Exploring the Effects of Social Media Use on the Mental Health of Young Adults

University of Central Florida University of Central Florida STARS STARS HIM 1990-2015 2014 Exploring the Effects of Social Media Use on the Mental Health of Exploring the Effects of Social Media Use on the Mental Health of Young Adults Young Adults Amelia Strickland University of Central Florida Part of the Public Relations and Advertising Commons Find similar works at https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses1990-2015 University of Central Florida Libraries http://library.ucf.edu This Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by STARS. It has been accepted for inclusion in HIM
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Recommended Citation Recommended Citation Strickland, Amelia, "Exploring the Effects of Social Media Use on the Mental Health of Young Adults"
(2014). HIM 1990-2015. 1684. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses1990-2015/1684

EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG ADULTS by AMELIA C. STRICKLAND A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Honors in the Major Program in Advertising and Public Relations in the College of Sciences and in the Burnett Honors College at the University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida Fall Term, 2014 Thesis Chair Sherry Holladay, Ph.D.

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Abstract
The intent of this thesis is to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health in the young adult population. Current research indicates that there is a connection between increased social media use and deteriorated mental health. Unfortunately, young adults, the most active social media users, have a predominantly high risk for developing mental health issues, making this connection particularly concerning. At present, it is unclear how social media and mental health are connected therefore this thesis explores the individual and social theories that may give reason for this connection. Theories that are discussed include the impact of sedentary behaviors on mental health, displaced behavior, sleep interruption due to blue light exposure, social media’s effects on romantic relationships, and social media’s effects on platonic relationships.