https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20563051211035353
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10476631/ 1.
(these are two sources that I have already found that you can use)
**Introduction:** Start with an impactful statistic, like “Did you know that over __% of adults use social media daily?” Then, set the stage by discussing the rapid integration of social media into our lives and its potential impact on adult users. Conclude with a thesis statement that outlines your paper’s focus, such as the psychological effects of social media on adults.
2. **Background:** Delve into the history of social media platforms. How did they evolve from simple communication tools to integral parts of our daily lives? Discuss the demographics of adult social media users and what platforms they prefer.
3. **Literature Review:** This is a critical analysis of existing research. For instance, you might find studies that show a correlation between social media use and increased anxiety in adults. Contrast different findings and highlight any controversies or consensus in the field.
4. **Methodology:** If you’re conducting original research, describe your study design in detail. Will you use surveys, interviews, or observational methods? Explain your choice of the population for the study and how you’ll ensure the data’s validity and reliability. (this part varies you can make believe you conducted research.)
5. **Findings:** Present the data you’ve collected or the key points from the literature you’ve reviewed. This could include statistics on usage patterns or qualitative feedback from study participants. Make sure to connect these findings back to your thesis statement.
6. **Discussion:** Now it’s time to interpret what your findings mean. Discuss the implications of your research, like how social media might affect the mental health or social connections of adults. Compare your results with your initial hypothesis and the literature you reviewed earlier.
7. **Conclusion:** Summarize the main points of your paper, reinforcing how your research contributes to our understanding of social media’s impact on adults. Suggest practical applications of your research and areas for further study.
8. **References/Citations:** List every source you referenced in your paper. This could include journal articles, books, websites, and interviews. Make sure to follow the proper format for citations.
I have already started the intro duction and the first body paragraph:
As social media becomes increasingly prevalent in today’s society, young adults are faced with the challenge of navigating virtual platforms that are filled with likes, shares, and endless scrolling. However, beyond the surface of constant digital connectivity, there exists a complex relationship between social media usage and mental health. This study seeks to investigate the various effects of social media on this demographic, ranging from increased connectivity to potential mental health risks. Through analyzing existing research and new data, we will explore how these online platforms are more than just entertainment, but play a significant role in the lives of young adults. This paper will examine the complex connection between social media and its users, providing valuable insights into its widespread influence.
Social media is defined as “ways of communicating in which individuals form social networking sites to share knowledge, ideas, private messages, as well as other content (including such videos).” (Choi, K.L., Liang, K., & Sareen, J. (2011). Young adults have led the way in embracing social media since its beginning. Platforms like MySpace and Facebook were first embraced by college students, setting the stage for social media’s popularity among young adults. Today, platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are particularly appealing to younger demographics, offering visually appealing content and features like Stories and filters that appeal to this audience.
As social media platforms developed, they became essential aspects of our everyday lives, providing a range of functions beyond just communication. These platforms grew to include capabilities such as news curation, entertainment, online shopping, and even involvement in political movements. The increasing popularity of smartphones and mobile internet further accelerated the incorporation of social media into our daily routines, giving users the ability to connect with these platforms at any time and from anywhere.
