Assingments % - Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: A Deep Dive into the Effects on Adolescents

To begin the final project, you will choose a topic that we have covered in the readings or from the additional resources throughout the semester. To complete this short project you will need to do the following: Do additional research on your topic. This research should be scholarly research – find information from sites ending in .org, .gov, .edu, or from academic journals. The research database at the GCC Library can be invaluable here. Create a discussion similar to the discussions that you’ve done over this semester that will help your classmates to understand the topic better. This discussion should include the following: a link to the concept in our readings; a resource like a video, a podcast, an academic article, or a relevant newspaper article from a major daily newspaper (LA Times, New York, Times, etc.) that might help your classmates understand the topic in a deeper way; A brief explanation of the topic in your own words; an activity, questions, or an experience that they can respond to so you can see their understanding; Some way for them to respond to the posts of their classmates who also respond to your discussion is needed. an APA works cited list

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Structuring and Writing Your Final Project Discussion

This project involves conducting scholarly research, creating an engaging discussion for your classmates, and providing resources to help them deepen their understanding of a chosen topic. Here’s how you can approach the assignment step by step:

Step 1: Choose a Topic

Select a Topic from Readings or Additional Resources:
Review the readings and additional materials covered during the semester. Choose a topic that interests you and that you feel could be explored further through additional research. This could be a concept, theory, or case study that was discussed in your class.

Example Topics:
- The impact of social media on mental health.
- The ethical implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
- The role of family dynamics in child development.
- Exploring the environmental consequences of fast fashion.

Step 2: Conduct Scholarly Research

Find Scholarly Sources:
You need to gather scholarly research to back up your discussion. Look for credible academic sources from sites ending in .org, .gov, .edu, or through academic databases. Use the GCC Library’s research database to access journals and articles.

Example Resources:
- Journal articles from databases like JSTOR, PubMed, or Google Scholar.
- Government or educational reports on the chosen topic.
- Credible nonprofit organizations (e.g., National Institutes of Health, World Health Organization).

Step 3: Create Your Discussion

Introduction:
Begin by introducing the topic in a clear and concise way. Include a link to the concept covered in your readings or an additional resource related to the topic. This helps provide context for your discussion.

Example: The impact of social media on mental health has been a growing concern in recent years. This discussion will explore how social media platforms can influence mental well-being, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
Provide a Resource:
Include a resource like a video, podcast, academic article, or relevant newspaper article. Make sure this resource deepens the reader’s understanding of the topic. Provide a short description of the resource and explain how it relates to the topic.

Example: I’ve included a TED Talk by Dr. Sherry Turkle on how social media affects our emotional lives. Her research provides key insights into how digital interactions impact real-world relationships and mental health. Watch the video here: [Link to TED Talk].
Explain the Topic in Your Own Words:
Provide a brief explanation of the topic in simple language. Keep it approachable so that your classmates can easily follow along. Avoid jargon and technical terms that might confuse the reader.

Example: Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have become integral parts of everyday life for many people. However, there are concerns about how these platforms affect our mental health. Research has shown that excessive social media use can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, particularly among younger users. These effects may be linked to issues like cyberbullying, comparison to idealized images, and a lack of genuine human connection.
Include an Activity or Questions for Your Classmates:
Engage your classmates by including a question or activity that will help you gauge their understanding of the topic. This could be a reflection question, a poll, or a call for their own personal experiences related to the topic.

Example: How do you feel about the role of social media in shaping our self-image? Have you ever experienced any negative effects of social media on your mental health? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
Encourage Responses to Classmates’ Posts:
Create a way for your classmates to respond to each other. You might suggest responding to a peer’s personal story or debating a different perspective on the topic. This encourages interaction and ensures a deeper discussion.

Example: Feel free to respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts. Do you agree with their views? How can we address the negative effects of social media on mental health in our own communities?

Step 4: Format Your APA Works Cited List

APA Citation:
Ensure you properly cite all resources you use in APA format. Include any academic articles, videos, podcasts, or books that you reference in your discussion.

Example:

APA Format for Articles: Turkle, S. (2017). Reclaiming conversation: The power of talk in a digital age. Penguin Press.

APA Format for Videos: Turkle, S. (2015, June). Connected, but alone? [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/sherry_turkle_connected_but_alone

APA Format for Websites: National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Social media and mental health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/social-media-and-mental-health

Step 5: Finalizing Your Post

Proofread and Edit:
Make sure your discussion is well-organized, free from errors, and clearly communicates your points. Ensure that all the sections are covered (introduction, resource, explanation, activity, responses) and that the links are functional.
Check APA Formatting:
Review your APA citation list to make sure it’s formatted correctly. Double-check for any missing references or sources.