An Exploratory SAE: Investigating the Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
This example outlines an exploratory Senior Activity Project (SAE) focused on the impact of social media on the mental health of teenagers. This type of SAE is perfect for students interested in psychology, sociology, or technology's influence on society. It allows for a deep dive into a complex issue using a variety of research methods.
Project Title: The Double-Edged Sword: Examining the Correlation Between Social Media Usage and Adolescent Mental Well-being
Project Overview: This exploratory SAE investigates the multifaceted relationship between social media usage and adolescent mental health. It aims to uncover the potential positive and negative impacts of various social media platforms on teenagers' emotional well-being, self-esteem, and overall mental health. The research will move beyond simple correlation to explore potential mediating and moderating factors.
Research Questions:
- Primary Research Question: What is the correlation between the frequency and type of social media usage and the mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, self-esteem) of teenagers aged 13-18?
- Secondary Research Questions:
- How do different social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat) differentially impact adolescent mental health?
- What role do factors like cyberbullying, social comparison, and fear of missing out (FOMO) play in the relationship between social media use and mental health?
- Are there protective factors (e.g., supportive online communities, mindful usage) that mitigate the negative effects of social media on adolescent mental well-being?
- Do differences in personality traits or pre-existing mental health conditions moderate the impact of social media?
Methodology: This SAE will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques:
-
Quantitative Data: A survey will be administered to a sample of teenagers aged 13-18, measuring their social media usage patterns (time spent, platforms used, frequency of posting, etc.) and mental health using validated scales (e.g., GAD-7 for anxiety, PHQ-9 for depression, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale). Statistical analysis will be used to explore correlations and potential mediating/moderating variables. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and parental permission, will be strictly adhered to.
-
Qualitative Data: Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a smaller subset of survey participants to gain deeper insights into their experiences with social media and its impact on their mental health. Thematic analysis will be used to identify recurring themes and patterns in the interview data.
Data Analysis and Interpretation: The quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R) to identify correlations and test hypotheses. The qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns related to the research questions. The findings from both quantitative and qualitative analyses will be integrated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research topic.
Expected Outcomes: This SAE is expected to produce a comprehensive report detailing the findings of the research, including statistical analyses, thematic analysis of interview data, and a discussion of the implications of the findings for both individuals and society. The student will also develop valuable skills in research design, data collection, data analysis, and report writing. The findings could be presented at a school science fair or submitted to a relevant journal for publication (depending on the scope and depth of the research).
Timeline: A detailed timeline outlining specific tasks and deadlines for each stage of the project (literature review, survey design, data collection, data analysis, report writing, presentation) would be included in the SAE proposal.
This detailed example demonstrates the depth and complexity expected in a successful exploratory SAE. Remember to tailor the project to your specific interests and resources available. Consult with your SAE advisor for guidance and feedback throughout the project.
