CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

This chapter serves as the introductory section of the research study, providing an

overview of the various components that will be explored in the upcoming chapters. It

includes the background of the study, statement of the problem, hypothesis, research

paradigm, significance of the study, scope and delimitations, and definition of terms.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Social media has become an integral part of modern society, with millions of people

using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to connect with friends,

family, and strangers across the world.Social media can have many positive effects, such

as fostering social connections, it can also have negative consequences for mental health

of the people who are using it. Excessive use of Social Media can lead to anxiety,

depression, low self-esteem and a feelings of loneliness among younger people. The

impact of social media on mental health is a topic of ongoing research and debate, and

it is important for individuals to be aware of their social media use and take steps to

manage it in a way that is healthy and balanced(Whales, 2023). In many ways, social

media is an incredibly beneficial platform for young people. It is a place for them to

express themselves, connect with others outside of school, and learn new skills and

information(Shelton, 2023).
 Additionally, social media use has been linked to decreased academic performance

and attention span of the students who exposed more to using these platforms. Mostly,

young people are more engaged to this because they can stay connected to their friends,

browsing through their feeds and sharing their thoughts, experiences and happenings in

their lives online. Social Media can have negative influence on young people especially

students at a young age. This can be a distraction and difficult for them to focus on their

academic performances at school when they are constantly checking their notifications

on those platforms. Social Media use can also disrupt their sleeping schedule which can

further impact on their studies. More over, Social Media can have also positive influence

to people, they can communicate everywhere and anywhere, they can gather information

quickly and can still connected to each other that is why social media can also be a useful

tool for students to help them with their studies. The exploration of the impact of social

media on mental health has illuminated the complex interplay between digital

engagement and psychological well-being. From the rise of social media to the

neurochemical effects of engagement, it is evident that these platforms exert a profound

influence on our lives, shaping our self-perception, relationships, and overall sense of

happiness and fulfillment(Adam, 2021).

Understanding the influence of social media on the mental health on the mental

health of the young people. To help students understand that they should manage their

time using social media for the reason that this could affect their time and focus to their
studies. Therefore, this study was designed to know the Factors influencing social media

on the mental health among Grade 7 learners of CAMBITU National High School.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Generally, this study designed to know the influence of Social Media on mental

health among Grade 7 learners of CAMBITU National High School

Specifically, this research aims to address the following questions;

1. What is the factors that influencing Social Media on mental health among Grade 7

learners of CAMBITU National High School ?

2. What is the factors that influencing Social Media on mental health among Grade 7

learners of CAMBITU National High School when grouped according to sex and number

of hours spend on social media?

3. Is there a significant difference in the factor influencing social media on mental health

among Grade 7 learners of CAMBITU National High School when grouped according to

sex and number of hours spend on social media?

HYPOTHESIS

1. There is no significant difference in the factor influencing social media on mental health

among Grace 7 learners of CAMBITU National High School when group according to

sex and number of hours spend on social media.

 RESEARCH PARADIGM

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES DEPENDENT VARIABLE

Sex
Influence of Social Media on
Mental Health

Number of hours spend on

Social Media
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This research study will use descriptive research, investigated the factors

influencing social media on mental health among thirty (30) learners of Grade 7. Utilizing

a simple random sampling, the study targeted a specific factors influencing social media

on mental health among Grade 7 learners of CAMBITU National High School. This study

will be conducted for second semester school year 2024 - 2025.

A researcher made questionnaire will use to measure the influence of social media

on mental health of Grade 7 learners. It is important to note that the findings are specific

to CAMBITU National High School.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

School Administrator. This allows the school administrator to have a better

understanding and knowledge about the influence of social media on the students mental

health. This also allows them to hold programs such as forum about Mental Health

Awareness.

Teachers. This would help teachers understand how social media affects students where

they could use this platform as one of their teaching tools.

Parents. This study allows parents to encourage their child to minimize using social

media that can affect their mental health.

Students. Will help them understand the importance of their mental health. Prioritize

their mental health and stop overusing social media.

Future Researcher. Future researcher can help build upon this study as a findings for

further information on the influence of social media on mental health of the students.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

For better understanding and clarity of the study, these are the following key terms

and concepts were conceptually and operationally defined.

INFLUENCE. It is the power to change or affect someone or something without directly

forcing them to happen (Merriam Webster, 2024).

In this study, influence refers to the effect of social media on mental of Grade 7

learners of CAMBITU National Highschool.

LEARNER. A learner is a someone who is learning about a particular subject or how to

do something (Merriam Webster, 2024)

In this study, learner refers to the Grade 7 learners of CAMBITU National Highschool.
SOCIAL MEDIA. Forms of electronic communication (such as websites for social

networking and micro blogging) through which users create online communities to share

information, ideas, personal messages and other content (Merriam Webster, 2024).

In this study, social media refers to platforms that learners use to communicate,

gather information and which could affect their mental health.