It is a messier, not-as-good version of your final research paper: I expect you will have to move or combine paragraphs, adding or deleting material for unity. You will still need to improve the introduction — especially the thesis — and arrive at an effective conclusion. The draft might expose gaps in evidence, and you most likely need to focus the thesis and strengthen the argument. (Remember, no “reports”!) As long as you’ve made sufficient progress, I won’t take point deductions for these types of issue.

QUESTION

600-1000 words.

The “draft research paper” is not the finished paper! This means it may need additional important revision to thesis, structure, content, and, possibly, use of expert sources.

It is a messier, not-as-good version of your final research paper: I expect you will have to move or combine paragraphs, adding or deleting material for unity. You will still need to improve the introduction — especially the thesis — and arrive at an effective conclusion. The draft might expose gaps in evidence, and you most likely need to focus the thesis and strengthen the argument. (Remember, no “reports”!) As long as you’ve made sufficient progress, I won’t take point deductions for these types of issue.

BUT — and pay attention to these requirements! — the research draft is not something you throw together overnight and submit. You won’t get points for a sloppy, sketchy draft. While not perfect, the draft should show the considerable time and effort (approx. 20 hours) you’ve put in to produce a workable thesis, organized argument, and helpful sources you will integrate into the finished paper.

Include preliminary in-text citations and works cited page. It will benefit you to include these because you will receive comments on whether you have done these correctly. You will receive points for submitting your draft with preliminary in-text citations and works cited page. By keeping track of your sources in the draft, you will be ahead in your progress to a successful final research paper.

ANSWER

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: A Draft Research Paper

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, transforming the way we communicate, connect, and share information. While it offers numerous benefits, there is growing concern about its impact on mental health. This draft research paper aims to explore the relationship between social media usage and mental health, acknowledging that it is a work in progress requiring further refinement. The thesis will be refined to strengthen the argument, and additional expert sources will be incorporated to provide a comprehensive analysis.

Thesis Statement

The excessive use of social media platforms has been linked to various negative impacts on mental health, including increased levels of anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem.

The Influence of Social Media on Mental Health

Social media platforms have revolutionized the way individuals interact, allowing them to share personal experiences, opinions, and emotions (Contributor, 2020). However, this constant exposure to carefully curated content can have a detrimental impact on mental health. Studies have shown that excessive social media use is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression among users (Author1, Year1). Furthermore, the constant comparison to idealized representations on social media can lead to decreased self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy (Author2, Year2).

The Role of Social Comparison and Self-Esteem

Social media platforms provide an environment that fosters social comparison, as users often compare their own lives and achievements to those presented by others. This constant exposure to others’ highlight reels can create feelings of envy and inadequacy (Author3, Year3). Individuals may perceive their own lives as less exciting or successful, resulting in diminished self-esteem and overall well-being. However, it is important to note that not all social media usage leads to negative outcomes, as research suggests that positive interactions and supportive communities can enhance self-esteem (Author4, Year4).

The Impact of Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

One of the darker sides of social media is the prevalence of cyberbullying and online harassment. The anonymity and distance provided by these platforms often embolden individuals to engage in harmful behaviors (Peebles, 2014). Victims of cyberbullying experience increased levels of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation (Author5, Year5). The potential for relentless and widespread online harassment amplifies the negative impact on mental health, highlighting the need for stronger measures to address this issue.

Addiction and the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, utilizing techniques such as infinite scrolling and notifications to keep users engaged for extended periods (Montag et al., 2019). This addictive nature of social media usage can lead to neglecting real-life activities and relationships, contributing to feelings of isolation and loneliness (Author6, Year6). Additionally, the fear of missing out (FOMO) drives individuals to constantly check their social media feeds, causing anxiety and stress when disconnected from the virtual world.

Conclusion

While social media offers undeniable advantages in terms of connectivity and information sharing, this draft research paper highlights the potential negative impact on mental health. The excessive use of social media has been associated with increased anxiety, depression, decreased self-esteem, cyberbullying, and addiction. Recognizing the significance of this issue, it is crucial to further refine the thesis, structure, and content to provide a comprehensive analysis of the topic. Integration of expert sources will bolster the argument and improve the overall quality of the research paper.

References

Contributor, N. (2020). How use of social media and social comparison affect mental health. Nursing Times. https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/mental-health/how-use-of-social-media-and-social-comparison-affect-mental-health-24-02-2020/ 

Montag, C., Lachmann, B., Herrlich, M., & Zweig, K. A. (2019). Addictive Features of Social Media/Messenger Platforms and Freemium Games against the Background of Psychological and Economic Theories. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(14), 2612. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142612 

Peebles, E. R. (2014). Cyberbullying: Hiding behind the screen. Paediatrics and Child Health, 19(10), 527–528. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/19.10.527