Research

Primary Research is original research conducted to gather new data and information directly from the source. It involves collecting firsthand data through various methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and experiments.

Secondary Research is the analysis and interpretation of existing data and information that has been collected and published by others, such as articles, reports, and databases. It involves reviewing and synthesizing data to gain insights and knowledge on a particular topic without conducting new research.

Quantitative Research is a research method that uses numerical data and statistical analysis to measure and quantify information. It involves collecting and analyzing data through structured surveys, experiments, or observations to identify patterns, trends, or relationships between variables. The data is often presented in the form of graphs, charts, and tables, and the results are used to make generalizations and predictions about the larger population.

Qualitative Research is an approach to research that concentrates on collecting non-numeric data, such as text, images, and observations. This method involves obtaining and analyzing data through open-ended interviews or observations, to reveal themes, patterns, and insights pertinent to the research question. Qualitative research is commonly employed to delve into intricate subjects, such as human emotions, behavior, and perceptions.

MY AREA OF FOCUS

My documentary is on the theme of the effects of social media on mental health. Within my documentary I want to explore the negative and positive outcomes of using social media. I will go into depth of the rising statistics of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. This is such an important topic which is having such huge effects on people globally. Its causing such a rise in so many problems which I want to delve into within my documentary. I belive making a documentary on this topic will be so effective as its so relevant and the mojority of people will relate. My goal will hopefully be to create awareness surrounding the use of social media and its negative effects. Using  qualitative research (interviews) I will gather information from various people such as a counsellor, an influencer and regular teenagers. All of these people can share their personal experiences and how they cope with the ongoing pressure of social media

MY TOPIC RESEARCH- PRIMARY

SURVEY

I asked a few open answer questions as I wanted to see how people really felt about how social media effects them on a daily basis, with one person saying: "Social media can be used for procrastination, (waste of time) it's so addictive, it's so easy to forget to go outside or meet people in person or even socialise with family and friends, there are so many better ways to spend free time than on your phone, and most of the time you're not even really absorbing what you're looking at, you're just mindlessly scrolling, the minute you click off the app you forget what you see. Also due to algorithms if you're not in a good place you end up being exposed to a lot of negative posts and videos where people feel the same, makes you feel like everyone is depressed and you forget about the positives! Some posts can also be very triggering".

This survey was a real eye opener and has given a clear representation of how much social media is used amongst people my age and even people I know and see on a daily basis. It also showed how big an impact it has and although lots of people are aware of the consequences of social media it doesn't really bother them as it is so addictive and its something we all enjoy. But enjoying something is clearly not always a good thing.

I did however get some mixed views concerning whether or not decreasing social media would benefit you. 26% answered no and further went onto elaborate and say statements such as "socialising with friends and family using social media also good for mental health" and "I don't go on social media that often or get distracted by it". Its great to see that it hasnt effected everyone and there are clearly healthy ways of using it and it definitely has lots of positives- but in my documentary I want to investigate how those positives are majorly overrides the negatives.

Above are some of the questions I asked and some of the results.

INTERVIEW

I interviewed a mental health professional and counsellor Charlie Hartley for my documentary. She gave such great answers to all of my questions, it really gave me an insight into the topic and meant I was able to capture some really important information and she shared her personal experience having worked as a director or a mental health company for 6 years now. She speaks to young adults everyday and watches social media take such a massive role in their lives. She believes anxiety is the most common mental health problem stemmed from using social media which makes so much sense due to the unrealistic pressures and standards young people feel they need to live up to which also leads to aa lack in real life social skills and communicating. Advice she has given to a student who was using their mobile phone 17 hours per day was to improve gradually. Meaning one day try to cut down to 16.. then 15 etc. As social media is such a massive thing in her and everyones lives its would be so hard to cut it out all at once when reality it is an addiction. I found it was really useful to do an interview with Charlie as it gave an expert perspective and she was also able to give her own personal advice. Also within my documentary; having an expert share her own facts and emotions on the topic can help create more awareness and might be more impactful than my interviews with people of the younger generation. 

Below is a sample voice recording of the interview I had with Charlie where she speaks on the impact social media has as an addiction, on someones body image and self esteem, and what you can do to help yourself out of it.

MY TOPIC RESEARCH- SECONDARY

STATISTICS

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England

• 1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts
• 1 in 14 people self-harm
• 1 in 15 people attempt suicide in their lifetime
• 6 in 100 people are diagnosed with anxiety every week
  
• 3 in 100 people are diagnosed with depression every week
  
• In 2022, 18.0% of children aged 7 to 16 years and 22.0% of young people aged 17 to 24 years had a probable mental disorder.
  

Groups of people that are more likely to experience mental health problems:

• People who identify as LGBTQIA+- In England, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ are 2-3 times more likely than heterosexual individuals to report experiencing a mental health issue.

• Black or Black British people- In a week, common mental health issues will be experienced by 23% of Black or Black British individuals, compared to 17% of White British individuals.

• Young women aged 16-24- Among individuals aged 16-24 years old, more than a quarter (26%) of young women experience a common mental health problem in any given week, compared to 17% of adults.

• In England, individuals who experience overlapping issues such as homelessness, substance misuse, and involvement with the criminal justice system in a given year, about 40% also have a co-occurring mental health problem.

Social Media statistics:

• The amount of time spent on social media is on the rise, with an average of 136 minutes per day.
• 91% of 16-24-year-olds use social media.
• Younger people say that four out of five major social platforms make their anxieties worse.
• Younger people see the most issues, but 38% of adults think social media is actively harmful.

SLEEP PATTERNS

Social medias impact on our sleep patterns is significant. Research has shown that excessive use of social media can lead to a range of negative effects on our sleep, including disrupted sleep patterns, reduced sleep quality, and difficulties falling and staying asleep. The bright screens and constant stimulation of social media platforms can interfere with the natural circadian rhythms that govern our sleep-wake cycle, leading to difficulty falling asleep at night and feeling drowsy during the day. Exposure to disturbing or emotionally charged content can increase stress and anxiety levels, making it difficult to fall asleep or causing nightmares. Additionally, the blue light emitted by electronic devices can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate our sleep, leading to a disruption in our sleep-wake cycle. Another factor that contributes to the impact of social media on sleep patterns is the addictive nature of these platforms. Many people find themselves unable to disconnect from social media, constantly scrolling through their feeds or checking notifications even late into the night. This can lead to a cycle of sleep deprivation, as individuals sacrifice sleep to continue using social media, which in turn further disrupts their sleep patterns.

ADDICTION

Social media can be addictive due to its design and the way it engages the brain's reward system. The platforms offer instant gratification in the form of likes, comments, and shares, which triggers the brain's reward system and releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical that creates a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. This constant positive reinforcement can lead to a compulsive need to check social media feeds and a sense of addiction.

Another factor that contributes to social media addiction is the fear of missing out (FOMO). Social media can create a sense of urgency and a fear of missing out on important news, events, or social interactions. This can lead to compulsive checking of social media feeds to stay up-to-date and avoid the fear of missing out. Social media addiction can be further compounded by the fact that people often feel social pressure to use these platforms, whether it's to stay in touch with friends or to maintain a professional presence. The addictive nature of social media can have negative impacts on mental health. Excessive social media use can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. Social media addiction can also interfere with real-world social interactions, leading to social isolation and a lack of meaningful connections. It can also negatively impact sleep patterns, leading to poorer quality sleep and further exacerbating mental health issues.

COMPARISON, SELF ESTEEM AND BODY IMAGE

Social media has become a massive influence on self-esteem and body image, particularly among younger generations. Social media can create unrealistic and idealized representations of beauty and success, leading individuals to compare themselves to these images and feel not good enough. This constant comparison can ruin any kind of self-esteem and lead to negative body image, particularly in those who feel that they do not measure up to these unrealistic standards. Social media can also create a culture of validation, where individuals seek approval and validation from others in the form of likes and comments. This can lead to an obsession with appearances and a focus on external validation, which can further exacerbate negative body image and self-esteem issues. For example, social media filters and editing tools can create an illusion of perfection that is unattainable in real life, leading individuals to feel that they must always present a flawless image to others.

The effects of social media on body image and self-esteem can be particularly damaging for young people who are still developing their sense of self and identity. Studies have shown that exposure to images of idealized beauty on social media can lead to increased body dissatisfaction and a higher risk of developing eating disorders. This can be especially problematic for girls and young women, who may feel pressured to conform to narrow beauty standards promoted on social media. But also to young boys who feel they have to live up to a strong masculine standard portrayed online.

ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE IN REAL LIFE

Social media can provide an easy and convenient way to communicate with others, but it can also lead to a decrease in the quality and depth of these interactions. Online communication often lacks the understanding of tone, and context of face-to-face communication, which can make it more difficult to build meaningful relationships and connections. Over-reliance on social media for communication can also lead to a lack of social skills and confidence in real-life social situations.

Another way that social media can impact real-life socialization is through its potential for social comparison and self-esteem issues. Social media can create a pressure to present a certain image or persona to others, leading individuals to compare themselves to others and feel inadequate. This can lead to social anxiety and avoidance, making it difficult to engage in real-life social situations. Social media can also create a distraction from real-life socialization, leading individuals to prioritize online interactions over face-to-face interactions. This can lead to a lack of real-world social experiences and a decline in social skills, making it more difficult to navigate real-life social situations.

HOW CAN WE IMPROVE THIS TOXICITY SURROUNDING SOCIAL MEDIA?

There are several strategies people can use to overcome social media addiction. Firstly, setting limits on social media usage by scheduling specific times for checking social media accounts and sticking to them can be helpful. Secondly, deleting or deactivating social media accounts that are causing addiction can help to reduce the temptation to check them frequently. Thirdly, finding alternative activities to replace social media use such as exercising, reading, or spending time with loved ones can help to break the habit. Finally, seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can provide the necessary encouragement and accountability needed to overcome social media addiction.

TARGET AUDIENCE

My target audience for my documentary is teenagers. Teenagers are generally defined as individuals between the ages of 13 and 19, and they are known for being highly engaged with digital media, social networks, and pop culture. They are also known for being highly impressionable, curious, and idealistic. They are eager to learn about the world around them and are often motivated to make a difference in their communities and in the world at large. This makes them an ideal audience for a documentary that seeks to inspire, educate, or raise awareness about important issues.

Interests:

Pop culture

Teenagers are often fascinated by the latest trends in pop culture, including music, fashion, film, and television. They enjoy discovering new artists and sharing their favorite songs with friends. They may follow the latest fashion trends and enjoy experimenting with their own style. Teenagers are also known for their love of movies and TV shows, often binge-watching entire seasons in a single weekend. Many teenagers are also interested in celebrity culture, and follow the latest news and gossip about their favorite stars.

Social Media

Social media is a huge part of many teenagers' lives. They use platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube to connect with friends, share their own content, and consume information and entertainment. Many teenagers spend hours scrolling through their feeds, watching videos, and engaging with posts. They may follow influencers, celebrities, and brands that align with their interests and values. Some teenagers will even use social media to raise awareness about important issues.

Many teenagers are passionate about making a difference in the world and will take a big interest in watching something that has relatable themes like social media and mental health.

SOCIAL MEDIA DOCUMENTARY ANALYSIS

"The Social Dilemma"

"The Social Dilemma" is a Netflix documentary that explores the negative impacts of social media on society. The documentary portrays social media as a powerful tool that has revolutionised the way people interact with each other and the world around them, as a technology that has tremendous potential for good, but also as one that has profound and often negative effects on individuals and societies. The documentary argues that social media algorithms and tactics have contributed to rising levels of depression, anxiety, and suicide, as well as the spread of disinformation and conspiracy theories that have undermined democratic institutions. The purpose of this documentary was to shed light on the ways in which social media platforms are designed to manipulate user behaviour and exploit personal data, and to highlight the dangers of social media addiction

The Social Dilemma features interviews with former high-level executives and engineers from major tech companies, who provide insight into the inner workings of these companies and their impact on society. Through these interviews, the documentary reveals how social media platforms use algorithms to manipulate users behaviour and keep them engaged on their platforms for as long as possible. They discuss how the algorithms are designed to exploit users psychological vulnerabilities and reinforce their existing beliefs, leading to fake news, conspiracy theories, and polarization. The interviews also shed light on the impact of social media on mental health, with many interviewees admitting that they are concerned about the negative effects their technology is having on users by discussing how social media has been linked to rising levels of mental heath problems and how these negative effects are amplified by the algorithms that promote sensitive content. The documentary features a range of archive footage such as historical clips and news reports that show how social media has evolved over time and the role it has played in various events. For example, the documentary uses archive footage of the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011 to show how social media was used as a tool for political activism and organization. The footage highlights the power of social media to bring people together and inspire social change. I found this documentary really impactful and gave me a lot of inspiration as they went into a lot of detail about certain topics I want to explore and I really liked how it was all set out with the interviews and archive footage.

"The Great Hack"

"The Great Hack" is a documentary that explores the story of Cambridge Analytica and its role in the 2016 US Presidential election. It looks into how social media influences public opinions and behavior. The film highlights the way social media platforms have become powerful tools for political campaigns and other organizations to target and manipulate individuals with highly personalised content. The documentary emphasizes how social media companies have access to a big amount of everyones personal data, which can be used to build detailed profiles of users and create targeted campaigns that are tailored to their individual beliefs. It also highlights the ways in which social media has enabled the spread of misinformation. The documentary shows how Cambridge Analytica used fake news stories and other misleading content to influence voters, and how this contributed to the differences of public opinion and the decrease of trust in the media. It suggests that the unregulated nature of social media has allowed misinformation to spread unchecked, and that this poses a significant threat to democratic societies.

"The Great Hack" uses interviews with individuals who were involved in the Cambridge Analytica scandal and experts in the fields of technology, politics, and data analysis. By using these interviews, it shows the impact of social media on individuals and society and shows the need for greater transparency and regulation of social media companies, as well as the importance of individual awareness and understanding of the ways in which their personal data is being used and manipulated. Also, the effective use of archive footage in "The Great Hack" adds depth and historical context to the documentary's exploration of the impact of social media on individuals and society. The clips emphasise the urgency of the issues at hand and help to illustrate the ways in which social media has transformed politics. I found this documentary really good to watch as it was very informative about the topic which I wasn't entirely aware of before and I learnt a lot more about the history behind social media rather than just the effects on our modern day world.

Zara Mcdermott- Disordered Eating

Zara McDermott is a British reality TV star and social media influencer who has recently started using her platform to raise awareness on important issues and has been making a documentary series where she explores. issues such as rape culture, revenge porn and social media.  Her documentary on disordered eating, explores the impact of social media on young people's attitudes towards food, body image, and mental health. The documentary effectively highlights how social media can contribute to the development and perpetuation of disordered eating. McDermott discusses how social media can create unrealistic beauty standards, promote fad diets, and lead to comparisons with others that can damage self-esteem. The documentary also explores how social media can be a double-edged sword, with some social media influencers using their platforms to promote body positivity and healthy attitudes towards food, while others promote dangerous and harmful behaviours.

The documentary features interviews with young people who have struggled with disordered eating, including individuals who have shared their personal stories of how social media contributed to their struggles. These interviews are powerful and emotional, providing a human face to the issue and making it clear how deeply personal and devastating the effects of disordered eating can be. In addition to interviews with those who have experienced disordered eating, the documentary also features interviews with experts in the fields of eating disorders and social media. These experts provide valuable context and insights into the causes and impacts of disordered eating, as well as strategies for prevention and recovery. Archive footage is featured to show social media influencers promoting unrealistic beauty standards and promoting weight loss products, which creates a harmful environment for young people. It also highlights the historical context of disordered eating, demonstrating how social and cultural pressures have contributed to the problem over time. By providing this context, the documentary helps to show that disordered eating is not a new phenomenon, but one that has been perpetuated by social pressures that have existed for many years. I loved this documentary as I have been a fan of Zara for many years and its great to see her use her platform and use social media for the positive.