Social media platforms have proliferated, and the number of users has multiplied over the last few decades. Unsurprisingly, social media use is of interest to psychology researchers and practitioners....

Social media platforms have proliferated, and the number of users has multiplied over the last few decades. Unsurprisingly, social media use is of interest to psychology researchers and practitioners. In this Debate Paper, you will explore social media use and its influence on mental health and wellbeing. Demonstrate an understanding of both sides of the issue and clearly articulate how your understanding of the research informs your position.

Your research should be guided by the question:Does social media use tend to have a negative or positive influence on adult mental health?

Each student should identify scholarly research articles about social media use and mental health
and
-- take a position* on the issue:

“Social media use tends to positively influence on adult mental health”

or

“Social media use tends to negatively influence adult mental health”

*“Both” is not an option

Your goals in the debate will be to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the emerging issue and relevant research findings


• Display critical thinking skills, while demonstrating an understanding of the emerging issue that enables you to present your side in a rational manner.


• Identify at least two critical dilemmas and/or points related to the issue (e.g., ethics, socio-cultural norms)


• Defend your position with compelling arguments and predictions for future trends


• Select and apply relevant theoretical discussion, empirical data, and practical evidence from professional, scholarly journals.

Format:

• A page length is not set for this assignment. The emphasis is on clear, critical analysis. Historically, strong, well-developed papers average around 5-pages of text, before adding the title page and references page.


• Structure your paper utilizingAPA style(7th Edition); this includes a title page, page numbers,headings,in-text citations, reference page, and general paper format (1-inch margins, double-spaced, appropriately sizedsans serif or serif fonts- e.g., 12 Times Roman).An abstract isnotrequired.
  


• Accurately useAPA-style citations and references.


• Apply sound writing mechanics: write with clarity, paying attention to spelling, grammar, and syntax.


• Do not include tables, numbered lists, bullets, graphs, or pictures. Use black-colored font.


• Submit to your Assignment Folder as a single document in either Microsoft Word, PDF, or RTF format.