or harass other people online. Cyberbullying has psychological effects and can lead to depression, anxiety, isolation, and even suicide. Furthermore, social media has created an environment where people feel the need to express their opinions on every matter. This has led to the creation of online trolls who seek to spread hate and negativity online while remaining anonymous.
Social media can also cause addiction, which can lead to severe mental health issues. Many individuals view social media as an outlet to relieve stress, anxiety, or pass the time. However, overuse of social media can lead to addiction, causing anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. The blue light that is emitted from screens of electronic gadgets disrupts the natural sleep cycle resulting in poor sleep patterns which ultimately contributes to mood swings.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, social media has various negative effects on mental health. It can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, cyberbullying, addiction, and many other mental health issues. Therefore, it is essential to take steps to mitigate these negative effects. Parents and guardians need to ensure that their children have proper exposure to social media. Adults should limit the amount of time they spend on social media, block certain words or topics that cause anxiety, and seek professional help if they feel overwhelmed. Social media companies should also take more responsibility for controlling the content on their platforms, including combating cyberbullying and online harassment. Eventually, the key is to use social media in moderation and try to be kinder when engaging online.
To write a research paper final draft, follow these steps:
1. Revise and edit your paper: Read through your entire paper and check for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or unclear sentences. Ensure that your writing is clear, coherent, and concise. Make necessary corrections and adjustments to improve the overall quality of your paper.
2. Check your formatting: Review the formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or institution. Ensure that your final draft adheres to the required formatting style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Pay attention to the placement of the title, headings, citations, references, and overall structure of your paper.
3. Include a title page: Create a separate title page that includes your research paper title, your name, the course or subject, the instructor's name, and the date. Format the title page according to the specific requirements or guidelines given to you.
4. Write an abstract (if required): Some research papers require an abstract, which is a concise summary of your paper's main arguments, methods, and findings. An abstract is usually around 150-250 words in length and should provide a brief overview of your research. If an abstract is required, write one and place it on a separate page after the title page.
5. Introduction: Begin your final draft with an introduction that provides background information on your research topic, states your research question or thesis statement, and outlines the purpose and significance of your study. The introduction should grab the reader's attention and set the tone for the rest of your paper.
6. Literature review: In the body of your research paper, include a literature review that critically analyzes and summarizes the existing research and scholarly works related to your topic. Discuss relevant theories, methodologies, and findings from previous studies to provide context for your own research.
7. Methodology: Describe the research methods and techniques you used to conduct your study. Explain your approach, research design, data collection methods, and any tools or instruments you utilized. Provide sufficient details so that other researchers could replicate your study if needed.
8. Results and analysis: Present your research findings in a clear and organized manner. Depending on your research design, you may include tables, charts, graphs, or statistical analyses to support your results. Analyze and interpret the data objectively, providing insights and discussions related to your research question or hypothesis.
9. Discussion and conclusion: Reflect on your results and discuss their implications, limitations, and significance. Highlight the main contributions of your research and address any unanswered questions or areas for further study. Provide a concise summary of your paper's main arguments and conclusions.
10. References: Create a separate page at the end of your research paper that lists all the sources you cited in your paper. Follow the specific formatting style guidelines to correctly format your citations and references.
11. Proofread your paper: Before submitting your final draft, carefully proofread your entire paper again to ensure that it is error-free and well-written. Look for any overlooked mistakes, typos, or formatting errors that need to be corrected.
12. Print and submit: If required, print out a physical copy of your research paper and submit it according to the submission instructions provided by your instructor or institution.
Remember, these steps are general guidelines, and you should adapt them to fit the specific requirements and guidelines given to you by your instructor or institution. Good luck with your research paper!