Read pp. 444–447 in The Essential Guide to Language, Writing, & Literature for guidelines on gathering information for your research paper. Remember that at this point, you are continuing to do preliminary research to explore research questions and develop a focus for your paper topic. Use the strategies outlined in the textbook to make your research more efficient and focused. Next, develop a 1-page proposal explaining your topic and areas of focus. Your research proposal should include the following: a short paragraph that introduces your topic an explanation of the reason this topic interests you an explanation of the research questions you plan to address in your research paper an explanation of potential additional topics you identified that relate to your main topic preliminary ideas about potential sources you will use to gather information
Research Proposal
Topic: The Influence of Social Media on Teenagers' Mental Health
I have chosen to explore the topic of the influence of social media on teenagers' mental health because I believe it is a timely and important issue in today's digital age. With the increasing use of social media platforms among teenagers, there is growing concern about the potential negative effects on their mental well-being.
The research questions I plan to address in my research paper include:
1. How does the use of social media impact teenagers' self-esteem and body image?
2. What role does cyberbullying play in affecting teenagers' mental health?
3. Are there any positive aspects of social media use on teenagers' mental health?
Additionally, I have identified potential additional topics that relate to my main topic, such as the consequences of excessive screen time on teenagers' mental health and the influence of social media influencers on teenagers' behavior and mental well-being.
For gathering information, I plan to use a combination of academic journals, books, and reputable websites. Some potential sources I am considering include studies from reputable institutions such as the American Psychological Association and the National Institutes of Health, as well as articles from psychology and sociology journals. I also plan to explore firsthand accounts and personal stories shared by teenagers on social media platforms for a more holistic understanding of the topic.
By conducting thorough research on the influence of social media on teenagers' mental health, I hope to gain insights into this complex issue and contribute to the ongoing discussions on promoting healthy digital habits among today's youth.