Research Assignment Digital Wellbeing Quiet Mode On Mental Wellbeing Anuj Sharma

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT & TECH
Computing Research Project 2020
ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET
STUDENT DETAILS
Student ID 03 Reg No. LK15946
Family Name Anuj Sharma Given Name Anuj Sharma
Enrolment Year 2018 Section P4
Semester Fourth (4th) Email paudelkritesh@gmail.co

m
UNIT DETAILS
Unit Title Computing Research Unit Code T/615/1639
Project
Assessor Name Anup Bhurtel Issued Date 21st August 2020
Assignment Digital wellbeing

Title
Assignment No 01 Submission Date 26th

February,202
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Qualification Campus ISMT
Anuj Sharma (HND / Fourth Semester)

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When submitting evidence for assessment, each student must sign a declaration confirming that
the work is their own.
Student Name Anuj Sharma Assessor Name Anup Bhurtel

Issue Date 21st, August, 2020 Submission Date 26th, February,2021
Programme BTEC HND
Unit Name Computing Research Project
Assignment Title Digital wellbeing
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a particular form of cheating. Plagiarism must be avoided at all costs and students
who break the rules, however innocently, may be penalized. It is your responsibility to ensure
that you understand correct referencing practices. As a university level student, you are
expected to use appropriate references throughout and keep carefully detailed notes of all your
sources of materials for material you have used in your work, including any material
downloaded from the Internet. Please consult the relevant unit lecturer or your course tutor if
you need any further advice.
Student Declaration
I certify that the assignment submission is entirely my own work and I fully understand
the consequences of plagiarism. I understand that making a false declaration is a form of
malpractice.
Pearson Education 2018

Higher Education Qualifications
PART ONE
Develop a research proposal
 Define your research problem or question. This can be stated as a research question, objectives or
hypothesis.
 Provide a literature review giving the background and conceptualization of your proposed area of
study. This would provide existing knowledge and benchmarks by which your data can be judged.
 Consider and define your research methodology and research process. Demonstrate understanding
of the pitfalls and limitations of the methods chosen and ethical issues that might arise.

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Contents
PART ONE.............................................................................................................................................4
ABSTRACT.........................................................................................................................................10
SECTION 1: TITLE, OBJECTIVE, RESPONSIBILITIES................................................................11
Background of the study...................................................................................................................11
Research purpose..............................................................................................................................12
Research questions...........................................................................................................................12
Delimitation of the study..................................................................................................................12
SECTION 2: REASONS FOR CHOOSING THIS RESEARCH PROJECT......................................13
Statement of the problem..................................................................................................................13

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Significance of the study..................................................................................................................14
SECTION 3: LITERATURE REVIEW...............................................................................................15
Introduction......................................................................................................................................15
Facebook use and mental wellbeing.................................................................................................15
Facebook Quiet Mode and digital wellbeing....................................................................................16
Theoretical Framework....................................................................................................................16
Policy Review...................................................................................................................................17
SECTION 4: ACTIVITIES AND TIMESCALES...............................................................................19
Study plan.........................................................................................................................................19
Gantt Chart.......................................................................................................................................20
SECTION 5: RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGIES................................................21
Introduction......................................................................................................................................21
Research Design...............................................................................................................................21
Research Approach...........................................................................................................................21
Paradigm of the study.......................................................................................................................22
Study Area........................................................................................................................................23
Study Population..............................................................................................................................23
Participant selection (Data saturation)..............................................................................................23
Data Collection Procedure................................................................................................................24
Sources and Type of data..................................................................................................................24
Data Analysis and Interpretation......................................................................................................24
Trustworthiness in the research........................................................................................................25
Ethical consideration........................................................................................................................26
Organization of the research.............................................................................................................27
PART TWO..........................................................................................................................................32
ABSTRACT.........................................................................................................................................34
ACKNOWLDGEMENT......................................................................................................................35

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SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................38
Background of the study...................................................................................................................38
Research purpose..............................................................................................................................39
Research questions...........................................................................................................................39
Organization of the research.............................................................................................................39
SECTION 2. REASONS FOR CHOOSING THIS RESEARCH PROJECT......................................40
Statement of the problem..................................................................................................................40
Significance of the study..................................................................................................................40
SECTION 3. LITERATURE REVIEW...............................................................................................42
Introduction......................................................................................................................................42
Facebook use and mental wellbeing.................................................................................................42
Person-Specificity in Facebook and Quiet Mode Usage..................................................................43
Facebook Quiet Mode and digital wellbeing....................................................................................43
Theoretical Framework....................................................................................................................44
Policy Review...................................................................................................................................45
SECTION 4. ACTIVITIES AND TIMESCALES...............................................................................47
Study plan.........................................................................................................................................47
Gantt Chart.......................................................................................................................................48
SECTION 5. RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGIES................................................49
Introduction......................................................................................................................................49
Research Design...............................................................................................................................49
Research Approach...........................................................................................................................49
Research approach for this study......................................................................................................50
Qualitative Research Methodologies................................................................................................51
Research Methodology for this research..........................................................................................52
Paradigm of the study.......................................................................................................................53
Study Area........................................................................................................................................54

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Participant selection (Data saturation)..............................................................................................54
Sample and Recruitment...................................................................................................................55
Data Collection Method...................................................................................................................56
Sources and Type of data..................................................................................................................57
Data Analysis and Interpretation......................................................................................................57
Trustworthiness in the research........................................................................................................58
Ethical consideration........................................................................................................................60
Limitation of the study.....................................................................................................................60
Delimitation of the study..................................................................................................................60
SECTION 6. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION...................................................................................62
Introduction......................................................................................................................................62
Participants.......................................................................................................................................62
Participants Opinion.........................................................................................................................63
Key Findings....................................................................................................................................67
Themes.........................................................................................................................................68
SECTION 6. CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................78
References............................................................................................................................................79
Appendices...........................................................................................................................................84
PART THREE......................................................................................................................................94
Presentation Slides............................................................................................................................95
PART FOUR.......................................................................................................................................105
Reflection Paper: Preparing a Research report for Computing Research Project..............................106
Theoretical understanding of subject..............................................................................................106
Evaluation of research methods and strategy.................................................................................107
Evaluation of outcomes..................................................................................................................108
Alternative research methodology..................................................................................................109
Learnt Lessons................................................................................................................................110

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Performance Review.......................................................................................................................111
Reflection on actions......................................................................................................................111
Reflection on Further Improvements..............................................................................................112
Future Research consideration........................................................................................................113
Summary.........................................................................................................................................114
References..........................................................................................................................................115
Research Proposal
Student Name: Anuj Sharma
Centre Name: ISMT College
Tutor: Anup Bhurtel
Research Topic:

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Understanding the effectiveness of Facebook's Quiet

Mode on maintaining mental wellbeing of Young
adults of Kathmandu
Submission Date: 21 October, 2020
ABSTRACT
Facebook’s Quiet Mode is used as a digital wellbeing tool to give users back their time and maintain
wellbeing of Facebook users. Like various other digital wellbeing tools, its effectiveness is yet to be
measured and understood. Mental wellbeing is affected by several factors, however only wellbeing
through Facebook will be explored. Mental wellbeing being subjective in nature, it is mandatory to
understand how effective is Quiet mode on maintaining mental wellbeing of young adults. In this
study, young adults’ perception about effects of Facebook on mental wellbeing and what effect does
Quiet mode made on their Facebook use will be understood. As participants, young adults of
Kathmandu who have used or are using Quiet mode will be prioritized. The exploratory research
framework will be used and in-depth interview will be done until data saturation is seen. Findings
will be presented after data analysis which will be used to understand about perception about effects
of Facebook and effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode. Finding will open a gateway to understand
about effectiveness of other digital wellbeing tools too and might play a role on spreading awareness
about mental wellbeing and Facebook usage.
Keywords: Digital wellbeing, Quiet Mode, Effectiveness, perception, Mental wellbeing

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SECTION 1: TITLE, OBJECTIVE, RESPONSIBILITIES
Background of the study
Social media like Facebook has been around the world since its beginning. Facebook is now one of
the leading and most known social media, which is used by people of all ages. There are currently
over 2.6 billion monthly active users of Facebook worldwide (Global stats, 2020). Despite having
many positive effects on one’s life, excessive use of Facebook may lead to misuse and addictive
behavior (Griffiths, 2012). Facebook overuse increases screen time and also have an adverse effect
on mental health of people. These effects include sleeping disorder, anxiety, low self-esteem and
ultimately depression. Some research also shows that various people, especially teenagers and young
adults, are not completely aware of such adverse effects of Facebook on their mental wellbeing (Tsai,
et al., 2009). With the increased accessibility and availability of internet, use of social media like
Facebook is currently skyrocketing in Nepal. According to Global stats (2020), the most used social
media in Nepal are Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram respectively, among which
93.31% of social media users use Facebook. Mental health and mental wellbeing are critical subject
but often neglected in developing countries like Nepal. With rise of Facebook usage but not enough

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research on the regards to its effect on mental wellbeing of young adults in Nepal, we don’t have
enough data about the use and effects of Facebook on young adults’ wellbeing of Nepal. However,
various global researches have suggested that Facebook addiction may play a role in developing
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) which may lead to severe mental problems like anxiety, low self-
esteem and depression. When all these problems burst into scene, concept of digital wellbeing was
taken seriously.
Digital wellbeing, defined as the state of being comfortable when using digital technologies, came in
the spotlight when Sundar Pichai spoke about it in Google I/O 2018 (Google, 2018). With the rise of
digital wellbeing concept, Facebook also introduced their own digital wellbeing tool called Quiet
Mode recently. According to Facebook (2020), Quiet mode is the new digital wellbeing tool that can
help users find the right balance for how they use Facebook. Quiet mode not only mutes most
notifications, but it also reminds users they set time aside to limit their time on Facebook. This tools
as introduced to give users their time back and also to promote every aspect of people’s wellbeing
(Facebook, 2020). Despite having a bright future, many young adults believe that some solutions
regarding Facebook use might not support formation of new habits (Alberto Monge Roffarello,
2019), and also might be strongly depends on the monitoring behavior once the monitoring stops, it
may or may not be effective e.g., that feature can easily be neglected after sometime and usage
pattern may not be changed at all. So, it is yet to be understood from Facebook users’ perspective
about the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing.
Research purpose
The purpose of this study is to understand the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on
maintaining the mental wellbeing of young adults of Kathmandu through their own perspective.
Research questions
- How do young adults perceive about effects of Facebook use on their mental wellbeing?
- How effective is Facebook’s Quiet Mode on changing Facebook’s usage pattern of Young
adults?
Delimitation of the study
The data for research will be collected at Pepsicola because it will be difficult to travel and more
importantly participants of other places might not be ready to meet in the middle of pandemic. Data

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will be collected from people of age group 18-24 who use Quiet Mode, since it is believed that 75%
youths identify the problems of mental health before they reach 24. Some data will be related about
mental health of participants which are critical so participants might have doubt about confidentiality
of data so one-to-one interview will be done by making participants comfortable and hence
participants share their feelings, opinions and experience in their own term about subject. Since there
is not enough existing literature about Quiet Mode hence exploratory research resign will have a
deep understanding about perception of participants.
SECTION 2: REASONS FOR CHOOSING THIS RESEARCH PROJECT
Statement of the problem
To best of our knowledge, there is insufficient research regarding Facebook addiction and its effect
on mental wellbeing of young adults in Nepal. However, in the research of Jha (2016) it has been
revealed that 86.7% of health science students showed they were pretty annoyed when anyone
disturbed them during Facebook, 24.3% of whole participants also admitted they found it difficult to
not to log onto Facebook during one whole day. This may hint towards addictive nature of Facebook.
76.8% of participants also believed that Facebook had negatively affected their overall heath and
behavior, including mental health. The adverse effects on mental aspect experienced by the
participants were disturbed sleep (19%) followed by headache (16%). This research may be a base to
show Facebook addiction has effects on mental wellbeing of young adults, but quantitative approach
was used. This is clearly lack of research about effect of Facebook on mental wellbeing of young
adults which follow qualitative approach.

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As a digital tool for managing and reducing screen time, Facebook Quiet mode was introduced. But
there is not any research till date which measures effectiveness or understand effectiveness of Quiet
Mode on maintaining wellbeing of Young adults. Most of the research related to feature and tools are
solely focused on measuring the effectiveness based on pre-defined metrics through quantitative
approach (Collins, Cox, Bird & Cornish-Tresstail, 2014). But there are many factors besides pre-
defined metrics of quantitative approach to understand effectiveness of any digital wellbeing tools
which need to be explored. Understanding about effectiveness of feature and tool from a user’s
perspective is slightly neglected in this kind of research. Thus, this subject and different approaches
on digital field and is yet to be explored by researchers.
Facebook’s Quiet Mode being new digital wellbeing tool and affects mental wellbeing but is yet to
be researched through qualitative approach in Nepal so this research is being carried out to
understand from Kathmandu young adults’ perspective about effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet
Mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing. It is hoped that the future findings can open a gate to
explore novel approach to attract more researcher to find various factors about effects of Facebook
and digital wellbeing tools on mental wellbeing of young adults.
Significance of the study
The findings of this study will really help to increase the awareness about effect of Facebook use on
mental wellbeing, digital wellbeing concept, Facebook Quiet Mode which will be really beneficial to
every people. This study will also spread some light on mental health issues and overall mental
wellbeing of Young adults of Nepal. This research can really be the bridge for the communication
about mental health issues between peoples where it is often neglected like Nepal.
This research can really crave a path for upcoming researchers to find other critical aspect of social
media which may promote or hinder the overall wellbeing of people which is yet to be found. The
findings of this study can really show the picture of where digital wellbeing concept is heading and
how seriously are tech-giants considering wellbeing of their users. This research can also help other
future researchers to evaluate, measure and understand about effectiveness of other digital wellbeing
apps and tools.

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SECTION 3: LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
The following chapter provides a clear picture of existing literature related to concept and its relation
with the subject. It clarifies why research is being done and tries to establish a context for the
research to be completed. This review explains how variables of research topic are interrelated to one
another by analyzing existing literature of different field. This review of existing literature comprises
literature related to Facebook use and mental wellbeing, Facebook’s Quiet mode as digital wellbeing
tool in the form conclusive summary.
Facebook use and mental wellbeing
Using social media is a quotidian phenomenon (Elhai, 2016 (Quinn, 2016). The increase in the
number of people using social media or social networking sites is also a worldwide phenomenon,
hence social media has become an integral part of today’s world. Younger age, neuroticism,
extraversion and fear of missing out (FOMO) opened the door for social media usage whereas only

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FOMO resulted in social media addiction (Blackwell, et al., 2017). Despite all those positive effects
and additional social support, the excessive use of social media like increases screen time and also
exhibits negative effects on mental health (Lanaj, et al., 2014) and social media addicts also
experience emotional, relational, physical health, mental health, and performance problems (Schou
& Schou, 2015). So, every social media usage should be carefully evaluated and researched.
Having over 2.6 billion monthly active users of worldwide, Facebook is the world’s most widely
used social media (Facebook, 2020). On one side, it has been revealed that Facebook connectedness
is related to higher life satisfaction, and it lowers depression too, which emphasizes that there is a
positive relationship between life satisfaction and Facebook use (Grieve et al., 2013). Numerous
studies also support this and suggest there are positive effects of Facebook on mental health and
boost the overall mental wellbeing. But on the other side, despite having numerous positive effects
on one’s life, excessive use of Facebook may lead to misuse and addictive behavior (Griffiths, 2012).
Internal stimuli like constantly checking Facebook with no reason (Oulasvirta, et al., 2012) play
main role along with external stimuli like notification in causing distraction (Dabbish, et al., 2011)
and developing FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) which lead to addictive behavior and can have
negative effects on mental wellbeing of young adults (Jha, 2016).
Facebook Quiet Mode and digital wellbeing
The theme of technology and social science has always been apart but are deeply intertwined
(Feenberg, 2020). However, wellbeing differs from one individual to another since it has a different
meaning for different individuals and hence it is hard to determine wellbeing objectively (Brey,
2015). Although wellbeing is of subjective nature, designing technology for wellbeing is very much
possible (Brey, 2018). To make it possible, digital wellbeing concept of google came forward to
design technology for wellbeing of users. Digital wellbeing, defined as the state of being comfortable
when using digital technologies, came in the spotlight when Sundar Pichai spoke about it in Google
I/O 2018 (Google, 2018). Supporting Digital wellbeing concept and also keeping wellbeing of users
in mind, Facebook also launched new digital wellbeing tool called Quiet mode to help users manage
their time on Facebook by controlling external stimuli like notification (Facebook, 2019). According
to Facebook (2020), Quiet mode is the new digital wellbeing tool that can help users find the right
balance for how they use Facebook. This digital wellbeing not only mutes most notifications but it
also reminds users they set this time aside to limit their time in app (Facebook, 2020). Measuring
effectiveness of tools is often envisioned as tools for objectively revealing the world (Sharon &

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Zandbergen 2017) and also to have control over how one spends time is a significant measure of
wellbeing (Wajcman 2015: 164). However, digital wellbeing tools and apps have not been evaluated
much by researchers and it is still not clear that how effective are they. Since understanding for
designing for self-regulation of technology use is still in early age (Whittaker, Kalnikaite, Hollis &
Guydish, 2016), there is a lack of robust research on understanding the effectiveness of Facebook
Quiet’s mode from user’s perspective as more research focus on measuring effectiveness through
quantitative approach. Hence this research is being carried out from a qualitative approach to
understand from users’ perspective.
Theoretical Framework
Connecting subjective concept like wellbeing with the technology has always been issue in the
modern society but needs to be done at any cost (Feenberg, 2020). The most common theme of
technology is always considered apart from the common them of social science. However,
(Feenberg, 2020) argue that technology should not be isolate rather should be deeply intertwined
with the social science. Considering that research, Facebook being tech giants not only affect how
one’s perceived the world but might also affect how persons perceive themselves. Technical
acceleration really affects time in phenomenological way which needs to explored through multiple
ways (Feenberg, 2020). Measuring effectiveness of tools is often envisioned as tools for objectively
revealing the world (Sharon & Zandbergen 2017) and also to have control over how one spends time
is a significant measure of wellbeing (Wajcman 2015: 164). However, other thorough approaches
including understanding effectiveness of those tools is slightly complex and multifaceted (Lupton,
2016). A growing trend in the socio-technology research is to think beyond the box in order to
understand specific research problems from fresh perspective. The theory of behavior is centered to
explain more about subjective matter. So, in order to go beyond metrics and quantifiable approach,
the framework which will be used in this study is exploratory framework of the theory of behavior.
This framework works based on behavioral intention and behavior of individual in using Quiet mode
through their own attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control.
However, completer and more comprehensive theoretical framework will be developed after data
analysis.

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Fig: Theory of Planned behavior
Policy Review
Facebook have various policy regarding maintaining wellbeing of users. As stated on Facebook’s
Newsroom statement says that the company will “no longer allow graphic cutting images to avoid
unintentionally promoting or triggering self-harm, even when someone is seeking support or
expressing themselves to aid their recovery” (Facebook, 2020). It suggests that Facebook care about
overall mental wellbeing of users so no any things which hampers wellbeing could be posted.
Ministry of Health, shortly known as MoH, adopted five policies regarding mental health of people
which clearly states enhancing public awareness to promote mental health and combat stigma
resulting from mental illness, and promote and manage health information system and research
(Population, M, 2020). Since, Nepal really lacks strict policies and laws about individual wellbeing
through Facebook, this research can be hint towards mental wellbeing of Young adults to little extend
and more strict policies could be made on future.

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SECTION 4: ACTIVITIES AND TIMESCALES
Study plan
The study plan of the research is illustrated in the table below with milestones
S.N Task/milestones Start Date End Date Duration

.
1. Review of existing literature 08/07/2020 08/15/2020 8 days
related to digital wellbeing theme
2. Identifying research problems 08/15/2020 08/20/2020 5 days
3. Selecting Research Topic 08/21/2020 08/25/2020 4 days
4. Reviewing existing literature 08/26/2020 09/03/2020 8 days

related to research topic
5. Preparation of Research Proposal 09/04/2020 09/29/2020 25 days
6. Revision of Research Proposal 09/30/2020 10/05/2020 05 days
7. Data collection 11/03/2020 11/28/2020 25 days
8. Writing report 11/28/2020 12/ 18/2020 20 days 17
9. Final report submission 12/18/2020 12/21/2020 03 days
Gantt Chart
SECTION 5: RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGIES

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Introduction
This chapter describes the methods which will be used in understanding the effectiveness of
Facebook’s Quiet Mode on maintaining wellbeing of young adults of Nepal. This chapter clearly
illustrates that research is being carried out through a qualitative approach. Along with study design,
paradigm of the study which have influenced the research is clearly explained through different
philosophical assumptions. Study area and population is clearly defined with proper reason on why
they will be chosen. Tools and techniques for data collection and analysis and interpretation will be
explained here. Along with ethical concern, how trustworthiness will be maintained will be clearly
stated here.
Research Design
Research design is the way of establishing a roadmap to conduct the research. It is all about how
your structure and organize your study. It basically dictates your study and clearly outlines the data
you are going to collect, methods and methodology to apply and also how you analyze and interpret
data to answer your research questions (Faryadi, 2019). In particular, this study will follow
exploratory design.
This study will utilize small sample sizes and rather put emphasis on insights than definitive
conclusion. Since Quiet mode being new digital wellbeing tool, there are few earlier studies on this
subject. This study focuses on relating new terms with existing concept and hence exploratory design
will be used.
Research Approach
The research approach is a plan and procedure which comprises the steps of broad assumptions to
detailed methods of data collection, analysis and interpretation (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2012).
In simple words, it is based on the nature of research problem being addressed (Saunders, Lewis &
Thornhill, 2012). For data collection, there are three types of approach qualitative approach,
quantitative approach and mixed approach. For Data Analysis, there are mainly three approaches:
inductive approach, deductive approach, and abductive research approach. For data collection, a
qualitative approach will be used since qualitative data related to mental wellbeing is needed to
understand effectiveness from user’s perspective. And for data analysis, inductive approach will be
used. No hypothesis will be used in this research. Theory will be generated through specific pattern

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formed at last through deep observation and interviewing of the participants so inductive approach
will be used.
Paradigm of the study
A research paradigm is “the set of common beliefs and agreement shared between scientist about
how problems should be understood and addressed. (Kuhn, 1970). This study is based on the
interpretive paradigm. Wellbeing is of a subjective nature. It differs from person to person. The study
is solely focused on understanding through participants’ perception and hence interpretive paradigm.
Four assumptions of this research paradigm are explained below:
1. Ontology
Ontology refers to the nature of our beliefs about reality. In more brief term, it is the
researcher’s assumptions about the nature of the world and social reality which establish
subjects we dissect to sort out the importance embedded in research data and helps to
determine what research objects and phenomena to focus on, orientate our thinking about the
research problem, its significance, research questions and way to find their answer (Kivunja
& Kuyini, 2017; Saunders et al., 2019). This research follows interpretive paradigm, so have
the ontological assumption that the nature of reality is subjective, multiple, and may change
accordingly. In this study, Quiet may be effective in maintaining wellbeing of one young
adult and can be ineffective at the same time for others. Certain factors related to mental
wellbeing or participants’ understanding may play a role in having multiple realities at the
same time.
2. Epistemology
Epistemology refers to “the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge and
the process by which knowledge is acquired and validated” (Gall, Gall & Borg, 2003, p.13).
This research is based on understanding effectiveness of Quiet Mode on mental wellbeing of
Young adults which follow interpretive paradigm so data will be collected through in-depth
face to face interview with participants with semi-structured questions.
3. Axiology
Axiology is the branch of philosophy that studies judgement about value, explores the nature
of values (Saunders, et al., 2012). In simple term, axiology is engaged with assessment of the

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role of researcher’s own value on all stages of research. Right and wrong behavior about the
research should be defined, evaluated and understood in axiology. This search is guided by
interpretive paradigm so subjectivity will be assessed. Research will be done in a natural
setting where participants feel comfortable. The obtained data may be critical, and hence
there will be truthfulness in interpreting the obtained data. Participants will not be forced to
answer questions, which makes them uncomfortable.
4. Methodology
Methodology can be referred as the strategy, plan of action, process or design that informs
choice of research methods. In simple terms, it means how particular piece of research should
be undertaken (Grix, 2004). The researcher questions about how to study the world of
research are answered by methodological questions (Rehman & Alharthi, 2016). This study is
based on interpretive paradigm so in-depth interview will be the methodology. Since the
research questions need qualitative approach and also follow exploratory design, so data will
be obtained through face-to-face interview with semi-structured questions. Those data will be
used to set a hypothesis.
Study Area
The study will be conducted in Pepsicola, Kathmandu. This study area will be used because of two
key reasons. First one is feasibility in collecting data. Qualitative approach will be used and related
data about subject matter will be collected through in-depth interview so during pandemic, it will be
hard to travel to other places and participants also might not be ready to meet for face-to-face
interview. Second one is feasibility in finding participants, snowball sampling will be done so it will
be easy to find different participants through one participant within limited territory.
Study Population
In research, the population can be referred as comprehensive group of individuals, institutions, object
and so forth with have a common characteristic that are the interest of a researcher.
The study population of this research are young adults (18-24) of Pepsicola who use Facebook’s
Quiet Mode. Age group of 18-24 will be studied since they fall under the category of young adults
and it had also been revealed that about 75% of youths identify the problems of mental health before
they reach 24 and also use Facebook quite often. Since, research is about understanding about

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effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode so people with prior knowledge about the tool will be
prioritized.
Participant selection (Data saturation)
In research, participants size can be referred as the total number of participants selected for the study.
Qualitative research experts argue that there is no any correct answer about ‘how many sample size
or participants size’ in qualitative research since it is very dependent on a number of factors relating
to epistemological, methodological and practical issues (Baker & Edwards, 2012). So, the criteria
which will be used by this research to determine participants size is data saturation. As researchers
see similar data repeated over and over again and that no additional data are being found about the
subject matter then sampling will be stopped.
Data Collection Procedure
The population will be categorized by geographical location, participants knowledge about subject
matter and time of the training. As research will use qualitative approach and exploratory design, in-
depth interview will be done to collect data from participants. Face to face interview will be done in
order to understand deeply about participants perception on subject matter. As, Snowball sampling
will be done so interview schedule will be set according to feasibility of both researcher and
participants. Mental wellbeing being subjective and critical, semi structured questions pattern will be
used. However, semi-structured questions pattern will be used to keep participants within subject
matter and to have deep understanding. Order and number of questions may change since some
participants may want or may not want to answer some questions due to various personals reasons.
Interview will be done only after approval of participants. Participants' approval will be taken
through phone contact and entire aspects of research topic will be clearly explained before interview.
To maintain the integrity of data and control researcher biasness, additional authentic person will be
taken at interview. Entire interview session may be recorded via camcorder or noted as per wish of
participants for further analysis and interpretation. Re-piloting will be done if necessary and data
collection will be stopped when data saturation is seen on the obtained data.
Sources and Type of data
The data will be collected from two sources i.e., primary source and secondary sources. The data
collected from primary sources are known as primary data and the data collected from secondary
sources is called secondary sources.
1. Primary source: - In-depth interview

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2. Secondary sources: - Books, Journal, websites etc.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
The process of bringing order, structure and meaning to the mass of collected data is considered as
data analysis (Marshall & Rossman, 2011). Similarly, Qualitative data analysis can be explained as
the way of making sense from participants’ views and opinions of situations, corresponding patterns,
themes to corelate among categories of data (Marshall & Rossman, 2011) (Cohen et al., 2007).
After finishing data collection, researcher only have raw data which generally means nothing before
its analysis and interpretation. Data analysis and interpretation will be done manually. Firstly, data
transcription will be done. Recorded interview will be transformed into text format and all noted data
will be once again noted in same file. Data of participants will be noted separately and as it is
without changing single words. Same opinions will be categorized into specific groups based on their
connection on overall theme of research which will be interpreted as key findings of the research.
However, opinions of each participants will be presented as it is as the opinions of the participants
regarding research topic and some interpretation of researcher will be written at last of research
findings chapter.
Trustworthiness in the research
Trustworthiness is the term used in qualitative research to know in which extent researches are
believable and trustworthy. Since, most qualitative research is not generally based upon standardized
instruments and they often utilize smaller and non-random samples which questions whether
research is trustworthy or not. Many researchers even criticize the biasness of findings of this type of
research (Gunawan, 2015). According to Guba & Lincoln (1985) there are mainly four basic criteria
to ensure trustworthiness of the Qualitative research which are being used as criteria for ensuring
trustworthiness of this research.
1. Credibility
Credibility in qualitative research is equivalent to validity in quantitative research. Guba and

Lincoln (1985) argue that ensuring credibility is one of the most important factors in ensuring
trustworthiness of research. It can be defined as the extent to which the data and data analysis
are believable and trustworthy. Triangulation, peer scrutiny. Member checks, reflective
commentary, iterative questioning, examination of previous research findings, observations of
participants will be done for ensuring credibility and support trustworthiness of the research.

23
2. Transferability
Transferability in qualitative research generalizes study findings and try to apply them to
other situation and contexts. The researchers can only determine the possibility that data can
be transferred in other situations rather than proving it can be transferred. Guba and Lincoln
(1985) suggested that it is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure that sufficient
contextual information about the fieldwork sites is provided to enable reader or other
researcher to make such a transfer. In maximize data relative to the context in which it was
collected, purposive sampling will be done.
3. Dependability
Dependability in qualitative research is equivalent to reliability in quantitative research which

is the consistency of observing the same finding under-similar circumstances. Dependability
can be achieved through auditing which consists of the researcher’s documentation of data,
methods used, decisions made during research (Seale, 1999). Thick, rich and elaborative data
will be collected through in-depth interview and description of the research will be presented
with researcher commentary.
4. Confirmability
Confirmability is the degree to which the findings of the research can be confirmed or
corroborated by others. Replications of the findings are important to prove research is subject
to minimum biasness or no biasness. Seale (1999) argues that proper auditing could be used
to ensure confirmability in which the researcher makes the provision of a methodological
self-critical account of how research was done (p.45). Reporting results, member checking
and thorough descriptions of the setting will be presented to have more realistic findings.
Ethical consideration
In any research, it is mandatory to protect human subjects through application of appropriate ethical
principles (Orb, Eisenhauer & Wynaden, 2001). To keep the perfect balance between the potential
risks of research and the likely benefits of the research, the consideration of ethical issues is crucial
(Arifin, 2018). So, the responsibility of the researcher to maintain ethical principles will be outlined
clearly for the participants. Firstly, Participants will be fully aware about research questions and topic
and participants will not be forced to be a part of research if they don’t want to be. Mental wellbeing
being critical aspect, the researcher will ensure them of the confidentiality of their data will be
maintained. Participants will have full freedom of not answering certain question if they don’t feel

24
comfortable. The private information like their name, address, phone number will not be exposed at
any circumstances. Researcher will respect every right of participants and research ethics and
research will be done being within boundary of those aspects.
Organization of the research
This study has been organized in 3 main chapter. In first chapter, the study has been introduced
briefly. In introduction section, firstly the research has presented introduction which highlights
overall key terms of study. After introduction, the research problem has been emphasized through
some existing literature on that particular field on the portion called ‘Statement of the problem’. The
gaps found on ‘Statement of the problem’ has been presented as main purpose of the study later with
certain research topics which will be used on addressing the purpose. Limitation and delimitation of
the study has also been highlighted.
In the very next chapter, literature review of existing literature has been done in conclusive summary
which used to link our research through previous literature. Within literature review, theoretical
framework of the study has been highlighted.
In last chapter, research methods were highlighted which will be used to carry out the study. Here,
study design, paradigm of the study, study population, study area, sample size data collection
procedures, data analysis and interpretation procedure were discussed along with some ethical
consideration of the research and organization of the study.
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25
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PART TWO

29
carry out the research and prepare a research report
 Conduct your research as outlined in your proposal. Keep track of your findings as you work.
 Carry out your research and analyses your findings in relation to your original research question.
Draw conclusions.

30
Understanding the effectiveness of Facebook's

Quiet Mode on maintaining mental wellbeing of
Young adults of Kathmandu
by
Anuj Sharma
A dissertation submitted to the assignment department of ISMT for the degree of

BTEC HND in Computing.
Tutor: Anup Bhurtel.
International School of Management and Technology (ISMT)
Tinkune, Kathmandu
2021
ABSTRACT

31
Facebook’s Quiet Mode is used as a digital wellbeing tool to give users back their time and maintain
wellbeing of Facebook users. Like various other digital wellbeing tools, its effectiveness was yet to
be measured and understood. This research study examines young adults’ perception on effectiveness
of Quiet Mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing. This, study, based in the interpretive
paradigm, used exploratory design to understand young adults’ perception on effects of Facebook on
their mental wellbeing and effectiveness of Quiet mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing. This
study recruited participants who had experience with Facebook as well as Quiet Mode. Participant
perception and feedback were analyzed to answer the modelled research questions presented in the
study. It also provided knowledge about existing literature which was used to present theory of
planned behavior as theoretical framework of this research. It also spread light on various research
method, process and methodology to justified the reason for selecting interview of exploratory
design of inductive approach.
This study findings suggested that Facebook have affected mental wellbeing in negative way.
Facebook can leave some individual with state where they always have feeling of annoyance, low
self-esteem, fear of missing out (FOMO) and stressed and anxiety. The research findings also
suggested that Young adults perceive effectiveness of Quiet mode on maintaining their mental
wellbeing: as a showoff feature, as a Gatekeeper, could have been much more effective and as a pile
of notifications after disabling Quiet Mode. Findings were later discussed and concluded in effective
manner.
Keywords: Digital wellbeing, Quiet Mode, Effectiveness, perception, Mental wellbeing
ACKNOWLDGEMENT

32
I am a lifelong learner who seeks to learn what I can to be the best person and leader. I wanted to get
my Bachelor’s degree for various reasons. One reason I wanted the degree is to prove that a person
with average intelligence can get a degree through hard work, persistence, and the support of others.
I decided to complete my Bachelor’s degree to continue learning, too. Beside this, I wanted to
complete research on my own to have greater understanding of the subject through different
available literatures. I wanted to learn about the process of writing a research proposal as well as a
full research paper. My goal is to be a master of my field and fate. I am willing to be independent
from my virtual social media life, so I chose this research topic to foster greater understanding of this
subject matter.
However, I wouldn’t have been able to complete this research without the help of others. Staying
motivated to explore new subject and new process was very crucial throughout the writing and
revision process. I have many people to thank. First of all, I want to thank my mom and dad. They
constantly motivated me to do my task for my better future. My hardest critics and also my biggest
fan were my brothers and sisters. They constantly criticized my work through honest feedback, even
though there are times I do not enjoy hearing it. I love them for that because it really helped me
complete this research. I would also like to thank Novia, my hearty friend, who pushed me very hard
so that I would focus on my research paper.
I want to thank my research professor Mr. Anup Bhurtel for all of his time and attention to my
research paper. This research would not have been completed without his guidance and dedication. I
appreciate his feedback and efforts in making me a better researcher and learning throughout this
process. His modeling and passion for changing the way researcher should think really inspired and
motivated me to complete this research. Beside this, I would also like to thank Mr. Nirajan Rijal sir
for providing me various support through constant feedbacks and guidance.
Lastly, I want to thank my friends from college who helped pull me through the rough days to
complete this research paper. Without my friends, I would not have been able to cope with certain
circumstances and would not have been here. I thank everyone of you guys for your support and
hope that I can support as well.
Contents
ABSTRACT

33
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
Research purpose
Research questions
SECTION 2. REASONS FOR CHOOSING THIS RESEARCH PROJECT
SECTION 3. LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
Person-Specificity in Facebook and Quiet Mode Usage
Policy Review
SECTION 4. ACTIVITIES AND TIMESCALES
Study plan
Gantt Chart
SECTION 5. RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGIES
Introduction
Research Design
Research Approach
Research approach for this study

34
Qualitative Research Methodologies
Research Methodology for this research
Study Area
Participants selection (Data saturation)
Sample and Recruitment
Data Collection Method
Limitation of the study
SECTION 6. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Introduction
Participants
Participants Opinion
Key Findings
SECTION 6. CONCLUSION
References
Appendices
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION

35
Social media like Facebook has been around the world since its beginning. Facebook is now one of
the leading and most known social media, which is used by people of all ages. There are currently
over 2.6 billion monthly active users of Facebook worldwide (Global stats, 2020). Despite being
numerous positive impacts on one’s life, excessive use of Facebook may lead to misuse and addictive
behavior (Griffiths, 2012). Facebook overuse increases screen time and also have an adverse effect
on mental health of people. These effects include sleeping disorder, anxiety, low self-esteem and
ultimately depression. Some research also shows that various people, especially teenagers and young
adults, are not completely aware of such adverse effects of Facebook on their mental wellbeing (Tsai,
et al., 2009). With the increased accessibility and availability of internet, use of social media like
Facebook is currently skyrocketing in Nepal. According to Global stats (2020), the most used social
media in Nepal are Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram respectively, among which
93.31% of social media users use Facebook. Mental health and mental wellbeing are critical subject
but often neglected in developing countries like Nepal. With rise of Facebook usage but not enough
research on the regards to its effect on mental wellbeing of young adults in Nepal, we don’t have
enough data about the use and effects of Facebook on young adults’ wellbeing of Nepal. However,
various global researches have suggested that Facebook addiction may play a role in developing
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) which may lead to severe mental problems like anxiety, low self-
esteem and depression. When all these problems burst into scene, concept of digital wellbeing was
taken seriously.
Digital wellbeing, defined as the state of being comfortable when using digital technologies, came in
the spotlight when Sundar Pichai spoke about it in Google I/O 2018 (Google, 2018). With the rise of
digital wellbeing concept, Facebook also introduced their own digital wellbeing tool called Quiet
Mode recently. According to Facebook (2020), Quiet mode is the new digital wellbeing tool that can
help users find the right balance for how they use Facebook. Quiet mode not only mutes most
notifications, but it also reminds users they set this time aside to limit their time in app. This tools as
introduced to give users their time back and also to promote every aspect of people’s wellbeing
(Facebook, 2020). Despite having a bright future, many young adults believe that some solutions
regarding Facebook use might not be sufficient to support formation of new and also might be
strongly depends on the monitoring behavior once the monitoring stops, it may or may not be
effective e.g., that feature can easily be neglected after sometime and usage pattern may not be
changed at all. So, it was yet to be understood from Facebook users’ perspective about the
effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing.

36
Research purpose
The purpose of this study was to understand the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on
maintaining the mental wellbeing of young adults of Kathmandu through their own perspective.
Research questions
- How do users describe their feelings about effectiveness Facebook’s Quiet Mode on changing
their Facebook’s usage pattern?
This study has been organized in 3 main chapter. In first chapter, the study had been introduced
briefly. In introduction section, firstly the research had presented introduction which highlights
overall key terms of study. After introduction, the research problem had been emphasized through
some existing literature on that particular field on the portion called ‘Statement of the problem’. The
gaps found on ‘Statement of the problem’ has been presented as main purpose of the study later with
certain research topics which were used on addressing the purpose. Limitation and delimitation of
the study has also been highlighted.
In the very next chapter, literature review of existing literature has been done in conclusive summary
which used to link our research through previous literature. Within literature review, theoretical
framework of the study has been highlighted.
In last chapter, research methods were highlighted which were used to carry out the study. Here,
study design, paradigm of the study, study population, study area, sample size data collection
procedures, data analysis and interpretation procedure were discussed along with some ethical
consideration of the research and organization of the study
SECTION 2. REASONS FOR CHOOSING THIS RESEARCH PROJECT

37
To best of our knowledge, there is insufficient research regarding Facebook addiction and its effect
on mental wellbeing of young adults in Nepal. However, in the research of Jha (2016) it has been
revealed that 86.7% of health science students indicated that they were pretty annoyed when anyone
disturbed them during Facebook, 24.3 % of whole participants also admitted they found it difficult to
not to log onto Facebook during one whole day. This may hint towards addictive nature of Facebook.
76.8 % of participants also believed that Facebook had negatively affected their overall heath and
behavior including mental health. The adversely effects on mental aspect experienced by the
participants were disturbed sleep (19%) followed by headache (16%). This research may be used as a
base to show Facebook addiction have effects on mental wellbeing of young adults but quantitative
approach was used. This was clearly lack of research about effect of Facebook on mental wellbeing
of young adults which follow qualitative approach.
As a digital tool for managing and reducing screen time, Facebook Quiet mode was introduced. But
there is no any research till date which measures effectiveness or understand effectiveness of Quiet
Mode on maintaining wellbeing of Young adults. Most of the research related to feature and tools are
solely focused on measuring the effectiveness based on pre-defined metrics through quantitative
approach (Collins, Cox, Bird & Cornish-Tresstail, 2014). But there are many factors besides pre-
defined metrics of quantitative approach to understand effectiveness of any digital wellbeing tools
which needs to be explored. Understanding about effectiveness of feature and tool from user’s
perspective was slightly neglected in this kind of research. Thus, this subject matter and different
approaches on digital field was yet to be explored by researchers.
Facebook’s Quiet Mode being new digital wellbeing tool and affects mental wellbeing but was yet to
be researched through a qualitative approach in Nepal so this research was carried out to understand
from Kathmandu young adults’ perspective about effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on
maintaining their mental wellbeing. It is hoped that the future findings can open a gate to explore
novel approach to attract more researcher to find various factors about effects of Facebook and
digital wellbeing tools on mental wellbeing of young adults.
The findings of this study will really help to increase the awareness about effect of Facebook use on
mental wellbeing, digital wellbeing concept, Facebook Quiet Mode, which will be really beneficial
to every people. This study will also spread some light on mental health issues and overall mental

38
wellbeing of Young adults of Nepal. This research can really be the bridge for the communication
about mental health issues between peoples where it is often neglected like Nepal.
This research can really crave a path for upcoming researchers to find other critical aspect of social
media which may promote or hinder the overall wellbeing of people which is yet to be found. The
findings of this study can really show the picture of where digital wellbeing concept is heading and
how seriously are tech-giants considering wellbeing of their users. This research can also help other
future researchers to evaluate, measure and understand about effectiveness of other digital wellbeing
apps and tools.

39
SECTION 3. LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
The following chapter provides clear picture of existing literature related to concept and its relation
with the subject matter. This portion clarify why research is being done and try to establish a context
for the research to be completed. This review explains how variables of research topic are
interrelated to one another by analyzing existing literature of different field. This review of existing
literature consists of literature related to Facebook use and mental wellbeing, Facebook’s Quiet mode
as digital wellbeing tool in the form conclusive summary. Finally, the chapter polishes in on some
theoretical underpinnings of the study along with reviewing some of the existing policies regarding
Facebook and mental wellbeing as well.
Using social media is a quotidian phenomenon (Elhai, 2016) (Quinn, 2016) and increment in the
number of users of social media or social networking sites is also a global phenomenon, hence social
media has become an integral part of today’s world. Younger age, neuroticism, extraversion and fear
of missing out (FOMO) opened the door for social media usage whereas only FOMO resulted in
social media addiction. (Blackwell, Leaman, Tramposch, Osborne, & Liss, 2017). Despite all those
positive effects and additional social support, the excessive use of social media like increases screen
time and also exhibits negative effects on mental health. (Lanaj, Johnson, & Barnes, 2014) and social
media addicts also experience emotional, relational, physical health, mental health, and performance
problems. (Andreassen & Schou, 2015). So, every social media usage should be carefully evaluated
and researched.
Having more than 2.6 billion monthly active users of worldwide (Facebook, 2020) Facebook is the
world’s most widely used social media. On one side, it has been revealed that Facebook
connectedness is related to higher life satisfaction, and it lowers depression too, which tends to
emphasize that there is a positive relationship between life satisfaction and Facebook use (Grieve et
al., 2013). Numerous studies also support this and suggest there are positive impacts of Facebook on
mental health and boost the overall mental wellbeing. But on the other side, despite having numerous
positive impacts on one’s life, excessive use of Facebook may lead to misuse and addictive behavior

40
(Griffiths, 2012). Internal stimuli like constantly checking Facebook without any reason (Oulasvirta,
Rattenbury, Ma, & Raita, 2012) play crucial role along with external stimuli like notification in
causing distraction. (Dabbish, Mark, & Gonzalez, 2011) and developing FOMO (Fear of Missing
Out) which lead to addictive behavior and can have negative effects on mental wellbeing of young
adults (Jha, 2016).
Person-Specificity in Facebook and Quiet Mode Usage
Apart from social support, the various reasons for using Facebook include the desire for friends,
entertainment, knowledge, and convenience as well as social capital and life satisfaction
[ CITATION Bas15 \l 1033 ]. However, factors that influence the Facebook and alter the pattern of
Facebook usage include attitude towards Facebook, subjective norms of individual, perceived
behavioral control of individual over Facebook. Behavioral psychology also plays major role in
affecting one’s Facebook usage pattern. Facebook and Technology addiction are commonly thought
to be temporally stable and structurally invariant condition that can be identified using a ‘one-size-
fits-all’ screening tool (Huang, 2010) (Yu & Shek, 2013). However, various literature questions the
validation of the assumption in this research. Temporal stability may be an unwarranted assumption,
as research shows that excessive media us is sometimes only temporary- and potentially function-
coping response to a certain instantaneous stressful life event (Li et al., 2010). Structural invariance
may also be an unwarranted assumption, as studies show that problematic use can have different
forms, depending on the pathways leading to it which is person specific and subjective in nature
(Billieux, 2012). However, general screening instrument like digital wellbeing tool can find difficulty
differentiating passionate and enthusiastic media users from pathological users (Billieux, 2012).
Different others factors can help in changing behavioral aspect of individual like the behavior of
checking and interacting with notification creates a cognitive reward system, and this behavior is
likely to be adopter into the user’s daily routine life. (Roberts, Yaya, & Manolis, 2014). However, the
addiction model is nowadays frequently applied to excessive behaviors but such an approach, which
is centered around excessive usage behavior, might lead to neglecting the key psychological factors
or processes (motivational, affective, cognitive, interpersonal and social) sustaining dysfunctional
involvement in a specific conduct. (Dudley, Kuyken & Padesky, 2011; Kinderman & Tai, 2007).
These factors might play vital role in with-holding or changing behavioral aspect of individual
towards Facebook and Quiet mode as well.

41
The theme of technology and social science has always been considered apart but are deeply
intertwined (Feenberg, 2020). However, wellbeing differs from one individual to another since it has
a different meaning for different individuals and hence it is hard to determine wellbeing objectively
(Brey, 2015). Although wellbeing is of subjective nature, designing technology for wellbeing is very
much possible (Brey, 2018). To make it possible, digital wellbeing concept of google came forward
to design technology for wellbeing of users. Digital wellbeing, defined as the state of being
comfortable when using digital technologies, came in the spotlight when Sundar Pichai spoke about
it in Google I/O 2018 (Google, 2018). Digital wellbeing does snot medicalize people’s relationship
with technology but recognize both problems and benefits experienced with connectivity, that
acknowledge the subjective and dynamic nature of our experiences with technology, and that
recognize the ambivalence of our relationship to technology (Vanden Abeele, 2020).
Supporting Digital wellbeing concept and also keeping wellbeing of users in mind, Facebook also
launched new digital wellbeing tool called Quiet mode to help users manage their time on Facebook
by controlling external stimuli like notification (Facebook, 2019). According to Facebook (2020),
Quiet mode is the new digital wellbeing tool that can help users find the right balance for how they
use Facebook. This digital wellbeing not only mutes most notifications but it also reminds users that
they set this time aside to limit their time in app (Facebook, 2020). Measuring effectiveness of tools
is often envisioned as tools for objectively revealing the world (Sharon & Zandbergen 2017) and also
to have control over how one spends time is a significant measure of wellbeing (Wajcman 2015:
164). However, digital wellbeing tools and apps have not been evaluated much by researchers and it
is still not clear that how effective are they. Since understanding for designing for self-regulation of
technology use is still in early age (Whittaker, Kalnikaite, Hollis & Guydish, 2016), there is a lack of
robust research on understanding the effectiveness of Facebook Quiet’s mode from user’s
perspective as more research focus on measuring effectiveness through a quantitative approach.
Hence this research was carried out from qualitative approach to understand from users’ perspective.
Connecting subjective concept like wellbeing with the technology has always been issue in the
modern society but needs to be done at any cost (Feenberg, 2020). The most common theme of
technology is always considered apart from the common them of social science. However,
(Feenberg, 2020) argue that technology should not be isolate rather should be deeply intertwined
with the social science. Taking account of those research, Facebook being tech giants not only affect
how one’s perceived the world but might also affect how persons perceive themselves. Technical

42
acceleration really affects time in phenomenological way which needs to explored through multiple
ways (Feenberg, 2020). Measuring effectiveness of tools is often envisioned as tools for objectively
revealing the world (Sharon & Zandbergen, 2017) and also to have control over how one spends time
is a significant measure of wellbeing (Wajcman, 2015: 164). However, other thorough approaches
including understanding effectiveness of those tools is slightly complex and multifaceted (Lupton,
2016). A growing trend in the socio-technology research is to think beyond the box in order to
understand specific research problems from different perspective. The theory of behavior is centered
to explain more about subjective matter. So, in order to go beyond metrics and quantifiable approach,
the framework which was used in this study is exploratory framework of the theory of behavior. This
framework generally works on the basis of behavioral intention and behavior of individual in using
Quiet mode through their own attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. The
attitude and subjective norms which are influencing the way people use Facebook and Quiet mode
could really make same specific app effective and ineffective at the same time. The perceived
behavioral control of individual over usage of Facebook and Quiet mode along with their attitude
and subjective norms towards it can actually shows the behavioral intention. This behavioral
intention of individual to use a Facebook and quiet mode with perceived behavioral control directly
affects actual usage. Based on the above literature about Facebook and digital wellbeing tool, it was
mandatory to spread light on the behavioral aspect of user’s so that effectiveness of Quiet mode can
be understood through their own perception hence exploratory framework along with theory of
planned behavior was used.
Fig: Theory of Planned behavior

43
Policy Review
Facebook has various policies regarding maintaining wellbeing of users. As stated on Facebook’s
Newsroom statement says that the company will “no longer allow graphic cutting images to avoid
unintentionally promoting or triggering self-harm, even when someone is seeking support or
expressing themselves to aid their recovery” (Facebook, 2020). It suggests that Facebook cares about
overall mental wellbeing of users so not any things which hampers wellbeing could be posted.
Facebook will also now continue to send resources to people who posted self-harm or eating disorder
content to promote mental health of consumers (Facebook, 2020). It was shown in various ways and
through different policies that Facebook really cares about mental wellbeing of every consumer.
Quiet mode was one of that policies to give users back their time which evaluation could help to
make further policies regarding mental wellbeing of Facebook consumers. The Ministry of Health,
shortly known as MoH, adopted five policies regarding mental health of people which clearly states
enhancing public awareness to promote mental health and combat stigma resulting from mental
illness, and promote and manage health information system and research (Population, M, 2020).
Since Nepal really lacks strict policies and laws about individual wellbeing through Facebook, this
research could hint towards mental wellbeing of young adults to little extent and stricter policies
could be made on future.

44
SECTION 4. ACTIVITIES AND TIMESCALES
Study plan
The study plan of the research is illustrated in the table below with milestones
S.N. Task/milestones Start Date End Date Duration

1. Review of existing literature 08/07/2020 08/15/2020 8 days
related to digital wellbeing theme
2. Identifying research problems 08/15/2020 08/20/2020 5 days
3. Selecting Research Topic 08/21/2020 08/25/2020 4 days
4. Reviewing existing literature 08/26/2020 09/03/2020 8 days

related to research topic
5. Preparation of Research Proposal 09/04/2020 09/29/2020 25 days
6. Revision of Research Proposal 09/30/2020 10/05/2020 05 days
7. Data collection 11/03/2020 11/28/2020 25 days
8. Writing report 11/28/2020 12/ 18/2020 20 days
9. Final report submission 12/18/2020 12/21/2020 03 days
Gantt Chart

45
SECTION 5. RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGIES
Introduction

46
This chapter describes the methods which was used in understanding the effectiveness of Facebook’s
Quiet Mode on maintaining wellbeing of young adults of Nepal. This chapter clearly illustrates that
research was being carried out through qualitative approach. Along with study design, paradigm of
the study which had influenced the research is clearly explained through different philosophical
assumptions. Study area and population is clearly defined with proper reason on why they were
chosen. Tools and techniques for data collection and analysis and interpretation are explained here.
Along with ethical concern, how trustworthiness was maintained has been clearly stated here.
Research Design
Research design is the way of establishing roadmap to conduct the research. It is all about how your
structure and organize your study. It basically dictates your study and clearly outlines the data you
are going to collect, methods and methodology to apply and also how you analyze and interpret data
to answer your research questions [ CITATION Far19 \l 1033 ]. In particular, this study had
followed exploratory design.
This study had utilized small sample sizes and rather put emphasis on insights than definitive
conclusion. Since Quiet mode being new digital wellbeing tool, there were very few earlier studies
on this particular subject matter. It introduces the different study of behavioral possibility and
focused on relating new terms with existing concept where many things were yet to be explored
hence exploratory research design was used.
Research Approach
The research approach is a plan and procedure which consists of the steps of broad assumptions to
detailed methods of data collection, analysis and interpretation (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2012).
In simple words, it is based on the nature of research problem being addressed (Saunders, Lewis &
Thornhill, 2012). For data collection, there are generally three types of approach qualitative
approach, quantitative approach and mixed approach. For Data Analysis, there are mainly three
approaches inductive approach, deductive approach and abductive research approach. Different
approaches for both data collection and data analysis are evaluated critically below to justify which
are suitable for this study.
1. Quantitative approach
Quantitative approach can be defined as the process of collecting and analyzing numerical
data which is used to find patterns and averages, make predictions, test causal relationship,
and generalize results to wider populations. Creswell (2003) states, qualitative research

47
“employ strategies of inquiry such as experimental and surveys, and collect data on
predetermined instrument that yields statistical data” (p. 18). It is specific in its surveying and
experimentation, as it builds on existing theories. Creswell (2003) also states that the
methodology of a quantitative research maintains the assumption of an empiricist paradigm.
For the data analysis of quantitative approach, deductive approach is mostly used. Deductive
approach is generally concerned with “developing a hypothesis based on existing theory, and
then designing a research strategy to test the hypothesis (Sondhi, 2011)
2. Qualitative approach
Qualitative can be described as a holistic approach that occurs in natural setting that enables
the researcher to develop a level from high involvement in the actual experiences (Creswell,
2003). It is an unfolding model which involves discovery. It is used to analyze something
from participants’ viewpoint and perception. Qualitative research is conducted within
poststructuralist paradigm and involves purposeful use for describing, explaining, and
interpreting collected data. Data is collected through the senses and is used to explain
phenomena relevant to social behaviors in new and emerging theories in this approach. For
the data analysis of qualitative approach, inductive approach is mostly used. Inductive
approach generally “involves the search of pattern from observation and the development of
explanations-theories-for those patterns through series of hypothesis” [ CITATION Sau12 \l
1033 ].
3. Mixed approach
The methods of collecting or analyzing data from the quantitative and qualitative approaches
in a single research study is called mixed approach (Creswell, 2003). Since having the ability
to design research studies that combine data collection or data analysis methods from both
approaches, researchers can now test and build theories in the single study. It is considered as
extension of both methods rather than a replacement. The main goal for researchers using
mixed methods approach to research is to draw from the strength and minimize the weakness
of quantitative and qualitative research (Creswell, 2003).
Research approach for this study
For data collection, qualitative approach was used since qualitative data related to mental wellbeing
was needed to understand effectiveness from user’s perspective. And for data analysis, inductive
approach was used. No hypothesis was used in this research. Theory was meant to be generated

48
through specific pattern formed at last through deep observation and interviewing of the participants
hence inductive approach was used. For secondary research regarding existing literature, deductive
approach was used. Firstly, different theory related to the subject matter was taken into account and
suitable was chosen as a theoretical framework for this study.
Qualitative Research Methodologies
Methodology can be referred as the strategy, plan of action, process or design that informs choice of
research methods. In simple terms, it means how particular piece of research should be undertaken
(Grix, 2004). The researcher questions about how to study the world of research are answered by
methodological questions (Rehman & Alharthi, 2016). There are several research methodologies
which meets different needs (Creswell, 2003). Some of the qualitative research methodologies are
explained below along justification for why phenomenological methodology was chosen for this
study.
1. Case study
Case study is a research methodology which can be defined as an intensive study about a
person, a group of people or a unit, which is aimed to generalize over several units. In this
study, researchers explore in depth a program, an event, an activity, a process, or one or more
individuals (Creswell, 2003). Here, the insight-stimulating cases should be selected for
special study and for particular problems, certain cases may be found more appropriate than
others. Case study attempts to learn more about a little known or poorly understood situation
hence is beneficial in exploratory research. Interviews, observation can be used as research
method here.
2. Ethnography study
Ethnography study is a research methodology which studies entire group that shares common
culture. In ethnography study, the researcher studies an intact cultural group in a natural
setting over a prolonged period of time by collecting observational data (Creswell, 2003).
Study is fully focused on everyday behaviors to identify norms, beliefs, social structures, and
other factors. The researcher must become immersed in the daily lives of the participants in
order to observe their behavior then interpret the culture or social group systems (Creswell,
2003). Researchers must gain access to a site and then must establish rapport with the
participants and build trust. Observation and in-depth interview can be used as research
method here.

49
3. Grounded Theory study
In this methodology, the researcher tries to derive an overall, abstract theory of a process,
action or interaction grounded in the views of participants in a study (Creswell, 2003). Leedy
and Ormrod (2001) added that grounded theory begins with data that develops into a theory.
It can be explained as the method of collecting data, analyzing the data, and repeating the
process, which is the format called constant comparative method. The main reason that it has
also been used primarily in the sociology discipline because this method examines people’s
actions and interactions.
4. Content Analysis study
The detailed and systematic examination of the contents of a particular body of materials for
the purpose of identifying patterns, themes or biases are considered as content analysis study
(Leedy & Ormrod, 2001). This methodology is planned to identify specific characteristics
from the content in the human communications. The researcher is discovering verbal, visual
behavioral pattern or themes in this research methodology. The technical process for the
content analysis study is designed to achieve the highest objective analysis possible and
involves identifying the body of material to be studied and defining the features or qualities
to be examined (Leedy & Ormrod, 2001).
5. Phenomenological study
The purpose of the phenomenological methodology is to illuminate the specific, to identity

phenomena through how they are perceived by the actors in a situation. Although it overlaps
with other essential qualitative approaches like ethnography, symbolical interactionalism but
it seeks essentially to describe rather than explain, and to start from a perspective free from
hypothesis or preconceptions. The main focus is on the participant’s perceptions of the event
or situation and the study tries to answer the question of the experience (Creswell, 2003). The
research method for collecting data of phenomenological study is similar to that of grounded
theory because interview is conducted. Data are collected which leads to identifying common
themes in people’s perception of their experiences.
Research Methodology for this research
Phenomenological study was chosen as a research methodology for this study. The purpose of the
phenomenological methodology is to illuminate the specific, to identity phenomena through how
they are perceived by the actors in a situation. Since, this study was about perception of young adults

50
about effectiveness of quiet mode and also tries to answer the question of experience so
phenomenological methodology was chosen. The key note of the study was to identify common
themes in people’s perception of their experiences and interview was must to do so hence the
phenomenological methodology. Collaborating an interpretive dimension to phenomenological
research, enabling it to be used with in-depth interview did really shaped the findings of this study.
A research paradigm is “the set of common beliefs and agreement shared between scientist about
how problems should be understood and addressed. [CITATION TSK70 \l 1033 ]. This study
employed an interpretive paradigm to understand the perception of Young adults about effectiveness
of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing. Wellbeing is of subjective nature.
It differs from person to person. The study was solely focused on understanding through participants’
perception and hence interpretive paradigm was used. Four assumptions of this research paradigm
are explained below:
1. Ontology
Ontology refers to the nature of our beliefs about reality. In more brief term, it is the
researcher’s assumptions about the nature of the world and social reality which establish
subjects that we dissect to sort out the importance embedded in research data and helps to
determine what research objects and phenomena to focus on, orientate our thinking about the
research problem, its significance, research questions and way to find their answer (Kivunja
& Kuyini, 2017; Saunders et al., 2019). This research used interpretive paradigm so it had the
ontological assumption that the nature of reality is subjective, multiple and may change
accordingly. In this study, Quiet was effective on maintaining wellbeing of one young adult
but ineffective at the same time for others hence subjective reality. Certain factors related to
mental wellbeing or participants understanding might have played role on having multiple
realities at the same time.
2. Epistemology
Epistemology refers to “the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge and
the process by which knowledge is acquired and validated” (Gall, Gall & Borg, 2003, p.13).
This research was based on understanding effectiveness of Quiet Mode on mental wellbeing
of Young adults which followed interpretive paradigm so data was collected through in-depth
face to face interview with participants with semi-structured questions.

51
3. Axiology
Axiology is the branch of philosophy that studies judgement about value, explores the nature
of values [ CITATION Sau12 \l 1033 ] . In simple term, axiology is engaged with assessment
of the role of researcher’s own value on all stages of research. Right and wrong behavior
about the research was defined, evaluated and understood in axiology. This search was guided
by interpretive paradigm so subjectivity had been assessed. Research was done in natural
setting where participants felt comfortable. The obtained data were critical and hence there
was truthfulness on the interpretation of obtained data. Participants were not forced to answer
questions which made them uncomfortable.
4. Methodology
Methodology can be referred as the strategy, plan of action, process or design that informs
choice of research methods. In simple terms, it means how particular piece of research should
be undertaken (Grix, 2004). The researcher questions about how to study the world of
research are answered by methodological questions (Rehman & Alharthi, 2016). This study is
based on interpretive paradigm so phenomenological study was the methodology. Since the
research questions needed qualitative approach and also followed exploratory design, so data
were obtained through face-to-face interview with semi-structured questions. Those data were
used to set a hypothesis.
Study Area
The study was conducted in Pepsicola, Kathmandu. This study area was used because of two key
reasons. First one was feasibility in collecting data. Qualitative approach was used and related data
about subject matter were to be collected through in-depth interview so during pandemic, it was hard
to travel to other places and participants also were not ready to meet for face-to-face interview with
unknown face and it was easy to be familiar with peoples of same territory. Second one was
feasibility in finding participants, snowball sampling was done so it was easy to find different
participants through one participant within limited territory.
Participant selection (Data saturation)
In research, participants size can be referred as the total number of participants selected for the study.
Qualitative research experts argue that there is no any correct answer about ‘how many sample size
or participants size’ in qualitative research since it is very dependent on a number of factors relating
to epistemological, methodological and practical issues (Baker & Edwards, 2012). So, the criteria

52
which was used by this research to determine participants size was data saturation. When researcher
saw similar data repeated over and over again and that no additional data were being found about the
subject matter then sampling was stopped.
Sample and Recruitment
As previously mentioned, a convenient, snowball, homogenous sample was used for this study. The
researcher was looking for the individual with specific qualities (i.e., age bracket and experience
with Facebook and Quiet Mode). Due to this reason, the sample was homogenous (all sharing similar
characteristics, traits or qualities. The sample is intended not to randomly select participants to make
broader generalizations about the larger population of app users, but instead, to select participants
based on particular traits that are of interest (i.e., age bracket and experience with Facebook and
Quiet Mode).
Young adults (18-24) of Pepsicola who use Facebook’s Quiet Mode were an ideal population for this
stud. Age group of 18-24 were studied since they fall under the category of young adults and it had
also been revealed that about 75% of youths identify the problems of mental health before they reach
24 and also used Facebook and Quiet Mode quite often (NapoleonCat, 2020). This is not to suggest
that this demographic has extensive knowledge about Facebook and Quiet Mode but their time spent
with both Facebook and Quiet Mode was greater than other age groupings. Thus, the researcher
assumes that majority of this sample had valuable experience regarding the subject matter and also a
ready ability to express their experiences. Their experience about behavioral pattern would have been
helpful to extract themes and themes which would help digital wellbeing tools developer in near
future.
The researcher recruited 7 Young adults’ quiet mode users through snowball sampling to participate
in an in-depth interview lasting around 45 minutes. The length of interview varied from person to
person and its length really helped the researcher to ask the broad questions crafted from the research
questions and provide time for the participant explore his or her experiences and feelings with and
towards effectiveness of quiet mode.
For recruitment, the researcher posted in Facebook so one random participant was selected and then
other was selected through link of previous participant until data saturation. The researcher was in
constant contact with participants via phone and email. Date and time were fixed according to their
desire and in-depth interview was done.
Participant Pseudonym Sex Age Experience Experience with

53
with Quiet Mode (in

Facebook (in months)
years)
1 Ram Male 21 5 8
2 Sita Female 20 3 7
3 Gita Female 23 7 6
4 Shyam Male 24 9 7
5 Hari Male 18 3 8
6 Sitaram Male 20 4 6
7 Radha Female 23 6 7
Data Collection Method
The population was categorized by geographical location, participants’ knowledge about subject
matter and time of the training. Data collection occurred through in-depth interviews conducted in a
cafe of Pepsicola and through phone call as well since one participant was out of town that time.
Data collection took place in December 2020. The researcher contacted first participants through
phone call to fix date and time for the interview. In flexible time of both researcher and participants,
in-depth interview was done for around 40 minutes in the cafe of Pepsicola. A Dictaphone was used
to record interviews with full consent of participants and all interviews’ data were transcribed
manually later. Through snowball sampling technique, the researcher found other participants and
similar technique was used. However, number of interview questions and interview duration differed
from one participant to another. All those participants’ chose to have the interviews in the unknown
cafe because they felt more ease at unknown surrounding and thus allowed them to speak more
freely and openly on the research. An in-depth interview is typically unstructured which conducted
without series of predefined questions but I did have made some pre-defined set of questions to keep
participants and researcher within the territory of research purpose. The main reason for selecting
this hybrid approach of interview was that the interviewer also has some freedom to probe and
explore additional questions in response to what are seen as significant replies, while at the same
time won’t go beyond research topic on personal level issues. Interview questions were mainly open-
ended questions with a small number of closed questions relating to age, experience with Facebook
and Quiet mode, sex and so on. An example of an open-ended questions which were asked in the
54
interview is ‘What effects does Facebook might have on your mental wellbeing’. Open ended
questions like this allowed the participants more scope to express thoughts and feelings (especially
when sensitive issues like mental wellbeing was being described). To make participants more
comfortable while speaking and to have more insights of them about the subject matter, Nepali
language was used which later transcribed and translated to know common theme. Although in-depth
interview was done but some interview schedule was structured to certain extent i.e., three sections
 Participants’ demographics,
 Effect of Facebook on their mental wellbeing,
 Effectiveness of Quiet Mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing.
Since mental wellbeing was very sensitive topic for some individual, the researcher tried to balance
the interview with questions that were not too personal. A Pilot interview was carried out before
actual interview since this process allowed the interviewee to express thoughts and feelings about
questions format and structures. But the data collected in this interview was not included in the
analysis section of this research.
The data was collected from two sources i.e., primary source and secondary sources for completing
this study. The data collected from primary sources are known as primary data and the data collected
from secondary sources is called secondary sources. The primary data was collected as main data
which was later analyzed to give as findings of the research. However, secondary data was collected
for connecting this study with existing literature. The sources of this data are listed below:
1. Primary source: - In-depth interview
2. Secondary sources: - Books, Journal, trusted websites etc.
The process of bringing order, structure and meaning to the mass of collected data is considered as
data analysis (Marshall & Rossman, 1999). Similarly, Qualitative data analysis can be explained as
the way of making sense from participants’ views and opinions of situations, corresponding patterns,
themes to corelate among categories of data (Marshall & Rossman, 1999) (Cohen et al., 2007).
After finishing data collection, researcher only had raw data which generally meant nothing before
its analysis and interpretation. Data analysis and interpretation was done manually. Firstly, data

55
transcription was done. Recorded interview was transformed into text format and all noted data was
once again noted in same file. Since, interview was done in Nepali language and not entire
participants were ready to be recorded, entire interview was later transcribed and translated in
English. Data of participants was noted separately and as it is without changing single words. Same
opinions were categorized into specific groups based on their connection on overall theme of
research which was interpreted as key findings of the research. However, opinions of each
participant were presented as it is as the opinions of the participants regarding research topic and
some interpretation of researcher was written at last of research findings chapter.
According to Morse & Richards (2002) “there are four-fold of steps to complete thematic analysis to
know key findings of the research which are used in this study i.e.,
Step 1:
 Transcribe verbal conversations into written text
 Read transcript, to re-familiarize
 In second reading, record observations/reflections about the text and interview notes.
Step 2:
 Initiate coding key ideas, events, examples, concept and themes
 Initial notes to be transformed into emerging themes
 Frame concise phrases that are grounded from responses but offer conceptual understanding.
Step 3:
 Inspect emerging themes and cluster themes to yield structure
 Report about comparisons and contradictions
Step 4:
 Produce table of themes analyzed
 Write narrative accounts and limitations
Trustworthiness is the term used in qualitative research to know in which extent researches are
believable and trustworthy. Since, most qualitative research is not generally based upon standardized

56
instruments and they often utilize smaller and non-random samples which questions whether
research is trustworthy or not. Many researchers even criticized the biasness of findings of this type
of research (Gunawan, 2015). According to Guba and Lincoln (1985) there are mainly four basic
criteria to ensure trustworthiness of the Qualitative research which were used as criteria for ensuring
trustworthiness of this research.
1. Credibility
Credibility in qualitative research is equivalent to validity in quantitative research. Guba and

Lincoln (1985) argued that ensuring credibility is one of the most important factors in
ensuring trustworthiness of research. It could be defined as the extent to which the data and
data analysis are believable and trustworthy. Triangulation. Member checks, reflective
commentary, iterative questioning, examination of previous research findings, observations of
participants were done for ensuring credibility and support trustworthiness of the research.
2. Transferability
Transferability in qualitative research generalized study findings and try to apply them to
other situation and contexts. The researchers could only determine the possibility that data
can be transferred in other situations rather than proving it could be transferred. Guba and
Lincoln (1985) suggested that it is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure that sufficient
contextual information about the fieldwork sites could be provided to enable reader or other
researcher to make such a transfer. In maximize data relative to the context in which it was
collected, purposive sampling was done.
3. Dependability
Dependability in qualitative research is equivalent to reliability in quantitative research which

is the consistency of observing the same finding under-similar circumstances. Dependability
could be achieved through auditing which consists of the researcher’s documentation of data,
methods used, decisions made during research (Seale, 1999). Thick, rich and elaborative data
were collected through in-depth interview and description of the research was presented with
researcher commentary. Beside this, the researcher provided an audit trail by describing in
detail how data was collected, how themes were generated and how decisions were made
throughout the inquiry.
4. Confirmability

57
Confirmability is the degree to which the findings of the research can be confirmed or
corroborated by others. Replications of the findings are important to prove research is subject
to minimum biasness or no biasness. Seale (1999) argued that proper auditing could be used
to ensure confirmability in which the researcher makes the provision of a methodological
self-critical account of how research was done (p.45). Reporting results, member checking,
constantly comparing data and thorough descriptions of the setting was presented to have
more realistic findings and control for biasness.
In any research, it is mandatory to protect human subjects through application of appropriate ethical
principles (Orb, Eisenhauer & Wynaden, 2001). To keep the perfect balance between the potential
risks of research and the likely benefits of the research, the consideration of ethical issues is crucial
(Arifin, 2018). So, the responsibility of the researcher to maintain ethical principles were outlined
clearly for the participants. Firstly, Participants were made fully aware about research questions and
topic and participants were not forced to be a part of research if they didn’t want to. Mental
wellbeing being critical aspect, the researcher ensured them of the confidentiality of their data would
be fully maintained. Participants also had full freedom of not answering certain question if they
didn’t feel comfortable. The private information like their name, address, phone number, email was
not exposed at any circumstances. Researcher respected every right of participants and research
ethics and research was done being within boundary of those aspects.
Limitation of the study
Just like majority of studies, the design of the current study is subject to limitations. Firstly, this
research is about mental wellbeing and also followed qualitative approach so there may be some
biasness in the data which might not be 100 % true. Secondly, the area of the study was limited so
data was taken from Pepsicola only and hence cannot be generalized. And at last, due to the relative
newness of subject, quite different approach and time limitation, research findings might not be
100% precise.
Just like other study, this research study also yielded delimitation that describes how the study was
narrowed in scope (Creswell, 2003). The data for research was collected at Pepsicola because it was
so difficult to travel and more importantly participants of other places might not be ready to meet in
the middle of pandemic. Data was collected from people of age group 18-24 who uses Quiet Mode

58
since it is believed that 75 % youths identify the problems of mental health before they reach 24.
Some data were related about mental health of participants which are critical so participants might
have doubt about confidentiality of data so one to one interview was done by making participants
comfortable and hence participants shared their feelings, opinions and experience in their own term
about subject matter. Since, there were not enough existing literature about Quiet mode hence
exploratory research resign was used to have deep understanding about perception of participants.
SECTION 6. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

59
Introduction
This chapter will lure upon the main themes and present the findings which arose out of the
interview process and consequent data analysis. First and foremost, a brief profile of each of the
participants is presented without leak of any critical or personal information. The key themes that
emerged following data analysis of participants’ regarding both effect of Facebook on mental
wellbeing and effectiveness of Quiet Mode on managing their wellbeing is presented clearly here. All
those findings and results of the research are clearly shown in this section of studies. This research
followed exploratory design where research questions were intertwined together to have clear
findings about substantially new topic hence findings are presented and discussed together in this
section.
Participants
The Quiet Mode users who participated in this study came from different backgrounds, with regards
to experience and usability. Participants provided information regarding their behaviors with, attitude
towards and experience with Facebook and Quiet mode. Participants were recruited through
snowball sampling. While specific demographic data were obtained and some didn’t, but the
participants provided information about: experience with Facebook and Quiet mode, their usage
pattern, change in usage pattern before and after quiet mode, their overall perception about subject
matter and so on. They also spread light on specific characteristics of quiet mode which was
beneficial. All the participants were between the ages of 18-24 years, and have had at 3 years’
experience with Facebook and 6 months experience with Quiet Mode.
The following review provides a brief summary of each Quiet Mode user who was interviewed for
the study.
Ram is an experience Facebook user, who has had a Facebook since he was 16 years old. He uses
Facebook for various primary purpose like communication with friends and family, entertainment
and sports update. He has experience of about 8 months with Quiet Mode which means he is a user
of Quiet mode ever since it arrived. He used quiet mode as a primary tool to change his Facebook
usage pattern.
Sita is an experience Facebook user, who also had a Facebook since she was 16 years old. She enjoys
using Facebook for various activities like communication, seeking information and social interaction.
She has experience of Quiet Mode for around 7 months.
Participant Pseudonym Sex Age Experience Experience with

60
with Quiet Mode (in

Facebook (in months)
years)
1 Ram Male 21 5 8
2 Sita Female 20 3 7
3 Gita Female 23 7 6
4 Shyam Male 24 9 7
5 Hari Male 18 3 8
6 Sitaram Male 20 4 6
7 Radha Female 23 6 7
The above table excerpts briefly detail each participant reported experience with Facebook and Quiet
along with their pseudonym. Four of the participants in this study were male, and the remaining three
were female.
Research questions
- How do users describe their feelings about effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on
changing their Facebook’s usage pattern?
The first research question was clearly the path to the second research question. First research
question tried to evaluate the perception of young adults towards effect of Facebook on their
wellbeing so that their feelings/perception towards effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on
changing their Facebook’s usage pattern can be evaluated.
Participants Opinion
Overall, the participants in this study expressed both positive and negative experiences, feelings, and
perception about Facebook’s Quiet Mode. However, they all insisted that Facebook mostly have
negative effect on their mental wellbeing rather than positive effects. This sample of participants
represented a small but diverse variety of Quiet Mode users.

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Almost every user appreciates the Facebook for giving them platform to connect socially and being
source of entertainment but they all intent to use Facebook very less because it has degraded their
mental wellbeing to very extend. Users do want to be disturbed, distracted or stressed due to
constant usage of Facebook that have no perceived relevancy or importance for them. Some of them
felt like being cage for no any reason. Participant four i.e., Shyam shared about his opinion about
Facebook usage as
“I feel like I am the Mouse that’s stuck in Glue trap. Somebody uses a trap known as Facebook and I
am the mouse. No matter how hard I try, I am stuck in a loop on using and not using Facebook”
Participant one i.e., Ram agreed with his opinion. He also thought he was stuck in Facebook for no
any reason. He stated
“Every morning when my eyes open, I open Facebook for no reason. I have become the slave of my
own Facebook account. I deactivate it and activate it and cycle goes on”.
Although many literatures show that Facebook have positive impact on mental wellbeing (Kalpidou,
Costin & Morris, 2011, Hartas, 2019) but in this study all participants expressed that Facebook only
have negative effects on their mental wellbeing. Participant Seven i.e., Radha expressed her view on
the effects of Facebook on mental wellbeing as
“Being a girl of this typical Nepali society, I am even afraid to post any photos on Facebook.
Someone can make fake Facebook Id with your name and you will be judged your whole life
through that Id. Facebook do not even have single positive effect on my mental wellbeing. It really
makes me anxious and depressed”.
Participant Three i.e., Gita also agreed on this opinion by stating this following
“Everybody wants to nullify negativity with some positivity in this era. That might be the reason of
exploring positive aspects of everything. For me, I don’t think any social media specially Facebook
have positive effects on my mental wellbeing. People might say social connectivity but I was happy
with the other connectivity medium than Facebook”
Youngest Participant i.e., Hari also agreed with this opinion by stating following
“Facebook really hampered my mental wellbeing to full extend but not in good way though. I was
the guy with full motive and focus before using Facebook. Now I am just the random guy who
cannot even concentrate for an hour. I feel so anxious seeing all my friends partying, having the time

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of life and I just have to follow same routine every day. I would rather be out of this Facebook than
being felt left out every time I open it”.
In this study, every participant illustrated that Facebook have affected their wellbeing in bad way.
Amazing finding is that none of the participant think that there is any positive effect of Facebook on
their mental wellbeing.
However, participants had mixed feelings about the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on
changing the Facebook usage pattern. Some participants insisted that Quiet Mode feature was not
strict enough to change their behavioral pattern. Participant two i.e., Sita explained it as
“Facebook doesn’t really care about users’ mental wellbeing. Their entire empire is running by
ruining users’ wellbeing. How will they earn if suddenly users screen time is reduced? Who will see
their ads? They just gave a tool as a trend which does nothing for users who are addicted or
overusing Facebook. I felt like there is no strictness there. One can easily disable feature and use
Facebook. Talking about me, I used it quite often in the beginning but it was not strict enough for me
to not use Facebook just after I using Quiet Mode. When it was active and I tried to use Facebook, I
did show me I was in Quiet Mode but also, I disabled it and starting using Facebook”.
Participants four i.e., Shyam agreed with her opinion by stating following
“Quiet Mode was just a showoff feature for me. It was not even stricter than other random digital
wellbeing app. It just shows you are using Quiet Mode feature and, in the bottom, there is an option
to disable it. Who wouldn’t disable it? Some strict policy should have been applied like you cannot
use Facebook until this time since you are in quiet mode and there is no way you can disable it. It
was too easy to disable it hence did literally nothing for me”.
Participants six i.e., Sitaram also expressed same opinion about Quiet Mode. He added something
like
“Firstly, I don’t about others but Facebook was really playing with me through this Quiet Mode
feature. I started using Quiet Mode from very early stage and initially thought this is the good step
towards maintaining mental wellbeing of users but later realized it was just a bullshit. When I started
using it and somehow didn’t disable it for time being, I got notifications on my Phone like someone
texted you, this is new friend suggestion for you. After those notifications I started using Facebook
again by disabling that feature. Firstly, it was not that hard to get rid of activated quiet mode feature
and secondly, they did not want us to not using Facebook.

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Participant one and three i.e., Ram and Gita expressed positive feeling about effectiveness of Quiet
Mode. However, they did agree that Quiet Mode was not that strict for changing their behavior but it
did provide some guidance which is very good step towards maintaining their mental wellbeing.
Ram stated following
“I don’t know about others but it provides me some guidance to change my usage pattern of
Facebook to some extent. While I was using it, it showed me about time remaining for not using
Facebook again and constantly so I was able to follow that routine constantly and it helped me a lot.
But one thing is sure, it was not that strict enough. Sometimes I will just disable it for using
Facebook”.
Gita agreed with this opinion by stating following
“It showed me that I was using Quiet Mode for time being when I tried to use Facebook which was
really cool. It showed me that I was trying to change my behavioral pattern of Facebook. I showed
some courage by not disabling it which was really good because I was using Facebook less after
Quiet Mode.
Several participants stated that intensity, frequency and notifications of Facebook usage and lack of
strictness were components hampering Quiet Mode to be not much effective. Sitaram, Sita, Hari all
discussed the important of these components briefly.
Sitaram: I would have liked if Quiet mode really managed the way I used Facebook. Let’s say, it
really focused on reducing screen time but not really. It didn’t find a way to reduce the intensity by
which users use Facebook. [for example] I didn’t used Facebook for 8 hours one day but at night I
used it for 7 hours straight so what did I gained that day? Literally nothing. And notifications which
was blocked within Quiet Mode did play role for me using it [Facebook] for straight 7 hours.
Sita: I didn’t used Facebook for one hour but later used for 5 hours straight constantly going through
all the notifications which was snoozed by Quiet Mode. The way I used Facebook didn’t changed at
all.
Hari: What was the point of not showing notifications while being on Quiet Mode if you get all those
again when you use Facebook afterwards? Literally nothing. It did save few hours on screen time for
beginning but later I used Facebook longer than before and went through every notification which
was missed during quiet mode. They should not show all those notifications rather they should clear
every notification which popped up during it [Quiet Mode].

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Key Findings
Overall, the participants in this study expressed both positive and negative experiences, feelings, and
perception about Facebook’s Quiet Mode. However, they all insisted that Facebook mostly have
negative effect on their mental wellbeing rather than positive effects. This sample of participants
represented a small but diverse variety of Quiet Mode users. Through the convenient sample method,
all of the participants were recruited who were users of Facebook and Quiet mode from Pepsicola,
Kathmandu. Despite all participants being between the ages of 18-24 years old, users had varying
experiences and perception that helped enrich the data gathered.
While gathering data, and more so after analyzing, the researcher acknowledged numerous common
themes across participants responses.
Users felt that they felt so anxious and depressed while using Facebook constantly. All users believed
that Facebook have affected the way they see the world. Users do not want to be distracted and
disturbed while being busy but Facebook usage had affected their concentration and focus level to
full extend so they have problem of being concentrated and focused. Several participants mentioned
the perception of being busy and received over 100 unwanted notifications from social media as root
cause for it. Users weigh the effect of Facebook differently, factors that contribute to this are age,
gender and experience with Facebook. Female participants expressed that they fear using Facebook
because it can hamper their whole life and wellbeing through privacy. Several participants mentioned
that they always have fear about privacy through Facebook while using Facebook.
Users also insisted that they always feared being left out if they didn’t used Facebook more often
which is condition often used in social media overuse and addiction called Fear of Missing out
(FOMO). They felt FOMO really hampered their mental wellbeing. Moreover, Participants also felt
left out while using Facebook. Several participants insisted that they felt left out from various
Friends and relative activities. They acknowledged that rejection in Facebook and feeling of being
left out are the root cause for decreasing their self-confidence and self-esteem.
However, Users expressed mixed feeling toward effectiveness of Facebook Quiet Mode on maintain
their mental wellbeing. Several participants mentioned that it could have been more effective if
Facebook developer took it seriously whereas someone considered it as great feature towards digital
wellbeing concept by Facebook. Users remember more bad experiences than good. While users
shared positive experiences and perceptions about their interaction with Quiet mode, the majority of
the conversation was described as negative experiences upon reflection of their interaction with

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Quiet Mode. Several participants insisted that Quiet Mode is a showoff feature which is not great for
consumers. This is especially important for app developers and marketers to consider, as one bad
experience and perception with feature could destroy all incoming new featured and tools. Users also
weigh the importance of Quiet mode differently than all existing digital wellbeing tools. Several
participants also expressed different factors played huge role for Quiet mode to be effective and
ineffective at the same time. Lack of strictness of Quiet mode was seems to be one aspect of Quiet
mode where every participant agreed and they also suggested it could have been way much better.
It was found that intensity, frequency and notifications of Facebook usage and lack of strictness were
components hampering Quiet Mode to be not much effective. Several participants insisted that quiet
mode was not able to change the frequency and intensity through which they were using Facebook. It
was due to the lack of strictness in the feature. Users also believed that all those pushed notification
during Quiet Mode will not vanish but rather after opening Facebook, every notification will come in
bulk which was also reason for Quiet mode become ineffective. However, Users also believed that
some boundary created by Quiet mode was very helpful them to change their Facebook usage
pattern. Behavioral and nature of users were also key factor for being Quiet mode effective.
Tendency to ignore notifications as much as possible played part in various participants usage
pattern. As previously discussed in the literature review, the theory of planned behavior is indeed at
play in how user’s usage pattern changed through Quiet Mode. However, in this instance, users
demonstrated having more layer where strictness of feature really hampered psychological aspect
and motivation of using it whereas tendency to change at any cost really made it effective, however,
a more comprehensive model is needed with consideration of age, culture, profession, gender etc. to
help demonstrate specifically how effective is Quiet mode.
Themes
The first research question sought to uncover about young participants perception towards effect of
Facebook on their mental wellbeing. Participants expressed their opinion and perception. The
outcome of this research question was somehow fascinating as every participant expressed Facebook
only have negative impact on their mental wellbeing and as a result, four themes emerged: Low self-
esteem, stress and anxiety, annoyance and fear of missing out.
However, participants expressed their opinions and perceptions. Participants expressed both positive
and negative perception towards effectiveness of Quiet mode and as a result four key themes
emerged: Users view the Quiet Mode as a showoff feature, Users View the Quiet Mode as a

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Gatekeeper, Users receive too many notifications after disabling Quiet Mode, Users believed that the
Quiet Mode could have been much more effective.
Fear of missing out (FOMO)
When participants discussed their feelings about effect of Facebook on their mental wellbeing, many
referred to fears of missing out, with regards to virtual social life through Facebook. Although users
did not explicitly explore why they had fears of missing out that allowed them to be instantly
updated what others were doing, the origin of this seemed to stem from being left out, from feelings
of being neglected or rejected or questioning what the individual did to isolate other ‘in-group’
members. When asked what they would do if they cannot use Facebook, users said they would feel
“happy”, “bummed”, “weird” and ultimately will feel positive since they would not have fear of
missing out and won’t feel left out again since there is no Facebook. Several participants insisted that
they have a fear that if they are not immediately updated about ongoing trends or posts of the
Facebook then they are missing out on possibly important group experiences and will be left out. As
discussed previously in many literatures, fear of missing out is one of the conditions which hampers
the mental wellbeing. This condition was arising due to overuse of social media especially Facebook.
Participants recognize that this fear is unnecessary but cannot overcome the habit to immediately
check Facebook. Three of the participants acknowledged that they have unwanted fear of feeling left
out or missed out more consistently as a result of Facebook overuse.
Gita stated as “I had constant feeling of being left out from ‘in group’ session after I see pictures of
friends hanging out together in Facebook post. Due to this reason, I constantly check and upload post
just to make sure I wouldn’t miss anything fun and important. This fear has really hampered my real
social life also where I have unusual fear.”
Shyam stated as “It really is annoying that I feel fear every time when I missed some post or
activities in the Facebook. I feel like I will be apart from real world conversation when I don’t see
what’s the new trend in Facebook. This behavior has made me fear more when there is nothing to
fear.”
Sita clearly explained this fear. She said she would be “frustrated” and “feared” every time when
using Facebook. She felt like being alone in certain circumstances and feared that she will miss out
on something every important if she does not check Facebook. This feared quickly escalated in one
of my seminars where I feared that I might be the only one not called. However, that was not the

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case, seminars were open to everyone of the company. I feared for nothing. This fear of missing out
developed through constant Facebook usage.”
Several participants insisted that this feeling i.e., fear of missing out on Facebook was quickly
transferred to their real life and they feared too much on issues which was merely anything.
Annoyance
When participants discussed their feelings about effect of Facebook on their mental wellbeing, many
referred to feeling annoyed every time for no reason. Although users did not explicitly explore what
really made them annoyed but it was closely related to having dissatisfied social life in Facebook.
Participants believed they felt annoyed when someone talk about their virtual and real life. Some
participants insisted that they did not want any ‘gibberish’ and ‘baby’ talk in their life. Participants
felt like they even feel annoyed when family members are talking in front of them. They felt shame
and embarrassment when someone talk about having very good social life which really made them
annoyed. Three of the participants clearly stated this term.
Ram described how he felt denounced as a result of using Facebook often and how you look at
everything differently. He believed that using Facebook very much has really change his behavior
from cool minded person to annoying one with his knowledge. He stated “I certainly changed me
from calm and cool minded boy to annoying man. I used to see everything through virtual lens hence
felt annoyed for no reason.”
Shyam remarked that people who take Facebook for granted does not really understand how it affects
you and changed your behavior in the nick of the time. He said “I certainly did not know at first that
I was annoyed to every small thing once I started using Facebook. If I was scrolling through
newsfeed and someone disturb me then I will be so annoying and sometime be so hard on them for
that particular reason. This annoyance really followed me and now I am even annoyed with everyone
for no reason.”
Gita stipulated that she was “very annoyed once that he slapped her little brother because he was
calling her for dinner while she was chatting in Facebook”. “Due to the fact that I have not chosen
annoyance as a lifestyle choice but somehow constant usage made me who I am today”, she added.
Stress and anxiety
After reviewing participants’ perception about effect of Facebook on their mental wellbeing, it is
evident that users became stressed and anxious very often during or after Facebook usage. Almost

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every participant agreed on this. They all felt like it was so stressful to look through Facebook post.
They also felt very “anxious”, “depressed”, “frustrated” and “stressed”. Several participants insisted
that Facebook increases their anxiety levels by making them feel inadequate and also generated
excess worry and stress. Three participants also believed that due to stress and anxiety through
Facebook, they felt difficulty in gaining motivation to do work and also to sleep in time. Constant
comparison of people life with their actual life was root cause for being anxious and stressed
according to the participants. Two participants also believed they felt very anxious while having
actual conversation since they felt comfortable while texting only.
Radha felt like she would feel so anxious and stressed that she would not even get up from her bed
whole day.
“While scrolling through Facebook, sometime I see various stuffs which I should not see at all. I
become so anxious that I will be under the blanket whole day”. She also added that “Sometimes, I
just see the person I don’t like having much fun in the life than I am having and I will be so stressed.
All these things just because I saw single Facebook photo.
Gita insisted that her stress levels increase drastically after constantly using Facebook. She started
comparing others life with hers. She also insisted her jealously for not having amazing Facebook
profile at very beginning. She said, “I did not used to care about what others people were doing, what
they are eating and what they are wearing. After using Facebook, I was doing all those things after
going through everyone post in detail. After looking those things, I also started becoming jealous,
anxious and depressed”.
Hari even went further and added “Those who are saying he/she are not stressed or anxious by using
Facebook are either lying or are Facebook earners. It really gave me reason to think I am worth far
less than other people. Sometimes even if I am not comparing myself to other, I see some disgusting
stuffs being popular on Facebook whereas hidden gems getting neglected, I feel so frustrated and
pissed that stress level rises to peak”.
Sitaram also agreed to above opinion by stating just a single sentence which was “Facebook shows
you stuffs you should not see and really makes you anxious and all those pile of anxious moments
hunts you forever”.
Low self-esteem
As previously discussed, users self-esteemed was hampered to full extent due to Facebook. When
participants discussed their feelings about effect of Facebook on their mental wellbeing many

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referred to having low esteem. Participants believed that they show deviated reality in the Facebook
very much, they thought their life was very “sucky”, “boring” and “constant”. They explained they
felt down seeing some people’s life on Facebook. They had feelings that they were not “good
enough”. Some participants even insisted that they deleted every uploaded posts and photos from
Facebook because they thought it was not good enough. Some participants even insisted they were
“doubting” their own looks and life due to Facebook posts. Participant’s self-esteem was torn apart
due to virtual life of some peoples. They started comparing one’s virtual life with their real life which
was the root cause for degraded self-esteem of individuals. Four of the participants clearly spread
light on this through their opinions and examples.
Sitaram stated “I cannot believe how peoples have so much and I have barely anything. People
travels every day, posts every day stuffs which is pretty exciting but I don’t think I have anything to
post in whole year. This really makes me feel my life is “sucky” and “boring”.
Ram further added to this and stated “Facebook really made me think that you are not good enough
and your life is very “constant”. People always post fun stuffs and what I do is change profile picture
once in a decade. I used to post various stuffs earlier but later felt like this post is nowhere near other
fun posts so I deleted everything including profile pictures.”
Radha emphasized that she doubted her own looks and even life by comparing peoples looks and life
with her. She stated it as “When I see beautiful pictures of some of my friends and compare it to
mine, I just delete that photo and doubt that my looks are not good enough. One day, we, my dearest
friend and me, went to the tour and she uploaded various snaps and status whereas my pictures were
not good enough to be uploaded.”
Hari agreed to above opinions by stating “I am 18 and I have no time to do fun stuffs. I am stuck
between my college and part time job whereas people of my age travel every month. They upload
everything they do. This really makes me feel down and I just cannot upload anything and cannot
even talk with friends because they will plan travels but my life is too constant. So, I cannot just face
Facebook Friends as well as Real friends”.
Users’ opinions were directed towards feeling down and worthless resulting in having low self-
esteem. This low esteem hampered their mental wellbeing as well as social life to full extend.
Users view the Quiet Mode as a showoff feature
As discussed previously, several participants insisted that Quiet mode as a showoff feature which
was not good enough for them. They insisted that Facebook business model contradicts with the

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principle of the digital wellbeing concept. Several participants emphasized that Facebook is
sustained on showing ads to dedicated audience hence Quiet mode was just showoff feature to follow
the trend. Participants illustrated this opinion by having difficulty in finding this feature in android
devices. They also believed that they made it difficult for purpose since people will be using it too
often if it is clearly shown in the screen. Participants further argued that it is less strict than most of
existing digital wellbeing tools and features. Participants also believed that less techy person who
overuses Facebook have difficulty in finding and using this feature. Five participants expressed that
Quiet mode being showoff features using following terminologies “show off”, “bullshit” and
“brandish”.
Sitaram insisted that he even got notifications on phone number while being in quiet mode which
made him believed it is a showoff feature. He stated as follow “Firstly, I don’t about others but
Facebook was really playing with me through this Quiet Mode feature. I started using Quiet Mode
from very early stage and initially thought this is the good step towards maintaining mental
wellbeing of users but later realized it was just a bullshit. When I started using it and somehow didn’t
disable it for time being, I got notifications on my Phone like someone texted you, this is new friend
suggestion for you. After those notifications I started using Facebook again by disabling that feature.
Firstly, it was not that hard to get rid of activated quiet mode feature and secondly, they did not want
us to not using Facebook.
Sita agreed to above opinion and added “Facebook doesn’t really care about users’ mental wellbeing.
Their entire empire is running by ruining users’ wellbeing. How will they earn if suddenly users
screen time is reduced? Who will see their ads? They just gave a tool as a trend which does nothing
for users who are addicted or overusing Facebook. I felt like there is no strictness there. One can
easily disable feature and use Facebook. Talking about me, I used it quite often in the beginning but
it was not strict enough for me to not use Facebook just after I using Quiet Mode. When it was active
and I tried to use Facebook, I did show me I was in Quiet Mode but also, I disabled it and starting
using Facebook”.
She also argues that Quiet mode have no intention of changing user’s usage pattern and explained it
as “Not my Facebook usage pattern but my pattern of using Quiet mode was changed. Recently I
rarely use Quiet mode since it is just brandish which was literally meant to be ineffective for users.
Participants four i.e., Shyam agreed with her opinion by stating following
“Quiet Mode was just a showoff feature for me. It was not even stricter than other random digital
wellbeing app. It just shows you are using Quiet Mode feature and, in the bottom, there is an option
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to disable it. Who wouldn’t disable it? Some strict policy should have been applied like you cannot
use Facebook until this time since you are in quiet mode and there is no way you can disable it. It
was too easy to disable it hence did literally nothing for me”.
Hari also agreed that Quiet mode was supposed to be step towards digital wellbeing through
Facebook but end up being showoff feature. He illustrated it as “It was meant to be path towards
preserving Facebook user’s wellbeing but end up being swagger and showoff feature”. Firstly, they
made it show difficult to find in Facebook for person having less knowledge about technologies and
made it really easy to disable it. I used it quite often for some time but it really didn’t change the way
I used to use Facebook.”
Radha also believed the Quiet Mode is just a showoff feature. She explained it through her problems
of finding it initially. She said, “I am not much familiar with new tools and features. But after certain
study, I would easily find what I am looking for but that was not case here. It was so difficult to find
Quiet mode which is still not present as Quiet mode in android. And after all those struggles when I
am finally using Quiet mode to change my usage pattern, there is just a option in a screen to disable
it. So, it was hard to activate but too easy to deactivate hence a showoff feature”.
Several participants explained it as a showoff feature from various angles. They emphasized on
multiple key aspects like not pushing notifications which arose during quite mode so that later user
uses it just like always.
Users view the Quiet Mode as a Gatekeeper
While understanding from users’ perception about effectiveness of Quiet mode, several participants
also agreed that Quiet mode was a gatekeeper to some extent. Although two participants clearly
illustrated that Quiet mode has been their gatekeeper for not using Facebook much often but every
participant also insisted that it showed them time scheduled for Quiet mode and not to open it
message in front of the screen. While understanding effectiveness, participants also explained that for
time being, it was somehow effective in showing what users wanted to see.
Interestingly, Ram spoked about it in deep where he emphasized that it was good to have something
looking after what you are trying to do and feeling motivated to some extent by this Quiet mode. He
stated that, “I don’t know about others but it provides me some guidance to change my usage pattern
of Facebook to some extent. While I was using it, it showed me about time remaining for not using
Facebook again and constantly so I was able to follow that routine constantly and it helped me a lot.

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But one thing is sure, it was not that strict enough. Sometimes I will just disable it for using
Facebook”.
He also added further and spread light on his usage pattern and how he frequently used Quiet mode.
He said, “At the very beginning, I was using Quiet mode less but after I was impressed, I used it very
often.”
Gita agreed with this opinion by stating following
“It showed me that I was using Quiet Mode for time being when I tried to use Facebook which was
really cool. It showed me that I was trying to change my behavioral pattern of Facebook. I showed
some courage by not disabling it which was really good because I was using Facebook less after
Quiet Mode.
She also expressed its effectiveness by saying following sentences. “It’s not about how often used it;
it was about how I used it and I used it in a way that it was very helpful for to change my usage
pattern.
Hari also insisted that despite being a showoff feature, it was effective enough to be a gatekeeper by
constantly showing you were in Quiet mode while using it. He said following, “There is no denying
that it is a show off feature for me but interestingly it provides some way to be way from Facebook
to little extent”.
Users receive too many notifications after disabling Quiet Mode
Several participants believed that they receive too many notifications after disabling Quiet mode
which hampered the feature to be effective for usability. Of all the participants, all seven expressed
their experiences while evaluating effectiveness of Quiet mode that they have had experiences where
they received too many notifications at once after disabling Quiet mode. Many participants explained
it as receiving “a flood” of notifications, after which they experience annoyed and stressed. Majority
also experienced it as the reason for not effectively using it.
Radha insisted that she would love to push notifications so much more after using Quiet mode. She
said, “I will be so annoyed with all those hours not using Facebook then having bulk of notification
which needs to be checked. This was one of the reasons for me using quite mode even less”.
Gita also agreed with this opinion and spoke about having to deal with flood of notifications later.
She said, “I don’t want every notification to be shown later if I am trying to use Facebook for

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productive work only. With all those efforts I put trying to control my screen time, I receive “a flood”
of notifications which really made me stressed.
Sitaram also nurtured this idea and explained that he felt all his hard work went to vain when he saw
pile of notifications after opening Facebook again after Quiet mode schedule was over. He also
believed that those notifications should have been cleared automatically during Quiet mode. Idea of
having all those notifications at once was even worse than having one at a time. Sitaram stated,
“Those pile of notification really made me pissed and it really did not help Quiet mode as well as
users”.
Shyam, the eldest participant, also believed that notification was crucial aspect to be focused while
trying to use Quiet mode. It sincerely failed for him when Quiet mode failed to manage all those
notifications for him. He stated, “Pushing notification for certain time is good but was not enough to
change behavior of users. Quiet mode really failed for me after they failed to manage notifications
for me”.
Users believed that the Quiet Mode could have been much more effective
All of the participants believed that the Quiet mode could have been much more effective than it is
now. Several participants insisted that is step towards better digital wellbeing through Facebook
whereas some argued that it is just a showoff feature. But while talking about its effectiveness in
general, they all agreed that it could have been way better for users as well as developers if they took
it seriously. Participants expressed this through their own usage experience. While talking about what
could have been effective, it was found that intensity, frequency and notifications of Facebook usage
and lack of strictness were components hampering Quiet Mode to be not much effective. Several
participants insisted that quiet mode was not able to change the frequency and intensity through
which they were using Facebook. It was due to the lack of strictness in the feature. Users also
believed that all those pushed notification during Quiet Mode will not vanish but rather after opening
Facebook, every notification will come in bulk which was also reason of Quiet mode effectiveness
setbacks.
Hari explained it as having abundant potential but failed miserably since it was unable to change the
intensity through which users uses Facebook. He mentioned that it was not even effective enough to
change frequency of using Facebook. He said, “I would not use Quiet mode quite often because it
was less strict. Even if I used it sometime, it did not change the intensity through which I used to use
Facebook. It could have been much more effective if they took it seriously”.

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Ram, who believed that Quiet mode has been helping him very much on maintain his wellbeing by
changing his Facebook usage pattern, also insisted that it could have been much more effective for
general users who needed strict policy to change. He also emphasized on deleting all those
notifications which arrived on Quiet mode rather than just storing it for future purpose. He said,
“Although it helped me but it would have been fascinating to see some strict policies and rules for
disabling and just deleting every notification arriving during quiet mode”.
Sita suggested that it was neither step forward towards digital wellbeing nor towards flourishing
business. She argued that there is plenty of work to be done on this particular feature. She mentioned
that it could have been way more useful if they gave some flexibility for strictness and notification
customization. She also added, “It could have been way more helpful if I had option to not disable it
until schedule time even if I want to. Option to preference notifications during and after quite mode
could have made it much more effective to every audiences”.
SECTION 6. CONCLUSION
The aim of this research was to understand the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on
maintaining mental wellbeing of young adults through their own perspective. The foregoing chapter
explored user’s perception on effects of Facebook on mental wellbeing and effectiveness of Quiet
mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing. The research questions were examined through a
qualitative approach and exploratory design in the form of in- depth interviews with some protocols.
The in- depth interview was done since it allowed more in-depth insight into personal experiences of
Facebook and Quiet mode usage and their effect on their mental wellbeing. This research method

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also allowed viewpoints and perception to be discussed in open and candid manner. A review of the
literature was presented along with theoretical framework corresponding to the research topic.
Systematic breakdown of research methodology and methods were done to select best one to be used
in this research with justified reasons. At last, findings were presented as participants opinions and
later discussed in brief through key themes. However, Findings was presented and discussed in one
section since research followed exploratory design to decode some key new terms which were
intertwined and needed to be discussed clearly while presenting it.
The findings of this study are relevant to wider study of the effects of the Facebook on mental
wellbeing. However, there is yet to be research done on effectiveness of Quiet Mode hence its
findings can be evaluated later with respect to other future researches. Mental wellbeing being
subjective in nature needs to be understood through qualitative approach and participants own
perception. Facebook have abundant effects on mental wellbeing of people which was highlighted by
this research. This research also highlighted that effectiveness of Quiet mode was noticeably
different from participants to participants, with some acknowledging it as gatekeeper for changing
their behavior while some acknowledging it as a showoff feature but agreed on points that it could
have been much more effective.
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Appendices
Interview Protocol
Digital Wellbeing: Understanding the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on maintaining

mental wellbeing of young adults of Kathmandu
Dear Participants,

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Hi I am Anuj Sharma. I am a student and currently studying BIT from International School of
Management and Technology (ISMT). I am working on my research project which is based on the
theme called digital wellbeing.
Firstly, I really want to thank you for giving me your precious time and also for being a part of this
academic research. The purpose of this study is to understand the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet
Mode on maintaining mental wellbeing of young adults of Kathmandu.
All your private data like name, address, phone number will not be exposed at any circumstances.
Feel free to leave anytime you want if you don’t feel comfortable. You can skip any questions if it’s
making you uncomfortable. Confidentiality and integrity of data will be well maintained. Your
cooperation and support will be highly appreciated. Thank you.
-Anuj Sharma
Name (Optional):
Gender:
Location (Optional):
Phone number (Optional):
Interview Questions
1. When did you use Facebook first?
तपाईले पहहलो पटक फेसबु क कहहले पयोग गनु रभयो?
2. How often do you use Facebook?
तपाईले पाय कहत फेसबु क पयोग गनु रहुनछ?
3. In your opinion, do you think you overuse Facebook or not?
तपाईको हवचारमा, तपाई फेसबु क अहधक पयोग गनु रहुनछ हक गनु रहुनन?
4. How do you perceive mental wellbeing? (optional)

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तपाई मानहसक सु सवासथय कसरी बु झनु हुनछ?
5. What effects does Facebook might have on your mental wellbeing?
फेसबु कले हजु रको मानहसक सु सवासथयमा कसता पभावहर पनर सकदछ?
6. How did you use Facebook's Quiet Mode when it was launched?
फेसबु कको शानत मोड पहहलोपटक आउदा तपाईले यसलाई कसरी पयोग गनु रहुनथयो?
7. How did you use Facebook after using Quiet mode at that time?
तयो समयमा Quiet Mode पयोग गहरसकेपहछ तपाईले कसरी फेसबु क पयोग गनु रहुनथयो?
8. How do you use Facebook's Quiet Mode now?
तपाई फेसबु कको Quiet Mode अहहले कसरी पयोग गनु रहुनछ?
9. How do you use Facebook After using Quiet mode now?
अहहले चाहह Quiet Mode पयोग गहरसकेपहछ तपाईले फेसबु क कसरी पयोग गनु रहुनछ?
10. Why the usage pattern of Quiet Mode changes over this period? (Optional)
हकन यो अवहधमा Quiet Mode को उपयोग/पयोग ढाँचा पहरवतरन भयो?
11. Has Quiet mode helped you in changing your Facebook's usage pattern?
के Quiet Mode ले तपाईलाई तपाईको फेसबु कको पयोग/उपयोग ढाँचा पहरवतरन गनर मदत
पु र्यायो?

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a. If yes, how?
यहद हो भने , कसरी?
b. If no, why it didn’t?
यहद होईन भने , हकन तयसो भएन?
12. In your opinion, how effective do you think Quiet Mode has been on maintaining your mental
wellbeing?
तपाईको हवचारमा, तपाईको मानहसक सु सवासथय कायम राखन Quiet Mode कहतको पभावकारी भयो?
About mental wellbeing:
In simple word, it is a state of being mentally sound and well. It is about your thoughts
and feelings and how you cope with those ups and downs of your life. More importantly,
good mental wellbeing does not mean absence of negative thoughts and feelings, it is
about being able to understand and manage those feelings so that our mental soundness is
maintained. Long periods of low mental wellbeing can lead to mental health problems
like anxiety or behavioral changes.
मानहसक सु सवासथको बारे :
सरल शबदमा भननु पदार, यो मानहसक रपमा राम् ो हुनु को अवसथा हो | यो तपाइँ को हवचार र
भावनाहर बारे हो र तपाइँ तपाइँ को जीवनमा आउने हत हजारौ उतार चढावहरको सामना कसरी
गनु रहुनछ भनने बारे हो | अझ महततवपूरर कुरा, राम् ो मानहसक सु सवासथयको अथर नकारातमक सोचाइ
र भावनाहरको अभाव होईन, यो ती भावनाहर बु झने र वयवसथापन गनर को बारे मा हो ताहक हाम् ो
मानहसक सु दृढतालाई कायम रहोस | लामो अवहधसममको कम मानहसक सु सवासथयले मानहसक
सवासथय समसयाहर जसतै हचनता वा वयवहार पहरवतरनहर हनमतयाउन सकछ |

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Ethical Assessment Form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the use of data collected
from human participants are required to gain ethical approval before commencing their research.
Please answer all relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if incomplete.
You will complete this form and return to the class teacher when your research topic and research
proposal is discussed and approved by your class teacher teaching this unit. Please complete this
form in good time before your research project is due to commence.
Research must NOT be until approval has been received from the appropriate Faculty
Committee
Section 1: Student Details
Student Name: Anuj Sharma

Student ID: 03
Contact Email: paudelkritesh@gmail.com
Course: BIT
Unit: Computing Research Project
Section 2: Project Details
Understanding effectiveness of Quiet mode on maintaining

Research Project Title:
mental wellbeing of Young adults of Kathmandu.
Propose Start/End Date: Start Date End Date
(dd/mm/yyy) 07/08/2020 28/02/2021
Supervisor:
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as part of your project:
Interviews √ Data Analysis
Questionnaires Action Research
Observational Focus Group

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Use of personal record(s) Others (please specify)………………
Section 3: Project Outline & Proposed Research methods
Project outline & aims
Briefly describe the aims of this research, including the anticipated benefits and risks. This
description must be in everyday language. If any jargon, technical terms or discipline-specific
phrases are used, these should be explained.
The main purpose of this research is to understand effectiveness of Quiet mode on maintaining
mental wellbeing of Young adults of Kathmandu through their own perception.
This research can help to subjectively identify where digital wellbeing is heading and how
general users thinks of it. This research also helps to reflect critical aspect of mental wellbeing
which are improved or harmed by the Facebook. This research can be beneficial for app
developers, policy makers and also users.
Digital wellbeing is a concept which means being well while using technologies. It was
overshadowed till Sundar Pichai spoke clearly about this. In the era of digital technologies, it is
mandatory to critically evaluate digital wellbeing.
Since, research tries to understand subjective but critical concept of mental wellbeing hence
there is risk. Findings of research also can affect various users which are driven by their own
beliefs of using Facebook.
Proposed research methods
Please provide an outline, in layman’s terms, of the proposed research methods. Specify whether the
research will take place outside of the UK or in collaboration with partners based outside the UK,
and/or if research will take place using the internet. Present an outline of the method in a step-by-step

87
chronological order, and avoid using jargon and technical terms as much as possible. Ensure you
describe the key tasks including how data will be collected and used.
This research is academic research solely done by only one researcher. It will take place in
Pepsicola, Nepal. In-depth interview is used as research method. Participants will be informed
first about ethical consideration and purpose of the study. After participants consent, interview
will be undertaken in suitable time frame. Interview will be either recorded or noted through
participants consent and will be further transcribed to have suitable understanding of what
participant is saying. After collecting data, data will be analyzed and interpretated. Similar
opinions will be regarding as the theme and individual opinion will be presented in participants
opinion section. At last, findings will be simultaneously discussed and concluded.

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Section 4: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants? Yes √ No
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Children aged 12–16: Young people aged 17–18: Adults: √
How you will use to inform participants about what you are doing?
Email: √ Phone/Text: √ Others (please specify) :
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it be made
clear to participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at any time?
It will be clearly stated before intervew through interview protocol.
Studies involving questionnaires:
Will participants be given the option of omitting questions they do

Yes: √ No:
not wish to answer?
If No, please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising from
this:
Studies involving observation:
Confirm whether participants will be asked for their informed

Yes: No:
consent to be observed.
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e.

Yes: No:
give them a brief explanation of the study)?
Will participants be given information about the findings of your

Yes: No:
study? (This could be a brief summary of your findings in general.)
Section 5: Data storage and security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in

Yes: √ No:
compliance with the Data Protection Act (1998) UK:
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Who will have access to the data and personal information?
Only me.
During the research: Where will the data be stored?
In my personal diary and file.
Will mobile devices (such as USB storage and laptops) be used? If

Yes: √ No:
yes, please provide further details:
Yes, just as a means for transcribing particiants data.
After the research: Where will the data be stored?
It will be destroyed after research since that’s what I promised to the participants.
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
For around month. In written format and .doc format
Will data be kept for use by other researchers? If yes, please

Yes: No: √
provide further details:
Section 6: Ethical issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work which may raise ethical concerns? If
so, please outline how you will deal with these:
Yeah, people may feel uncomfortable while interviewing since topic is critical hence can leave
if don’t feel comfortable.
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may arise as a result
of your research. Please consider/address all issues that may apply. Ethical concerns may

90
include, but are not limited to the following:
• Informed consent.
• Potentially vulnerable participants.
• Sensitive topics.
• Risks to participants and/or researchers.
• Confidentiality/anonymity.
• Disclosures/limits to confidentiality.
• Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including transfer,
sharing, encryption, protection).
• Reporting
• Dissemination and use of your findings
Section 7: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by [ISMT] Research Ethics

Yes: √ No:
Policy:
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my

Yes: √ No:
Unit Tutor:
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct and that this is a full description of the ethics issues that may arise
in the course of my research.
Name: Anuj Sharma
Signature:
Date: 1st December, 2020
PART THREE

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Prepare a presentation using
 Communicate the outcomes of your research project to the identified audience.
Presentation Slides

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PART FOUR
A written reflection on the success of the research
 Prepare a written document that reflects on the success of your research project and your
performance at the end of the project with the inclusion of a project evaluation and recommendations
Reflection Paper: Preparing a Research report for Computing Research Project

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One of my first thought upon being asked to revisit research report again was to reflect upon my
overall experience and insights that shape the structure and methodology which was used to
complete this research. So, in this context, I consider myself fortunate to have recently completed a
module on research of technical and social science as a part of my studies at International College of
School of Management and Technology. The completion of academic research project for year 2 as a
part of my degree requirements has involved my engagement in highly challenging and motiving
research experience. I firstly fell in love with research when I started reading existing literature about
predefined themes allocated by module teacher for research project. Just like any other researcher,
my actual research begins with some idea of answering the question which arose in my mind
(Creswell, 1998). Theme was digital wellbeing which is skyrocketing concept in the digital
technological era so any research about this theme should be able to guide future researches to some
extent. Hence, I decided to critically analyze themes so certain fruitful questions arises which later
needed to be answered through fieldworks. Through iterative learning and questioning certain
components of digital wellbeing, I found the research purpose which was to understand through
young adults’ perception about effectiveness of Quiet mode on maintaining their wellbeing. My
experience with Facebook and Quiet mode played certain role on research topic. However, reflection
of whole research can only be understood by looking distinctly into how I understood subject matter
and evaluation of research methods and outcomes
Theoretical understanding of subject
I firstly encountered the concept of ‘Digital wellbeing’ when Google CEO i.e., Sundar Pichai spoked
about in Google I/O Conference 2018. However, I just heard about it then and had no any
background knowledge about this concept. So, when I was assigned to do research on digital
wellbeing concept, I was happy to have deeper insight and knowledge about interesting concept.
After that I worked on improving my knowledge about the concept to complete my research. I
created checklist of related journal articles and books and by using those successfully gained insight
on the concept. After digging more about digital wellbeing through iterative learning and questioning
and through my own experience of Facebook and Quiet mode, I finalized my research topic.
Subsequently, the perception of users about effectiveness of Quiet mode for maintaining their mental
wellbeing could have been affected by several factors which needed to be understood. I acknowledge
that behavioral psychology also plays major role in affecting one’s Facebook usage pattern but all
addiction model is nowadays frequently applied to excessive behaviors but such an approach, which
is centered around excessive usage behavior, might lead to neglecting the key psychological factors
or processes (motivational, affective, cognitive, interpersonal and social) sustaining dysfunctional

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involvement in a specific conduct (Dudley, Kuyken & Padesky, 2011; Kinderman & Tai, 2007).
However, general screening instrument like digital wellbeing toll can find difficulty in differentiating
passionate and enthusiastic media users from pathological users (Billieux, 2012) which gave me deep
insight about subject matter which was later used to find my research topic. The biggest hurdle in the
understanding theoretical concept for me was difficulty in finding existing literature since I had
difficulty in findings free related journal articles and books. With hurdles came hidden strengths I
discovered about myself. I have never thought I would be so conscious about my assigned task and I
used alternative way and help to gain access to those paid articles. All those cited articles and books
are the proof that I have worked hard to access those literatures for this research project. It was very
tedious but fun to understand theoretical concept of any subject matter which helps in development
of every individuals. However, I would like to suggest to concerned authority of college to provide
some way for students to gain access to various paid as well as free contents needed for their project.
Evaluation of research methods and strategy
Finding proper research methods was a not tedious task for me. I have full picture of what I am going
to do once I went through all existing literature. However, through the classes, I have recognized a
prevalence and importance of research methodology and methods as well as its variability to address
the goals of researcher. My research class certainly played a huge role on improving my mind-sets
and skills to select effective research methods. It provided a good opportunity and platform to
eliminate a fear or ambiguities from lack of accurate knowledge about the research process, designs,
methodologies and methods. At early phase, I was having difficulty in separating research methods
and methodology which was kindly addressed by my research tutor. My research needed some deep
insights to understand participants’ perception about effectiveness of Quiet mode on mental
wellbeing which was possible from qualitative approach and in-depth interview. Jones (1985) argued
that qualitative interview should not base on a rigid list of questions that must be answered in time
available however it should not always to totally unstructured so that I found out in-depth interview
with some protocols were perfect for my subject matter.
I interviewed 7 participants in Pepsicola. Four participants gave permission to record hence audio of
interview was recorded. However, three participants were not comfortable with recording hence
notes were written by hand on lined paper. Notes were taken in such a way that it will not disturb the
flow of interview but later can be easily triggered by my mind so important things won’t be missed. I
found that both recording and note-taking process were very helpful, as it endured that I don’t miss
anything and would not even disturb the flow of participants answers. However, I found that note

105
taking process to be much more time efficient since I noted every key element. But in recording
everything should be relistened to find key elements. In contrast to this, I consider recorded
interview to be more authentic since notes are not a direct transcription of what the participants said
but only consistent or interesting and key information. I also found that just having conversation
alike interview really made participants comfortable so that more insightful answers were obtained.
It provided me great opportunity to ask follow up questions which I have not thought before so that
additional information and it was easy for me to revert back to next key questions.
However, while taking only notes I did not had time to transcribe a direct quotation, so relied heavily
upon my own fairly rapid listening and writing speed which risks changing meaning to certain
instance. I learned that it some more technical words were difficult in noting down accurately. I also
found that sometimes it was hard for me to revert back to key questions since stopping participants in
the middle of conversation would have made them uncomfortable. A
video recording of whole interview would have been better and even more accurate than audio
recording and notes. However, participants felt uneasy and uncomfortable being visually recorded.
So specific permission should be sought before using any technologies for recording as audio and
video recording seems to have different impact on participants.
Evaluation of outcomes
For more than decade, the socio-techno research has been transforming both social science research
and technological research by supporting the works which has improved digital wellbeing and
changed digital lives by delivering academic and social impact. This is in line with my strategic plan,
which drive progress in support of global mission to improve wellbeing through technology through
actual research. The benefits of this study have both national and international impact hence
evaluation of outcomes is necessary.
Interviews and pre-existing literature documents are used alone or in combination towards several
purposes in safety intervention evaluation in this study. Identification of intermediate outcomes was
done which later checked briefly to final outcomes of the research so that outcomes can be compared
and contrasted for effective evaluation. Interviews did not only help to fill in the picture further of
how the Facebook could have affected the mental wellbeing and how Quiet mode played role on
maintaining mental wellbeing but also to possibly finding unintended outcomes. Trustworthiness of
research was maintained, evaluator bias was minimized, appropriate sampling was done along with

106
pilot study. Conclusion was not drawn too soon for getting rich data which later used to evaluated to
have clean outcome.
Outcomes of this study is somehow more fascinating than expected. Although, no hypothesis was set
but somehow predefined outline of outcomes was set in mind which was pictured through reading
various research papers in brief. This research solely focused on perception of young adults about
effectiveness of Quiet mode on their mental which was analyzed through two research questions.
Participants expressed that Facebook have only negative effects on their mental wellbeing which
contradicts with many existing literatures [CITATION MDG12 \l 1033 ]. Although this outcome was
somehow fascinating to some extent but other outcome really proved to be game changer.
Participants agreed to some points that Quiet mode is less strict and could have been much more
effective but disagreed to some key points. Some participants expressed that they understood Quiet
mode as effective as gatekeeper whereas some argued that effectiveness of Quiet mode is as much as
effective of showoff feature. These outcomes were really driven factor of behavioral aspect of
individual as illustrated in literature review. Theory of planned behavior was very crucial theory
which totally shaped the individual usage pattern as suggested in outcome. The outcomes of this
study are very important to crave a lane towards different studies in near future following similar or
different approaches.
Alternative research methodology
Effectiveness of Quiet mode can be understood subjectively but also can be assessed objectively. The
researcher questions about how to study the world of research are answered by methodological
questions (Rehman & Alharthi, 2016). Several research methodologies have their own importance
and needs (Creswell, 2003). Since my research questions wanted to look reality in subjective nature,
I used qualitative approach and phenomenology as a research methodology to have deeper insights
on users’ perception. However, case study and content analysis also could also have been used as
alternative research methodologies for this research project.
Within the social sciences, understanding of identity are formed not only by our theoretical
approaches but also by the actual methods we use. Subject matter, theoretical approach and actual
methods all correlated together to make me use phenomenology. However, it can be argued that case
study is also suitable for this research. Case study would have allowed me to investigate a topic in far
more detail than might be possible. But, due to its depth, multi sided approach, it could have shed
light on aspects of human thinking and behavior that would be unethical or impractical to study in
other way. Since, my research followed exploratory design, case study could have been used which

107
could have helped me generating more new ideas which later can be tested through other
methodologies. It can be said that mixed approach could have been used to generate new ideas in
qualitative way and later verified in quantitative data.
Learnt Lessons
I was not familiar with the research concept at all before. I also missed by initial lectures of research
class due to death of my Grandmother. So, I was little frightened of this whole subject. But my tutor
covered everything very well from the beginning and it felt like I have not missed a single class. He
taught us very well and made me realize that research can be easy if done with full dedication and
effort. That’s how my research begins.
While I was going sequentially through each steps of research, I learned that it is very tedious to do
work if it is not planned properly. I was not used to read whole journal articles or books for one
single reason but it changed when I started this research project. After completing one literature and
going to another was totally chaotic since their findings and way of understanding one specific
concept was totally different. This made me slow reader. But ultimately this study taught me to
maintain neutral position. I discovered that as I continued to learn about the area of digital wellbeing,
I was drawn to the social-techno work perspective because of my interest in both social science and
digital technologies. I also learned that I am very interested presenting opinions and perception rather
than just numeric value. I feel that this experience made me realize what I have to do as a
programmer to maintain overall wellbeing of users. It also gave me various new ideas about
behavioral psychology. I also learned that I am much more interested in practical application of this
research. This research also helped me improve my interpersonal skills and improved my overall
research skill.
I discovered many different aspects of myself through connecting perception and experience of the
participants. Through my connecting experience, I have been able to refine my professional goal of
becoming app developer. After having good knowledge about subject, it somehow made me little
biased while having actual conversation. However, I did work my way out for being even less
stereotypical and biased. It would be much easier if people having great knowledge about subject
become less biased and more flexible.
Performance Review
Being a student and academic researcher simultaneously was great experience but tedious task for
me. I had to manage time effectively so I worked daily to maintain my schedule. I was able to

108
demonstrate my ability to coordinate with teachers and colleagues. I was able to create quality
proposal that meet the needs of my assignment as well as my research tutor. This is evidenced by
positive feedback by my tutor. I communicated effectively with all levels of teachers and colleagues.
I provided same respect and attention to everyone and acknowledged the fact that I got same
attention, care and respect from them. I, routinely communicated with my tutor to have greater
insights on research processes. I completed every assigned task with great enthusiasm and dedication
which demonstrated my ability of being punctual. Tendency of becoming better every passed day
really increased my thirst for knowledge which made me committed to this research project. Being
committed to goal and actively engaged in the research really boast my overall performance in this
research.
Reflection on actions
It is argued that research following interpretive paradigm are complex, crisis- prone and carried out
in an environment that is fast changing, increasingly competitive and relatively uncontrollable when
compared to other researches. This research follows interpretive design and implied need for focus
on the uniqueness, uncertainties and behavioral aspect of individuals. In my opinion, all these
measures are generally interrelated, which makes decision making process and data evaluation very
complex.
As stated previously, the main purpose of this research was to understand effectiveness of Quiet
mode on maintaining mental wellbeing of young adults through their own perception. While
recognizing the limitations of my analysis, I believe that I have largely achieved this and explained
pretty effectively as research findings. I had developed particular theoretical framework through
theory of planned behavior which helped to understand seven participants’ perception about the
subject matter. This has highlighted different important factors which alter the perception of one
individual from another, which had not previously been prominent in the literatures. I experienced
that these factors shaped key mechanism for participants understanding in effectiveness of Quiet
mode. These mechanisms lead to the specific outcome which was clearly gathered by research
strategies and data collection tools and methods. A key finding was able to generate through each
action taken before, during and after research.
In my proposal, I emphasized my desire to include in-depth interview with some protocols involving
young adults of Pepsicola within my research methodology section. I initially estimated that four
participants will be enough for this study however that was not the case. I end up interviewing seven
participants of age 18-24 years age. I recognized that in doing so thick and rich data can be obtained

109
which are very beneficial for any study. I also felt that by interviewing people of age 18-24 years, we
missed studies involving children and more older people. But given the resources and time frame, I
regretfully concluded that this would not be feasible for my study.
Nevertheless, we were successful in meeting the research goal through selecting justified methods
and approaches. I would love to see mixed approach which gains perception through qualitative
approach and later verify through methods of quantitative approach.
Reflection on Further Improvements
Nothing is completely perfect in this world. So, if I were to design this study again, there are a
number of changes, I would make. I would be doing this to admit guilt and more honest
acknowledgement about what could have been done from my perspective. I wish to draw attention to
potential pit-falls so that other researchers might not make same mistake as I made. Most obviously, I
would go for longer time period to be able to capture involvement through the while research process
from initial design to dissemination. I would also have loved to read various other existing literatures
so that I would have even more concrete knowledge than now.
This research could further be improved by applying mixed approach. I would have loved to gather
some deep insights and then testing and verifying it with different quantitative method. The theory of
planned behavior was used as a theoretical framework which really shaped this study to understand
from users’ perception about usage pattern affect. However, various others factor could be used
which might enlighten the users and developers to took mental wellbeing through technology
seriously. This research was the part of my academic research project which should be done
individually. If that was not the case then I would have worked collectively as a team with different
socio-techno enthusiast to complete this research. I was also perhaps naive in conducting interview
since this was my first time conducting real interview. So, I think I would have gathered even richer
data and further improved research.
This study investigated the understanding of Young adults on the effectiveness of Quiet mode of
maintain their mental wellbeing. I used in-depth interview as research method to collect data from
participants but to have more deep insight, observation of participants could be done along with
interview. While I was interviewing fourth participants, I realized that participants body language
also can be monitored to gather rich data. However, I had not observed previous three participants so
consistency would not have been maintained. But for further improvement, observation can be done.
Future Research consideration

110
There are number of research gaps in our knowledge around digital wellbeing so the research that
has been undertaken for this has highlighted a number of topics on which further research would be
beneficial. There were several areas in digital wellbeing where concrete information is lacking which
were highlighted in the literature review. Though some of these were addressed by
this research, many other remains. Specifically, there is a lack of research which access effectiveness
of Quiet mode quantitatively. Future research might look into this very topic in brief through
alternative methods and methodology. Findings of this particular research could be verified in near
future.
Digital wellbeing is growing concept which can totally dominate upcoming era so more should be
explored in this very field. In-depth exploration of how digital technologies can shape the lifestyle
can be researched through users’ lens. Truly understanding users’ perception about effectiveness of
digital technology is a difficult task. As a matter of fact, evaluating usage pattern of any technology
is tedious because every individual behavior and nature differs from one another. Behavioral
psychology is complex but plays important role so future research should look a way to finding key
links between components of these behavior which makes or breaks it. Further studies could look at
retention rated for users who were exposed to an addictive behavior in comparison to normal users.
Although this study did not intend to find the factors affecting usage pattern of Facebook users but it
was found that various factors play main and vital role in doing so every component should be
researched individually in both quantitative and qualitative approach so that users can have clear
picture about it. Technological researcher and social science researcher could team up together to dig
deep into socio-techno world. Future research should also devote entire studies on notifications like
examining the message content of app notifications in order to identify what core components makes
it more engaging and addictive than others.
Although there are various researches already done on Fear of missing out (FOMO) which leads to
addictive behaviors but there should be concrete research about factors driving this condition in
brief. More medical research should be done on this FOMO condition. Business model of different
user’s engagement applications and concept of digital wellbeing seems to contradict which could to
be researched in near future.
There are clearly lack of research focusing mental wellbeing through Facebook of people of
developing countries which could be researched. Although there are different researches regarding
social media addiction and social networking sites addiction but difference in addiction level
between different social networking sites and their effects on overall wellbeing could be researched
111
through mixed approach. Success and failure of digital wellbeing concept could also be done to have
a clear picture of where this concept is heading.
Summary
To summarize, completing this research and making its report have really increased the level of my
researching skills. This study also taught me various lesson about critical analysis, reflection and
proper documentation of any document. Moreover, I have improved my interpersonal and
communication skills drastically. It was interesting journey for me as I gained new mentor. This
study helped me grow not only as a professional but also as a person. Overall, I can feel that this
been both a valuable and enjoyable experience and I am ready for my upcoming journey.
References
Billieux, J. (2012). Problematic Use of the Mobile Phone: A Literature Review and a Pathways
Model. Current Psychiatry Reviews, 8(4), pp.299-307.
Creswell, J. W. (1998). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions.
London: Sage Publications.

112
Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach
(2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Dudley, R., Kuyken, W. & Padesky, C. A. (2011). Disorder speciﬁc and trans-diagnostic case
conceptualisation. Clinical Psychology Review, 31, 213–224.
Jones, I. (1985). The Individual and the Organisation. Educational Management &
Administration, 13(2), 146-150.
14
Rehman, A. A., & Alharthi, K. (2016). An introduction to research paradigms in distance education.
International Journal of Educational Investigations, 3(October), 51-59.

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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT & TECH

Computing Research Project 2020

ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET

Student ID 03 Reg No. LK15946

Family Name Anuj Sharma Given Name Anuj Sharma

Enrolment Year 2018 Section P4

Semester Fourth (4th) Email paudelkritesh@gmail.co

Assessor Name Anup Bhurtel Issued Date 21st August 2020

Assignment Digital wellbeing

Assignment No 01 Submission Date 26th

Qualification Campus ISMT

Anuj Sharma (HND / Fourth Semester)

Student Name Anuj Sharma Assessor Name Anup Bhurtel

Pearson Education 2018

Develop a research proposal

Anuj Sharma (HND / Fourth Semester)

SECTION 1: TITLE, OBJECTIVE, RESPONSIBILITIES................................................................11

Background of the study...................................................................................................................11

Delimitation of the study..................................................................................................................12

SECTION 2: REASONS FOR CHOOSING THIS RESEARCH PROJECT......................................13

Statement of the problem..................................................................................................................13

Anuj Sharma (HND / Fourth Semester)

Significance of the study..................................................................................................................14

SECTION 3: LITERATURE REVIEW...............................................................................................15

Facebook use and mental wellbeing.................................................................................................15

Facebook Quiet Mode and digital wellbeing....................................................................................16

SECTION 4: ACTIVITIES AND TIMESCALES...............................................................................19

SECTION 5: RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGIES................................................21

Paradigm of the study.......................................................................................................................22

Participant selection (Data saturation)..............................................................................................23

Data Collection Procedure................................................................................................................24

Sources and Type of data..................................................................................................................24

Data Analysis and Interpretation......................................................................................................24

Trustworthiness in the research........................................................................................................25

Organization of the research.............................................................................................................27

Anuj Sharma (HND / Fourth Semester)

Background of the study...................................................................................................................38

Organization of the research.............................................................................................................39

SECTION 2. REASONS FOR CHOOSING THIS RESEARCH PROJECT......................................40

Statement of the problem..................................................................................................................40

Significance of the study..................................................................................................................40

SECTION 3. LITERATURE REVIEW...............................................................................................42

Facebook use and mental wellbeing.................................................................................................42

Person-Specificity in Facebook and Quiet Mode Usage..................................................................43

Facebook Quiet Mode and digital wellbeing....................................................................................43

SECTION 4. ACTIVITIES AND TIMESCALES...............................................................................47

SECTION 5. RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGIES................................................49

Research approach for this study......................................................................................................50

Qualitative Research Methodologies................................................................................................51

Research Methodology for this research..........................................................................................52

Paradigm of the study.......................................................................................................................53

Anuj Sharma (HND / Fourth Semester)

Participant selection (Data saturation)..............................................................................................54

Sample and Recruitment...................................................................................................................55

Data Collection Method...................................................................................................................56

Sources and Type of data..................................................................................................................57

Data Analysis and Interpretation......................................................................................................57

Trustworthiness in the research........................................................................................................58