ASSIGNMENT 03

Assignment Title: Report Writing

Name: Ahsan Farooq
Roll no: FA20-BME-005
Section: A
Session: 2020-2024
Course Title: Technical Report Writing & Presentation Skills
Course Code: HSM-3601
Instructor Name: Ms. Sibgha Bashir
Topic: Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health

Introduction:
The purpose of this report is to investigate the impacts of social media on mental health. The
report explores the potential benefits and negative effects of social media usage on individuals'
psychological well-being. It also provides recommendations for promoting healthy social media
habits.
Objectives:

The objectives of this report are as follows:

• Investigate the positive impacts of social media on mental health.

• Examine the negative effects of social media usage on mental health.
• Factors influencing the impact of social media on mental health.
• Provide the recommendations for promoting healthy social media habits. Provide
recommendations for promoting healthy social media habits.
Positive Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health:

• Social media platforms facilitate connections with others, offering a sense of belonging
and social support. Online communities and support groups can provide emotional
assistance.
• Social media platforms serve as valuable sources of information and resources for
mental health issues. They can offer educational content, access to mental health
professionals, promoting awareness and help-seeking behaviors.
• Social media campaigns and advocacy movements have raised awareness about mental
health, reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations. They provide platforms
for sharing personal experiences and offering peer support.
Negative Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health:

• Frequent exposure to idealized representations of others' lives on social media can lead
to social comparison and feelings of inadequacy, contributing to low self-esteem and
depressive symptoms.
• Social media platforms can be breeding grounds for cyberbullying and online
harassment, leading to significant psychological distress, anxiety, and even suicidal
ideation among victims.
• The constant exposure to others' experiences and activities on social media can trigger a
fear of missing out (FOMO), causing anxiety and a compulsive need to stay connected
and engaged with online platforms.
Factors Influencing the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health:

• Identification of individual and contextual factors that contribute to varying effects on

mental health.
• Consideration of age, gender, personality traits, and pre-existing mental health
conditions as influencing factors.
• The amount of time spent on social media and the intensity of engagement can impact
mental health outcomes. Excessive or compulsive use of social media may contribute to
negative effects like social isolation, sleep disturbances, and decreased well-being.
• Worries about privacy and online safety can contribute to increased anxiety and stress
among social media users.
Recommendations for Promoting Healthy Social Media Habits:

• Implement educational programs that promote digital well-being, helping individuals

develop critical thinking skills, resilience, and self-regulation in their social media usage.
• Social media platforms and policymakers should establish responsible use policies,
addressing issues such as cyberbullying, harassment, and privacy protection.
• Promote offline activities, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions to encourage a healthy
balance between online and offline life.
• Encourage users to set boundaries and time limits for their social media engagement.
This can involve designating specific periods of the day for social media use and avoiding
excessive scrolling before bed.
• Encourage the development of supportive online communities that prioritize empathy,
respect, and constructive dialogue.
• Educate parents and caregivers about the potential impacts of social media on mental
health in children. Provide guidance on monitoring online activities.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, social media has both positive and negative impacts on mental health. While it
offers social connection, support, and access to resources, it can also contribute to social
comparison, cyberbullying, and anxiety. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and
implementing recommendations for promoting healthy social media habits are vital for
fostering a positive digital environment and safeguarding individuals' mental well-being.