CHFA | Psychology Department Showcase: Projects In-Progress
Social Media Usage Among College Students
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Sociology
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Psychology
2nd Student Minor
Criminal Justice
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Esther Malm, PhD
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
The growth of social media over the years has been substantial, it has opened new doors to the unknown and more freedom to express more private feelings. Though social media has connected many to new opportunities and has done a lot of good, the downsides are just as prevalent. The type of media that users are consuming and being shown on their feed is going to have an effect on their wellbeing. Previous studies that have looked at social media usage and mental health, have not specified the amount of time that is being spent on these apps. While existing research about types of apps and the hate speech that is being shown in the feed, do not survey people, rather collected data from preexisting codes. This study’s purpose is to expand on these findings to fill in the gaps on what types of users are on social media, and to find out which apps show more hate speech. We hypothesize that, firstly those who use social media will see higher levels of hate speech on apps which are more anonymous. Secondly, increased usage of social media leads to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and negative self-perception. Lastly, social media usage will negatively affect college students’ perception of themselves. Currently, this survey is still in progress with a sample size of 57 participants and the results will be presented at scholar’s week.
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Social Media Usage Among College Students
The growth of social media over the years has been substantial, it has opened new doors to the unknown and more freedom to express more private feelings. Though social media has connected many to new opportunities and has done a lot of good, the downsides are just as prevalent. The type of media that users are consuming and being shown on their feed is going to have an effect on their wellbeing. Previous studies that have looked at social media usage and mental health, have not specified the amount of time that is being spent on these apps. While existing research about types of apps and the hate speech that is being shown in the feed, do not survey people, rather collected data from preexisting codes. This study’s purpose is to expand on these findings to fill in the gaps on what types of users are on social media, and to find out which apps show more hate speech. We hypothesize that, firstly those who use social media will see higher levels of hate speech on apps which are more anonymous. Secondly, increased usage of social media leads to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and negative self-perception. Lastly, social media usage will negatively affect college students’ perception of themselves. Currently, this survey is still in progress with a sample size of 57 participants and the results will be presented at scholar’s week.