The Impact of Online Social Networks on Mental Health and Well-Being

Abstract

Discussion 1: Developing a Research Question A broad topic related to human behavior and the social science: Online social networks and mental health/social well-being A more specific question developed from the broad topic: How does or can the use of online social networks impact mental health and the general social well-being of the users? Based on such a question, one may consider factors like cyber-bullying, cultivation of online identities as well as social comparison to understand their effects on the general mental and well-being of individual users. The topic revolves around human daily experiences as social networking is a positively embraced human lifestyle that expose users to both positive and negative impacts thus the need to have a clear understanding of this issue. It is imperative to note that with the rising prevalence of online interactions, studying how social networking impact mental health is of great relevance in the current digitally connected world because it will offer insights into the potential risks and benefits associated with social network engagements. I considered contemporary relevance of the issue prevalent in today’s world while narrowing down my many topics to settle on social network on mental health. Taking into account the present societal context, I ensured that my topic remains relevant in addressing issues affecting humans on their daily basis. Lastly, to explore on this issue, I will use academic journals, books, surveys and reports, government publications and online databases and repositories among any other relevant readings from my course that can help me gather logical information on this topic.