Impact of Social Media on Teenagers' Behavior and Attitude

The study explores the impact of social media on teenagers in central London. It reveals that 90% of teenagers use social media for entertainment and pleasure, while only 10% use it for gaining knowledge. The research concludes that social media has a negative influence on teenagers' attitudes and behaviors, promoting unethical images and videos. To mitigate this effect, the study recommends school management to prohibit mobile phone usage during school hours, government to organize awareness programs, parents to monitor their children's daily activities, and teenagers to be cautious about sharing information.

Research project
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Task 1: The research proposal.........................................................................................................3
Introduction..................................................................................................................................3
Research aims and objectives......................................................................................................3
Research questions.......................................................................................................................3
Future scope.................................................................................................................................4
Literature review..........................................................................................................................4
Research methodology.................................................................................................................5
Limitations...................................................................................................................................5
Ethics............................................................................................................................................6
Resources / Sample......................................................................................................................6
Research carried out.....................................................................................................................8
Data collection.............................................................................................................................9
Research techniques...................................................................................................................11
Analyzing the results in terms of research specification...........................................................16
Recommendation.......................................................................................................................16
Research Conclusion..................................................................................................................16
References......................................................................................................................................17
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TASK 1: THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Title of the research
“To evaluate the adverse impact of social media on the teenagers of central London”.
Introduction
Present report is based on evaluating the adverse impact of social media on the teenagers
of central London. Social media is one of the modest form of communication by which
individuals can share their messages and information to each other. It is one of the cheapest ways
for sharing thoughts and communicating with one another (Browne and Hamilton-Giachritsis,
2005). In modern era, social networking sites are mostly considered by the teenagers and youth
people for exchanging images, knowledge and information for the purpose of entertainment and
pleasure. Further, it is also considered by commercial entity for the promotion of its products or
services because huge amount of population is available on these sites.
With the help of social media, networks of online friends can be used by individuals for
keeping in the touch with existing and current friends (Ahn, 2011). Along with this, some sites
help people to find better jobs and developing business contacts. Through social media, users can
join different forums and groups in order share their interests with other members. Most social
networking sites offers features to individuals such as designing profile page, uploading and
downloading of videos, sharing of opinions and discussion on current issues.
Research aims and objectives
Aim
Main aim of this research is to analyze the adverse impact of social media on the
teenagers of central London.
Objectives
 To evaluate the influence of social media on the social life of teenagers.
 To examine the impact of social networking sites on the attitudes and behavior of
teenagers of central London.
 To suggest the ways through which the adverse impact of social media can be minimized.
Research questions
 What are the impact of social media on the social life of teenagers of Central London?
 How does social media influence the behavior and attitude of teenagers?
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 What are the ways by which the adverse impact of social media on teenagers can be
minimized?
Future scope
At the end of research, it is needed for researcher to give recommendation for further
consideration and getting opportunity. With social media, there is also a major aspect which put
their adverse impact on the social life, development, education and attitude of teenagers and
youth. That is the internet which includes a range of benefits for individuals but it has also
negative impact in the case of teenagers. This research topic will be more appropriate for the
further study by which research can gain knowledge regarding the factors which influence the
behavior and perception of teenagers in central London.
Literature review
Social networking sites are one of the types of internet websites which allow individuals
to make their personal profile on it. Through using this profile, people can share images,
information, knowledge, music and videos with their online friends. In accordance to the study
of Kietzmann, (2011), it can be stated that there is a phenomenon increment in the use of social
networking sites in the past five years through which the number of internet users have been
increased to a higher level. In order to attract more number of users, developers of these sites are
focusing on providing more features to them which will be beneficial for business professional
and population. But in case of teenagers, there are various adverse impact of social media
because they doesn't have more sense to distinguish between the right and wrong (Kietzmann
and et. al., 2011).
As per the view point of Valkenburg, Peter and Schouten, (2006), there are various
negative impact of social media on the social life of teenagers. Social networking sites allow all
users to upload and download videos. Sometimes these videos includes irrelevant content which
is illegally prohibited to broadcast on television. Availability of those videos put their adverse
impact on the attitude of teenagers. According to the report of Ahn, (2011) it is revealed that
80% teenagers of central London use the social networking sites by for receiving and sending
messages during school hours. Use of social media in school leads to decrease the effectiveness
of education by diverting their minds in multitasking instead of study.
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As per the research of Browne and Hamilton-Giachritsis, (2005) Social media includes
the advertisement related to clothes, games, music and other products which influence teenagers
to spend money on those elements. Teenagers depend on their parents for their expanses and
pocket money. If, parents refuse them to give money for spending on those products, so they can
do any illegal offenses for the arrangement of finance in order to buy products through online
(Browne and Hamilton-Giachritsis, 2005). Now days, these sites includes a range of news about
the terrorism and other violence actions that may have adverse impact on the mental
development of teenagers.
Research methodology
Methodology is one of the crucial parts of research which assists researcher to complete
their study in an appropriate manner for the better achievement of its goals and objectives. It
includes a range of tools, techniques and methods used by researcher to collect data and
information from respondents and other sources (Mangold and Faulds, 2009). In order to draft
valid findings and conclusion, it is necessary for researcher to include methodology in their
study. In present report, research will be conducted for evaluating the adverse impact of social
networking sites on the teenagers of central London. For collecting information about this topic,
both primary and secondary sources will be considered by the researcher.
In case of primary data, information will be collected with the help of questionnaire
method. In this method, a document includes a range of questions regarding the subject matter
which will be filled by the 50 teenagers of central London (Valkenburg, Peter and Schouten,
2006). Further, secondary data will be gathered by using books, journals, online articles and
other websites. For creating research in better way, inductive approach will be used by researcher
along with considering the qualitative tools. Further, thematic analysis will be applied in this
research to observe and collect information in an effectual manner. For eliminating the chances
of ethical issues, data will be collected by the reliable sources and collected information will be
analyzed by using appropriate methods.
Limitations
Availability of limited time and cost was the major limitation which influenced
researcher to select the sample size of only 50 respondents. With the limited cost, it is not
possible to prepare more questionnaires for more teenagers of central London. Further, it was the
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biggest challenge for researcher to get reliable data because there is a huge amount of misleading
information in case of secondary sources that can't be judged properly.
Ethics
In order to eliminate the chances of ethical issues, data and information had been
collected from the reliable sources. Further, collected data has been analyzed by using qualitative
techniques for ensuring the effectiveness of those information. Along with this, high
consideration has been provided to all activities in order to reduce the chances of biasness. In
case of primary data, all the information had been collected by the teenagers whose age was 10-
16 years. While, secondary data had been collected by using the authorized and updated
additions of books, magazines and online articles.
Resources / Sample
Main aim of present research is to evaluate the adverse impact of social networking sites
on the teenagers of central London. This topic has been chosen by researcher because the use of
social media has been increasing continuously in this modern world. In this research, questions
have be made in accordance to analyze the harmful impact of social media in the respect of
teenager living in central London. In this study, both types of sources such as primary and
secondary will be considered by the researcher to collect information (Denzin and Lincoln,
2005). Sample size for the project is the 50 teenagers of Central London. For present research,
questionnaires have been filled by the 50 teenagers of central London in order to gain overall
knowledge about the subject matter.
Plan and procedure on Gantt chart
Research
activities
Week
1
Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9
Writing of
introduction
Completion
and drafting of
literature
review
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Developing
and
Administering
of the
questionnaire
Data
collection
through
primary and
secondary
sources
Screening and
data analysis
Drafting of
conclusion and
recommendati
ons
Submission of
research
report.
Rectification
in project as
per the
guidance of
tutor.
Printing and
binding.
Final
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submission.
Research carried out
Research methodology is the most essential element of research which is focused on
conducting the study in an effective manner for creating a valid conclusion and better findings
(Neuman, 2005). It includes a range of methods, approaches and tools that helps researcher to get
the answers of research questions in a proper way along this fulfilling the research objectives.
Different approaches and tools used in methodology are as follows:
Research philosophy
Selecting a suitable philosophy is the most necessary for the researcher to conduct its
research practices in a better way. There are mainly two types of philosophies such as positivism
and interpretivism which assists research team in gaining accurate data (Kumar, S. and
Phrommathed, 2005). In this study, interpretivism philosophy had been applied at the time of
collecting data in accordance to the topic. By using this philosophy, researcher can deduct the
part of more theories and increasing the volume of practical knowledge. Further, it was the best
philosophy for researcher to get accurate data about the adverse impact of social media on the
teenagers of central London.
Research approach
Research approach includes a range of activities used by the researcher at the time of
collecting data and information. Inductive and deductive are the major approaches that can be
used by researcher for conducting study regarding the subject matter (Churchill and Iacobucci,
2010). In present report, inductive approach had been considered for collecting and observing the
qualitative information. With the help of inductive approach, the process of data collection is
complected in an effective manner for the creation of better findings and conclusion.
Research design
In order to get reliable data and information, it is required for researcher to select
appropriate research design in accordance to the topic of study. Along with the data collection, it
guides research team to get the answers of questions set by them in the starting of research
(Cooper, Schindler and Sun, 2006). Research design must be suitable and effective as per the
research objectives which will be helpful for researcher to conduct study in proper manner. In the
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present research, exploratory research design had been selected which is focused on analysing
the availability of problems in collected data.
Data collection
Success of research mostly depends upon the effectiveness of data collection by which
better findings will be concluded (Harris and et. al., 2009). Data collection includes a set of tools
and methods that can be considered by the researcher at the time of gaining information. For
conducing data collection in an effective manner, primary and secondary sources had been used
by the researcher. In case of primary data, information had been collected with the help of
questionnaire method. While, books, magazines and online articles had been used by researcher
for collecting secondary data.
Questionnaire
Name.................
Age...................
Q.1 How frequently do you use social media for chatting with your friends and gaining other
information?
 Daily
 Once in every two days
 Weekly
 Biweekly
 Once in a month
Q. 2 Which social networking site has been mostly considered by you?
 Facebook
 Twitter
 YouTube
 Skype
 All the above
Q.3 Using social media wastes your more time which can be used on education.
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Disagree
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 Strongly disagree
 Can't say
Q.4 Social media influences you to purchase fashionable products, games and clothing.
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
 Can't say
Q. 5 Social media promotes unethical images, videos and other elements.
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
 Can't say
Q.6 According to you, availability of useless information creates confusion and ambiguity in
your mind.
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
 Can't say
Q.7 For what purpose, do you consider to these sites?
 Gaining knowledge
 Chatting
 Watching images
 Uploading and downloading videos
 Other purposes
Research techniques
In order to conduct research in a proper way, two types of techniques such as qualitative
and quantitative techniques can be used by the researcher of study. In present research,
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qualitative tools have been used by the researcher of study. In addition to this, thematic analysis
had been conducted to measure the efficiency of data for achieving the research objectives. With
the help of qualitative technique, researcher was able to gain info5mation regarding the adverse
impact of social media on the teenagers of Central London. Seven questions have been prepared
by the researcher for collecting data from the responses in an effective manner.
Theme 1: Number of teenagers who use social media in different time interval.
Findings
In accordance the responses of respondents, it has been observed that 34 % teenagers use
social media daily and 30% use once in every two days. It means social networking sites are
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Daily
Once in every two days
Weekly
Biweekly
Once in a month
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Series1

considered by most of teenagers in every one or two days. Further, 20% teenagers visits those
sites on the weekly basis. Only 6 % percent teenagers use social media once in the month.
Therefore, according to this data, it is stated that social sites are used by most of teenagers in
central London for the purpose of chatting and gaining information.
Theme 2: Use of social media is the main reason for the wastage of more time that can be
used on education.
Findings
In accordance to the questionnaire filled by respondents, 35 out of 50 customers agree
upon the statement that social media is the main reason for the wastage of time that can be used
on education. Further, 10 out of 50 respondents are not agreed upon this statement. According to
12
Strongly agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Can't say

this responses, it can be said that social media put its adverse impact on the effectiveness of
education by diverting the mind of teenagers towards the entertainment and chatting.
Theme 3: Role of social media in the promotion of unethical images, videos and other
elements.
Findings
By considering the responses of teenagers, it can be said that social media is one of the
platforms for the promotion of unethical images, videos and trailers of movies. In the survey, this
fact has been accepted by the 70% teenagers of central London. Remaining 16% teenagers
beliefs that they have no idea about it and 14% refuse to agree upon this statement.
Theme 4: Useless information on social media creates confusion and ambiguity in the mind
of teenagers.
13
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Can't say
0
5
10
15
20
25

Findings
According to the survey, it has been observed that availability of useless information on
social media crates confusion and ambiguity in the mind of teenagers. In the present research,
60% respondents believes upon the statement related to creation of confusion through social
networking sites. While, 24% teenagers do not believe that social media builds any confusion
and ambiguity in their mind. Thus, majority of respondents says that social sites put their
negative impact on the development of them.
Theme 5: Identification of purpose for which teenagers mostly consider the social
networking sites.
14
Strongly agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Can't say

Findings
According to questionnaire filled by teenagers, it has been noticed 30% teenagers used
social media for chatting with their friends and 30% use it for the purpose of watching images.
Further, it has been observed that 20% respondents visit the networking sites for uploading and
downloading of videos and 10% for other purposes. Only 10% teenagers use it for gaining
knowledge and education. As per the availability of this data, it is said that 90% teenagers in
central London is focused on using the social media for the purpose of entertainment and
pleasure instead of gaining knowledge.
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Watching images
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Analyzing the results in terms of research specification
Data analysis is focused on ensuring the effectiveness of data and information collected
by the primary and secondary sources (Silverman, 2010). For analyzing data in a proper way,
qualitative tools have been used by the researcher of study. In addition to this, thematic analysis
had been conducted to measure the efficiency of data for achieving the research objectives. With
the help of thematic analysis, researcher can get accurate data and information in an appropriate
manner. At the beginning of report, researcher thought that social people does not put more
adverse impact on the teenagers of Central London. But after research, it has been found that
social media put its huge negative impact on the attitude and behavior of teenagers of Central
London. According to the survey, 60% teenagers said that availability of useless information on
social media crates confusion and ambiguity in their mind. Further, it has been observed that
90% teenagers use social networking sites for the purpose of entertainment and only 10% use it
for the purpose of gaining knowledge. 70% teenagers believes that social media promotes
unethical images, videos and other elements.
Recommendation
By considering the present research, it has been observed that social media put its adverse
impact on the teenagers of central London. Along with this, it leads to influence the behavior and
attitude of teenagers towards the fashion and unethical elements. For reducing the influence of
social networking sites on teenagers, school management needs to be prohibited the use of
mobile phones during school hours. Along with this, it is required for government to organize
awareness programs for children and parents regarding the impact of social media. Furthermore,
it is needed for parents to monitor the daily activities of their children in order to perform active
role in their development. On the other side, it is also necessary for teenagers to ensure about the
person to whom they are sharing information.
Research Conclusion
In accordance to above research, it has been concluded that social media put their adverse
impact on the teenagers of central London by reducing the effectiveness of its education and
development. Social networking sites includes a range of unethical images, videos and other
elements which influence the cultural and religious values of teenagers. Along with this, it
creates confusion and ambiguity in the mind of them by providing useless information. In these
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sites, various advertisement of games, clothing and other fashionable goods influenced teenagers
to buy those items which can become the cause the conflict in between the parents and children.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Ahn, J., 2011. The effect of social network sites on adolescents' social and academic
development: Current theories and controversies. Journal of the American Society for
Information Science and Technology. 62(8). pp. 1435-1445.
Browne, K. D. and Hamilton-Giachritsis, C., 2005. The influence of violent media on children
and adolescents: a public-health approach. The Lancet. 365(9460). pp. 702-710.
Churchill, G. A. and Iacobucci, D., 2010. Marketing research: methodological foundations.
Cooper, D. R., Schindler, P. S. and Sun, J., 2006. Business research methods. New York:
McGraw-hill.
Denzin, N. K. and Lincoln, Y. S., 2005. Qualitative research. Denzin, NK y Lincoln YS.
Harris, P. A. and et. al., 2009. Research electronic data capture (REDCap)—a metadata-driven
methodology and workflow process for providing translational research informatics
support. Journal of biomedical informatics. 42(2). pp. 377-381.
Kietzmann, J. H. and et. al., 2011. Social media? Get serious! Understanding the functional
building blocks of social media. Business horizons. 54(3). pp. 241-251.
Kumar, S., & Phrommathed, P., 2005. Research methodology. Springer US.
Mangold, W. G. and Faulds, D. J., 2009. Social media: The new hybrid element of the promotion
mix. Business horizons. 52(4). pp. 357-365.
Neuman, W. L., 2005. Social research methods: Quantitative and qualitative approaches.
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Silverman, D., 2010. Qualitative research. Sage.
Valkenburg, P. M., Peter, J. and Schouten, A. P., 2006. Friend networking sites and their
relationship to adolescents' well-being and social self-esteem. CyberPsychology &
Behavior. 9(5). pp. 584-590.
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APPENDIX
Questionnaire
Name.................
Age...................
Q.1 How frequently do you use social media for chatting with your friends and gaining other
information?
 Daily
 Once in every two days
 Weekly
 Biweekly
 Once in a month
Q. 2 Which social networking site has been mostly considered by you?
 Facebook
 Twitter
 YouTube
 Skype
 All the above
Q.3 Using social media wastes your more time which can be used on education.
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
 Can't say
Q.4 Social media influences you to purchase fashionable products, games and clothing.
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
 Can't say
Q. 5 Social media promotes unethical images, videos and other elements.
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 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
 Can't say
Q.6 According to you, availability of useless information creates confusion and ambiguity in
your mind.
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
 Can't say
Q.7 For what purpose, do you consider to these sites?
 Gaining knowledge
 Chatting
 Watching images
 Uploading and downloading videos
 Other purposes
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