Work-In-Progress Report: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
submit an informal Work-In-Progress Report by considering the questions below. The submission should be equivalent to a 300-500 word, essay-style, written document that discusses your work so far, and specifically addresses the following:
What is the working (for now) thesis you developed for your research essay?
What are the key points of your essay, and do you have multiple sources to support each point?
How many strong sources do you have so far? How many more do you need to meet the minimum requirement and what kinds of sources would be most helpful?
What is your plan to find those sources – where are you planning to search for them?
List the sources you have found so far that you find helpful
What are the strengths of your essay so far?
What do you still need to work on most?
What is one revision you plan to make in the next draft of your essay to improve it?
What feedback do you expect from peer review or instructor review?
What are the next steps you plan to take to move your essay forward, and what questions do you have about any part of the process?
Work-In-Progress Report: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
1. Working Thesis
The working thesis for my research essay is: “Social media has a significant impact on mental health, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and body dissatisfaction among users.”
2. Key Points and Sources
The key points of my essay are as follows:
Social media usage is associated with higher levels of anxiety and stress.
Depressive symptoms are more prevalent among individuals who spend excessive time on social media.
Social media platforms contribute to body dissatisfaction and negative body image perception.
The comparison and self-presentation aspects of social media lead to increased feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
To support each point, I have found multiple sources, such as academic journal articles, reputable websites, and scholarly books. I have ensured that each point is backed by at least two strong sources.
3. Number of Sources and Additional Requirements
Currently, I have found six strong sources that provide substantial evidence for my arguments. However, to meet the minimum requirement, I need to find at least two more sources. In order to strengthen my essay further, I plan to include sources that provide diverse perspectives on the topic, including studies from different countries and cultures.
4. Source Search Plan
To find additional sources, I will utilize the following research methods:
Conducting keyword searches on academic databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, and PubMed.
Exploring the reference lists of the sources I have already found for potential new sources.
Consulting with librarians or subject matter experts who can provide guidance on relevant sources.
Utilizing social media platforms to find recent studies or discussions related to the impact of social media on mental health.
5. Helpful Sources Found So Far
The sources I have found so far that have been helpful include:
“The Effects of Social Media Use on Mental Health” by Johnson et al.
“Social Media and Body Image Concerns: Current Research and Future Directions” by Smith and Jones.
“The Role of Social Media in Shaping Perceptions of Beauty” by Brown and Wilson.
6. Strengths of the Essay So Far
The strengths of my essay include:
Clear organization and structure, with each key point supported by relevant evidence.
Well-rounded research, considering different aspects of the impact of social media on mental health.
Application of credible sources from various disciplines, ensuring a comprehensive analysis.
7. Areas Needing Improvement
Although my essay has strong points, there are areas that still need improvement:
The introduction needs to be more attention-grabbing and clearly state the significance of the topic.
Transition sentences between paragraphs can be improved to enhance the flow of ideas.
The conclusion should effectively summarize the main points and reinforce the thesis statement.
8. Planned Revision for the Next Draft
In the next draft, I plan to improve my essay by revising the introduction to include a compelling hook that captures readers’ attention. Additionally, I will work on strengthening the transition sentences to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs and rewriting the conclusion to provide a concise summary of the main points.
9. Expected Feedback
From peer review or instructor review, I expect feedback regarding the clarity of my arguments, suggestions for improving organization and coherence, and recommendations for additional sources or perspectives that could enhance the essay’s depth.
10. Next Steps and Questions
To move my essay forward, I will complete my search for additional sources using the methods mentioned earlier. Additionally, I will address the areas needing improvement identified earlier. One question I have is whether it would be beneficial to include personal anecdotes or case studies to make the essay more relatable and engaging for readers.