My inquiry research was on: How social media influences mental health and self-perception
Throughout this inquiry project on how social media influences mental health and self-perception, I faced several challenges that required critical thinking and adaptability. One major difficulty was navigating the vast amount of research on this topic. Many sources had conflicting conclusions about whether social media worsens anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues or if it can provide positive social connections. To overcome this, I carefully evaluated the credibility of each source, prioritized peer-reviewed studies, and compared different perspectives to develop a balanced understanding.
Another challenge was analyzing the differences in social media’s impact across various age groups. Since children, teenagers, and adults engage with social media differently, their experiences and mental health outcomes also vary. I addressed this challenge by categorizing my research based on age demographics and focusing on how specific social media behaviours—such as engagement with likes and comments or the use of filters—affect different groups differently.
This inquiry significantly changed the way I think about social media and mental health. Before, I viewed social media as either entirely harmful or beneficial, but now I understand that its effects are highly dependent on individual usage patterns and psychological factors. I also became more aware of the role of social media companies in shaping self-perception and mental health outcomes, particularly through algorithms that encourage comparison and validation-seeking behaviours.
Looking ahead, this investigation will impact my future decisions by making me more conscious of my social media habits. I will be more mindful of how much time I spend online, the types of content I engage with, and how it affects my mental well-being. Additionally, I will be more skeptical of heavily edited images and unrealistic beauty standards promoted on these platforms, recognizing their potential influence on self-esteem.
On a broader scale, this investigation has the potential to impact others both locally and globally. Locally, it can help inform discussions among peers, educators, and parents about healthy social media use and mental well-being. Globally, raising awareness about the psychological effects of social media can contribute to conversations on digital literacy, policy changes, and the need for platforms to implement more responsible features. By sharing what I have learned, I hope to encourage a healthier relationship with social media and promote critical thinking about its effects on mental health and self-perception.
Thank you for reading.