Results 1 This hypothesis identified several ways in which social media can adversely affect children's mental health, self-esteem, and cognitive dissonance. Social media use has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in children. This is likely since social media can expose children to cyberbullying, unrealistic expectations, and negative social comparisons. Social media can also damage children's self-esteem. This is because children often compare themselves to others on social media, and they may feel inadequate when they see that their peers seem to have perfect lives. Additionally, social media can be a breeding ground for negative comments and criticism, which can further erode children's self-esteem. Cognitive dissonance is a state of mental discomfort that occurs when a person holds two or more conflicting beliefs. Social media can contribute to cognitive dissonance in children when they are exposed to contradictory messages about beauty, body image, and success. For example, a child may see images of thin and attractive models on social media, but they may also see messages about body positivity and self-acceptance. This can lead to feelings of confusion and uncertainty, which can be harmful to children's mental health. KS Kevin Sweers This should report your own hypothetical study results. If you gained anything quantitative you can report numbers. If it was all qualitative work you can tell me what themes emerged from the study participants. November 13, 2023, 10:01 PM @mention or reply