Loftis 1 Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt

Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt

Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
Abigail Loftis Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt

Professor Malcolm Campbell

UWRT 1104

02/14/17

To What Extent Has Social Media Played a Role in Changing the sense of identity among

teens and young adults?

Introduction/Overview

Teens and young adults have been raised in a very different environment than previous

generations. One of the things that has allowed for such a drastic change in upbringing is the

advancements in technology and how readily accessible this technology is. In this paper, I will

focus on this younger generation, specifically those in the United States, and their sense of self

identity due to the increased availability of technology. Within technology I will look more

specifically at the role of social media sites like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to analyze their

roles in the behavior of Generation Y and Z.

The sources I will use are a variety of materials, including videos, books, and articles, some

of which include studies. I found these through the help of UNCCs Atkins the librarys online

database. This led me to sources that were both found in the library and able to be accessed

digitally.

Initial Inquiry Question(s)

Is there a correlation between a persons time spent on social media affect the way they

see their self?

Does low self esteemself-esteem correlate with dependence in recognition on social Commented [IR1]: Do you mean dependence on*
recognition on social media?
media?
 Loftis 2 Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
How does social media affect a persons body image and self worthself-worth?

My Interest in this Topic

I'm interested in this topic because of the difference I see between generations that

seemingly stems from their knowledge and use of social media. Many people from older

generations look down on technological advances as far as how they affect the younger generation.

Is this due to a lack of understanding? Is this similar to how their parents looked down on

rocknroll? Or is there actual merit behind their disapproval? I have seen many of my friends look Commented [IR2]: Good point! I like you how you show
your interest, and make a point for why other people should
be interested in reading what youre going to write, too.
at people on social media and think down about themselves because of it. SoSo, this brings me to

wonder, can social media truly change someones outlook on their own lives?

I already know that social media is more prevalent in todays age. I also know that levels

of depression, anxiety, and other disorders is at an all- time high. I know that a lot of organizations

have begun body and self positiveself-positive campaigns to promote better self imageself-

image among younger generations.

I would like to investigate why the need for these organizations has come about. I also

would like to analyze why mental health is becoming a more prevalent problem.
Next Steps
To further research for my topic I will find statistical studies (chi-squared) to assess the
Commented [IR3]: Maybe add these to you Initial Inquiry
Questions section, or put the ones in that section down
here too. It kind of seems like youre saying youre going in
two different directions.

correlation between issues with media dependency and a change in self worthself-worth. I will

also look for psychology magazines and journals discussing this matter as well as books of the

same nature through the library and its database. Commented [IR4]: Good ideas for sources. Maybe look
into just regular news and online articles that discuss social
media trends and how teens are affected by social media
and changes in it. Great job though; everything looks good!