There are several key points that make the sample dissertation below a good one:

1. Clear research question: The dissertation has a clear research question that is well-defined and relevant to the current literature on the topic. The research question is stated at the beginning of the dissertation and is consistently addressed throughout the study.
2. Comprehensive literature review: The literature review in the dissertation is comprehensive and up-to-date. The author has cited relevant and recent studies that provide a strong foundation for the research question.
3. Rigorous research design: The study employs a mixed-methods research design, which allows for both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. The author has also used appropriate sampling techniques and has provided a clear rationale for the chosen methods.
4. Detailed methodology: The dissertation includes a detailed description of the methodology used in the study. This includes the sampling method, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures.
5. Findings and analysis: The dissertation presents the findings and analysis in a clear and organized manner. The author has used appropriate statistical techniques and has provided a thorough analysis of the results.
6. Implications and recommendations: The author has discussed the implications of the study’s findings for mental health professionals, social media users, and policymakers. The dissertation also includes recommendations for individuals, policymakers, and social media platforms to mitigate the negative effects of social media on mental health.

Overall, the dissertation is well-written, well-researched, and well-structured. The author has presented a comprehensive study that contributes to the existing literature on the topic and provides practical recommendations for individuals and policymakers

Example Dissertation about Social Media

Title : The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Abstract

Social media has revolutionized the way we interact and communicate with one another. It has become an integral part of our lives, with over 3 billion active social media users worldwide. While social media has brought us many benefits such as instant connectivity, ease of communication, and access to information, it has also been linked to several negative effects on mental health. This dissertation aims to explore the impact of social media on mental health, focusing on its potential negative effects on self-esteem, body image, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. It also discusses the factors that contribute to these negative effects, including social comparison, cyberbullying, and addiction. The study concludes with recommendations for individuals, policymakers, and social media platforms to mitigate these negative effects.

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background

Social media has revolutionized the way we interact and communicate with one another. It has become an integral part of our lives, with over 3 billion active social media users worldwide (Kemp, 2021). Social media platforms have evolved from simple text-based communication tools to multimedia platforms that enable users to share photos, videos, and live streams. While social media has brought us many benefits such as instant connectivity, ease of communication, and access to information, it has also been linked to several negative effects on mental health.

1.2 Research Aim and Objectives

This dissertation aims to explore the impact of social media on mental health, focusing on its potential negative effects on self-esteem, body image, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. The study also aims to identify the factors that contribute to these negative effects, including social comparison, cyberbullying, and addiction. The objectives of the study are as follows:

1. To review the literature on the impact of social media on mental health.
2. To analyze the potential negative effects of social media on self-esteem, body image, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
3. To identify the factors that contribute to these negative effects, including social comparison, cyberbullying, and addiction.
4. To provide recommendations for individuals, policymakers, and social media platforms to mitigate these negative effects.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.1 The Positive Effects of Social Media

Social media has many positive effects on mental health, including increased social support, reduced loneliness, and improved self-esteem (Vannucci et al., 2021). Social media enables individuals to connect with like-minded people and to receive social support that they may not receive in real life. For example, individuals with rare medical conditions may find it challenging to connect with others in real life, but they can find a community of individuals with the same condition on social media. Moreover, social media can reduce loneliness by providing individuals with opportunities to connect with others and form relationships.

2.2 The Negative Effects of Social Media

Social media has been linked to several negative effects on mental health, including decreased self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders (Fardouly et al., 2020). Social media can negatively impact self-esteem by promoting social comparison, where individuals compare themselves to others based on their appearance, lifestyle, and achievements. Social media platforms also promote unrealistic beauty standards, which can lead to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders.

Social media can also contribute to anxiety and depression by exposing individuals to cyberbullying, where individuals are harassed, threatened, or humiliated online. Cyberbullying can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Social media can also negatively impact sleep by promoting addictive behavior, where individuals spend excessive amounts of time on social media, leading to sleep deprivation.

2.3 The Factors that Contribute to the Negative Effects of Social Media

Several factors contribute to the negative effects of social media on mental health. One of the main factors is social comparison. Social comparison is the process of evaluating oneself by comparing one’s appearance, achievements, and lifestyle to those of others (Fardouly et al., 2020). Social media platforms promote social comparison by presenting idealized images of beauty, wealth, and success, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Another factor is cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to harass, threaten, or humiliate others (Patchin & Hinduja, 2020). Cyberbullying can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Social media platforms have made it easier for cyberbullies to target their victims, as they can hide behind anonymous accounts and reach a large audience with their messages.

Finally, addiction is a significant factor in the negative effects of social media on mental health. Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, with features such as notifications, likes, and shares that trigger dopamine release in the brain (Turel & Serenko, 2020). Addiction to social media can lead to excessive use, leading to neglect of other activities and relationships, and contributing to sleep disorders.

Chapter 3: Methodology

3.1 Research Design

The study employs a mixed-methods research design, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data will be collected through in-depth interviews with social media users to explore their experiences with social media and its impact on their mental health. Quantitative data will be collected through a survey that will be distributed to a representative sample of social media users. The survey will include validated scales to measure self-esteem, body image, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.

3.2 Sampling

The study will use purposive sampling to select participants for the in-depth interviews. Participants will be selected based on their age, gender, and social media usage patterns. The survey will use random sampling to select a representative sample of social media users. The sample size will be calculated using G*Power software based on the effect size of previous studies on the impact of social media on mental health.

3.3 Data Collection

In-depth interviews will be conducted online, using video conferencing software, and will be recorded with the participants’ consent. The survey will be distributed online through social media platforms and will be anonymous to ensure confidentiality.

3.4 Data Analysis

The qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis, following the six-step process proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006). The quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, such as correlation and regression analysis.

Chapter 4: Results

This chapter presents the results of the study, which includes the findings from the in-depth interviews and the survey. The results are organized by the study’s objectives and research questions.

4.1 Objective 1: To explore social media users’ experiences with social media and its impact on their mental health.

The in-depth interviews revealed that social media can have both positive and negative impacts on users’ mental health. On the positive side, social media can provide users with a sense of connection, support, and validation. Social media can also provide users with opportunities to express themselves creatively, share their experiences, and learn from others.

However, on the negative side, social media can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and anxiety. The participants reported that they often compared themselves to others on social media, especially in terms of appearance, success, and popularity. They also reported feeling pressure to present a perfect image on social media, leading to anxiety and self-doubt. Finally, the participants reported that social media use often interfered with their sleep, leading to fatigue and reduced productivity.

4.2 Objective 2: To measure the impact of social media on users’ self-esteem, body image, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.

The survey results revealed that social media use was significantly associated with lower self-esteem, poorer body image, higher anxiety, and higher depression. However, there was no significant association between social media use and sleep disorders.

Specifically, the results showed that social media use was negatively correlated with self-esteem (r = -.32, p < .001), indicating that higher social media use was associated with lower self-esteem. Social media use was also negatively correlated with body image (r = -.27, p < .001), indicating that higher social media use was associated with poorer body image. Furthermore, social media use was positively correlated with anxiety (r = .31, p < .001) and depression (r = .26, p < .001), indicating that higher social media use was associated with higher anxiety and depression.

4.3 Research Question: Does social media use have a differential impact on mental health outcomes based on gender and age?

The survey results revealed that there was no significant difference in the impact of social media use on mental health outcomes based on gender. However, there was a significant difference based on age.

Specifically, the results showed that social media use was more strongly associated with anxiety and depression in younger users (aged 18-24) than in older users (aged 25 and above). The correlation between social media use and anxiety was r = .39 (p < .001) for younger users and r = .24 (p < .001) for older users. The correlation between social media use and depression was r = .36 (p < .001) for younger users and r = .19 (p < .001) for older users.

Overall, the results of this study suggest that social media use can have negative impacts on mental health, especially in terms of self-esteem, body image, anxiety, and depression. The study also found that younger users may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of social media use on mental health. These findings have important implications for individuals, policymakers, and social media platforms, as they suggest the need for interventions to mitigate the negative effects of social media on mental health.

Chapter 5: Discussion

The purpose of this study was to explore social media users’ experiences with social media and its impact on their mental health. The study found that social media use can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health, but the negative impacts are more pronounced, especially among younger users. These findings have important implications for individuals, policymakers, and social media platforms.

5.1 Positive impacts of social media on mental health

The positive impacts of social media on mental health reported by participants in this study are consistent with previous research (e.g., Best et al., 2014; Ellison et al., 2007). Social media can provide users with a sense of connection, support, and validation, which can be especially beneficial for individuals who feel isolated or marginalized. Social media can also provide users with opportunities to express themselves creatively, share their experiences, and learn from others. These positive impacts highlight the potential of social media as a tool for promoting mental health.

5.2 Negative impacts of social media on mental health

The negative impacts of social media on mental health reported by participants in this study are also consistent with previous research (e.g., Fardouly et al., 2018; Kuss & Griffiths, 2017; Twenge et al., 2018). Social media can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and anxiety, especially when users compare themselves to others on social media. Social media use can also interfere with sleep, leading to fatigue and reduced productivity. These negative impacts suggest the need for interventions to mitigate the negative effects of social media on mental health.

5.3 Differential impacts of social media on mental health based on age

The finding that social media use has a more negative impact on mental health among younger users is consistent with previous research (e.g., Lin, 2011; Primack et al., 2017; Twenge et al., 2018). This may be because younger users are more likely to use social media to seek validation and compare themselves to others. Additionally, younger users may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of social media because their brains are still developing and may be more sensitive to the dopamine hits associated with social media use (Twenge, 2017). These findings suggest that interventions to mitigate the negative effects of social media on mental health should be targeted at younger users.

5.4 Implications for individuals, policymakers, and social media platforms

The findings of this study have important implications for individuals, policymakers, and social media platforms. For individuals, the findings suggest the need to be mindful of their social media use and to take steps to mitigate the negative effects of social media on their mental health, such as limiting their social media use, avoiding comparisons with others on social media, and seeking support when needed.

For policymakers, the findings suggest the need to develop policies to address the negative effects of social media on mental health. For example, policymakers could require social media platforms to provide users with tools to limit their social media use, such as time limits and notifications. Policymakers could also require social media platforms to provide users with information on the potential negative effects of social media on mental health.

For social media platforms, the findings suggest the need to take responsibility for the negative effects of social media on mental health and to develop interventions to mitigate these effects. For example, social media platforms could provide users with tools to limit their social media use, such as time limits and notifications. Social media platforms could also provide users with information on the potential negative effects of social media on mental health and promote positive interactions on their platforms.

5.5 Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. First, the study was conducted in a specific geographic area and among a specific age group, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other populations. Second, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and inaccuracies. Third, the study did not examine the specific types of social media platforms or content that were associated with positive or negative impacts on mental health. Future research could address these limitations by conducting larger, more diverse studies using objective measures of social media use and its impact on mental health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found that social media use can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health, but the negative impacts are more pronounced, especially among younger users. These findings highlight the need for interventions to mitigate the negative effects of social media on mental health, particularly among younger users. The implications of this study for individuals, policymakers, and social media platforms suggest the need for a coordinated effort to address the negative effects of social media on mental health and to promote the positive aspects of social media use. Future research should continue to explore the complex relationship between social media use and mental health and to identify effective interventions to promote positive mental health outcomes for social media users.

Appendix A: Survey Questions

• How often do you use social media? (Multiple choice: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Rarely, Never)
• What social media platforms do you use? (Multiple choice: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Other)
• What do you primarily use social media for? (Multiple choice: Connecting with friends and family, Sharing personal experiences, Entertainment, Staying informed, Professional networking, Other)
• Have you ever experienced negative feelings or emotions as a result of social media use? (Yes/No)
• If yes, what were those feelings or emotions? (Open-ended response)
• Have you ever experienced positive feelings or emotions as a result of social media use? (Yes/No)
• If yes, what were those feelings or emotions? (Open-ended response)
• Have you ever compared yourself to others on social media? (Yes/No)
• If yes, how did that make you feel? (Open-ended response)
• Have you ever felt pressure to present a certain image or persona on social media? (Yes/No)
• If yes, how did that make you feel? (Open-ended response)
• Have you ever felt like social media interfered with your sleep? (Yes/No)
• If yes, how did that affect your mood or productivity? (Open-ended response)
• Have you ever sought support or resources related to mental health on social media? (Yes/No)
• If yes, what kind of support or resources did you find? (Open-ended response)

Appendix B: Participant Demographics

Table 1. Participant Demographics