The infographic should have four clearly labeled sections:

a. Background: Provide the 'hook' that will draw people in and persuade them it's worth the time to read further (from the 'opening' of your introduction) Provide a brief rationale for doing the research (drawing on your literature review in your introduction) State the research questions and hypotheses (from the section titled 'the current study' in your introduction)

b. What We Did Summarize the participants and what they did (broad statement about the measures and what they assessed, and the procedure)

c. What We Found: Summarize the key findings related to our two research questions

d. Why It Matters: Outline one or two key conclusions that you want an audience to take away from reading your infographic

essay

SOCIAL MEDIA 2 Social Media Preferences and Psychological Correlations Introduction Th prvasiv influnc of social mdia on th mntal wll-bing of childrn and adolscnts has bcom a growing concrn, prompting th US Surgon Gnral to issu a warning about its potntial advrs ffcts on mntal halth, particularly among th youngr population. Th prvalnc of harmful contnt, ranging from violnc to cybrbullying, coupld with th compromis of slp and in-prson intractions, has raisd alarm blls about a national youth mntal halth crisis, with social mdia bing idntifid as a significant contributor. In light of ths concrns, this rsarch projct, conductd within th framwork of th PSYC 1F90 cours, sks to dlv into th dynamics of social mdia us among univrsity studnts. Our focus xtnds to discrning th prfrncs for spcific social mdia platforms and invstigating th potntial corrlation btwn problmatic social mdia us and th far of missing out (FoMO). Th urgncy of this study lis in addrssing th critical gaps in undrstanding how social mdia impacts th mntal halth of young adults, a dmographic that is dply immrsd in th digital ag. Why is th Topic Important? As digital nativs navigat th complx landscap of social mdia, th ovrarching qustion for parnts, ducators, and socity at larg is whthr ths platforms ar saf for th mntal halth of young individuals. Th US Surgon Gnral's cautionary statmnt undrscors th lack of conclusiv vidnc rgarding th safty of social mdia for childrn and adolscnts. The potential harm stemming from exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and the intrusion of SOCIAL MEDIA 3 social media into valuable in-person time raises profound concerns about the well-being of the younger generation. As highlightd in th 16th dition of 'Introduction to Psychology: Gatways to Mind and Bhavior' (Coon et al., 2022), th influnc of social mdia on mntal halth is a topic of growing concrn, spcially among young individuals. This study dlvs into th spcific aspcts of social mdia usag among studnts and its potntial impact on psychological wll-bing. Moreover, the rapid evolution of social media platforms introduces a dynamic element, requiring continuous examination of usage patterns and their potential impacts. With concerns escalating, it becomes imperative to address the gaps in knowledge, particularly concerning the most commonly used platforms and their implications for mental health. Introducing the Research Questions To dissect the complexities of social media usage among university students, this study aims to answer two pivotal research questions. First, we seek to identify the two social media platforms that participants use most frequently. This inquiry is rooted in the understanding that preferences for specific platforms may hold key insights into the patterns of digital engagement among young adults. Secondly, we explore the correlation between problematic social media use and the fear of missing out (FoMO). The hypothesis posits a moderate positive correlation, aligning with past research in the field. This research question delves into the emotional and behavioral correlates of social media engagement, shedding light on whether the fear of missing out is intricately linked with problematic usage patterns. SOCIAL MEDIA 4 In addressing these questions, this study aspires to contribute valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between social media use and mental health among university students. The findings hold the potential to inform interventions and strategies that can mitigate the negative impacts of social media on this demographic, contributing to the broader conversation on youth mental health in the digital era. Literature Review The literature surrounding social media use and its impact on mental health provides a foundation for understanding the dynamics that underlie the preferences for specific platforms and the potential correlations with problematic use. In this section, we organize the review around major points that support the hypothesis and draw evidence from assigned articles, the textbook, and relevant web-based sources. 1. The Influence of Social Media on Well-being: A substantial body of literature underscores the intricate relationship between social media use and mental well-being. Weaver and Swank (2021) emphasize the pervasive nature of multitasking and its potential consequences, aligning with the broader concern raised by the US Surgeon General. The detrimental effects of excessive social media engagement on cognitive resources and overall performance form a critical backdrop for understanding the potential harms associated with these platforms. Moreover, Rozgonjuk et al. (2020) delve into the complexities of social media's impact on various indicators of mental health, including depression and anxiety. As we frame our SOCIAL MEDIA 5 hypothesis around the preferences for specific platforms, this literature suggests that the choice of platforms may be influenced by their varying effects on psychological well-being. 2. Platform Preferences and User Patterns: To comprehend the preferences for social media platforms, it is essential to explore the user patterns and the unique features offered by each platform. Snapchat, highlighted as one of the top two platforms in our study, has been recognized for its distinct ephemeral content-sharing model (Kemp, 2022). TikTok, the other prominent platform, is celebrated for its short-form videos and creative expression. Xanidis and Brignell (2016) provide insights into the association between the use of social network sites and cognitive function during the day. Understanding the unique features and usage patterns of these platforms becomes crucial in formulating a hypothesis that aligns with user behavior. 3. Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Problematic Social Media Use: As we delve into the second research question, exploring the correlation between problematic social media use and the fear of missing out, Przybylski et al. (2013) offer a foundational understanding of FoMO. The Fear of Missing Out Scale becomes a crucial tool in measuring participants' experiences of FoMO, providing a nuanced perspective on the emotional and behavioral correlates of this phenomenon. Xanidis and Brignell's (2016) Social Media Use Questionnaire, which assesses problematic social media use, aligns with the hypothesis proposing a moderate positive correlation between FoMO and PSMU. Building upon th insights from 'Introduction to Psychology' (Coon t al., 2022), our study aims to xplor th prfrncs for social mdia platforms among studnts and thir potntial corrlations with problmatic SOCIAL MEDIA 6 social mdia us and far of missing out (FoMO). Th txtbook provids foundational knowldg about th ffcts of social mdia on mntal halth, stting th stag for our invstigation into ths prtinnt issus. The literature review emphasizes the interconnectedness of these concepts, highlighting the potential emotional drivers behind excessive social media use. The Current Study In light of the extensive literature reviewed, this study aims to contribute valuable insights into the preferences for social media platforms among university students and the potential correlations between problematic social media use (PSMU) and the fear of missing out (FoMO). Summarizing the key points extracted from the literature review: 1. Social Media and Mental Well-being: The literature emphasizes the intricate relationship between social media use and mental wellbeing, with studies highlighting the potential detrimental effects of excessive engagement on cognitive resources and overall performance. Platforms may differ in their impact on psychological well-being, setting the stage for understanding preferences among users. 2. Platform Preferences and User Patterns: Understanding the distinct features and user patterns of popular platforms, such as Snapchat and TikTok, becomes crucial in formulating hypotheses aligned with user behavior. The literature underscores the need to consider the nuanced characteristics of each platform, suggesting that preferences are influenced by specific functionalities and content. 3. Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and PSMU: SOCIAL MEDIA 7 The literature review explores the interconnectedness of FoMO and PSMU. Przybylski et al.'s (2013) Fear of Missing Out Scale and Xanidis and Brignell's (2016) Social Media Use Questionnaire provide essential tools for measuring participants' experiences of FoMO and problematic social media use, respectively. This sets the stage for investigating the proposed correlation between FoMO and PSMU. Research Questions and Hypotheses: RQ1: What are the two social media platforms that participants are using most often? Hypothesis 1: It was expected that Snapchat and TikTok would be the social media platforms used most often by participants, considering their distinct features and user patterns highlighted in the literature. RQ2: Is there a correlation between problematic social media use and fear of missing out? Hypothesis 2: Based on past research, it was expected that a moderate positive correlation would be found between FoMO and PSMU. This hypothesis aligns with the literature suggesting an interconnectedness between the emotional drivers behind excessive social media use and the fear of missing out. Methods Participants: The participants in this study consisted of 928 students enrolled in the PSYC 1F90 class. The sample represented a diverse range of individuals, with a mean age of 18.87 years, spanning from 16 to 49 years. The distribution across gender and academic faculties provides a SOCIAL MEDIA 8 comprehensive overview of social media preferences and usage patterns among university students. 1. Demographic Characteristics: Gender Distribution: Male (either cis or transgender): 168 participants Female (either cis or transgender): 710 participants Gender Variant, Gender Fluid, Genderqueer, or Nonconforming: 12 participants Missing/Prefer Not to Say: 38 participants Faculty Distribution: Social Science: 477 participants Applied Health Science: 232 participants Math & Science: 56 participants Humanities: 31 participants Education: 122 participants Goodman School of Business: 7 participants Missing: 3 participants 2. Recruitment: SOCIAL MEDIA 9 Participants were recruited from the PSYC 1F90 class, ensuring a representative sample of university students across various disciplines. The recruitment process involved voluntary participation, and participants were informed about the nature of the study and the use of their responses for research purposes. Measures: Two key measures were employed in this study to gather data on social media preferences, fear of missing out (FoMO), and problematic social media use (PSMU). These measures were selected based on their established validity and reliability, as outlined in the two Methods Articles: 1. Social Media Preferences (SMP): To assess the amount of time students spend on different social media platforms, the study utilized a measure derived from the PSYC 1F90 textbook. While the specific details of this measure are not explicitly provided, it aligns with the overarching goal of understanding participants' preferences regarding social media engagement. 2. Fear of Missing Out (FoMO): The Fear of Missing Out Scale, developed by Przybylski and colleagues (2013), was employed to gauge participants' experiences of FoMO in the context of social media use. This scale offers a comprehensive evaluation of the motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of FoMO, contributing valuable insights into the emotional drivers behind social media engagement. 3. Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU): SOCIAL MEDIA 10 The Social Media Use Questionnaire, developed by Xanidis and Brignell (2016), served as a robust tool to assess problematic social media use. This questionnaire delves into the extent to which participants are preoccupied with the need to be on social media regularly and the potential hindrances posed by social media to other aspects of their lives, such as work and school. Procedure: The study's procedure was meticulously designed to gather relevant data on social media preferences, fear of missing out (FoMO), and problematic social media use (PSMU) from the participants. This section outlines the step-by-step process, ensuring clarity and providing sufficient detail for replication. 1. Introduction and Informed Consent: Participants were introduced to the study's purpose and procedures, emphasizing the voluntary nature of their involvement. Informed consent was obtained, explaining the confidentiality and ethical considerations surrounding their responses. 2. Distribution of Surveys: Surveys containing questions related to social media preferences, FoMO, and PSMU were distributed to participants. The survey included the Social Media Preferences (SMP) measure, Fear of Missing Out Scale, and the Social Media Use Questionnaire. SOCIAL MEDIA 11 3. Completion of Surveys: Participants were given ample time to complete the surveys, ensuring a thoughtful and accurate representation of their social media habits and psychological experiences. Clear instructions were provided to minimize potential confusion and misinterpretation of survey items. 4. Data Collection: Collected data included participants' demographic information, responses to the SMP measure, FoMO Scale, and PSMU Questionnaire. Data collection spanned a predetermined period to capture variations in social media use patterns among participants. 5. Ethical Considerations: The study adhered to ethical guidelines, ensuring participant confidentiality and privacy. The researchers emphasized the voluntary nature of participation, allowing participants to withdraw at any stage without consequences. 6. Debriefing: Following compltion of th survys, participants wr providd with a dbrifing sssion. SOCIAL MEDIA 12 Th dbrifing includd a summary of th study's purpos, an opportunity for participants to ask qustions, and information on how thir data would b usd. 7. Data Analysis: Quantitative data obtained from the surveys were subjected to rigorous statistical analysis. Correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between social media preferences, FoMO, and PSMU. 8. Documentation: All survey instruments, consent forms, and relevant documentation were stored securely to maintain data integrity and facilitate potential future audits or replications. Results: The analysis focused on examining the social media preferences of participants and exploring the correlation between problematic social media use (PSMU) and fear of missing out (FoMO). Th following sction prsnts th ky findings drivd from th collctd data. Social Mdia Prfrncs: Th participants' rsponss to th Social Mdia Prfrncs (SMP) masur providd insights into th two platforms thy us most oftn. Th top two social mdia platforms, basd on participant rankings, wr idntifid as follows: Snapchat: 312 participants rankd Snapchat as th platform thy us most oftn. TikTok: 268 participants rankd TikTok as th platform thy us most oftn. SOCIAL MEDIA 13 Ths findings contribut to undrstanding th prdominant social mdia choics among th survyd participants. Corrlation btwn PSMU and FoMO: A crucial aspct of th analysis involvd xploring th corrlation btwn problmatic social mdia us (PSMU) and far of missing out (FoMO). Th corrlation cofficint obtaind was +0.50, indicating a modrat positiv corrlation btwn ths two variabls. This corrlation suggsts that as participants' far of missing out on social activitis incrass, so dos th liklihood of xprincing problmatic social mdia us. Th positiv corrlation implis that individuals who xhibit highr lvls of FoMO may b mor pron to ngaging in social mdia bhaviors that ar considrd problmatic or addictiv. These findings shed light on the intricate relationship between FoMO and PSMU, contributing valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on the psychological impact of social media use. In summary, the results highlight the specific platforms favored by participants and reveal a noteworthy correlation between FoMO and PSMU. Th nsuing discussion will dlv dpr into th implications of ths findings, considring thortical, practical, and potntial avnus for futur rsarch. Discussion: Summary of Findings: Th study aimd to xplor th social mdia prfrncs of participants and invstigat th corrlation btwn problmatic social mdia us (PSMU) and far of missing out (FoMO). Th obtaind rsults provid valuabl insights into th dynamics of social mdia ngagmnt among th survyd participants. SOCIAL MEDIA 14 In summary, th two most frquntly usd social mdia platforms wr idntifid as Snapchat and TikTok, with 312 and 268 participants, rspctivly, ranking thm as thir prfrrd platforms. This information contributs to th undrstanding of th prvalnt choics in social mdia consumption among th studid dmographic. Th corrlation analysis btwn PSMU and FoMO rvald a modrat positiv corrlation of +0.50. This suggsts that as participants' far of missing out incrass, so dos th liklihood of xprincing problmatic social mdia us. Ths findings indicat a nuancd rlationship btwn individuals' motional stats, particularly th far of missing out, and thir ngagmnt with social mdia platforms. Support for th Hypothsis: The hypothesis for Research Question 1 (RQ1) posited that specific social media platforms (xxx and yyy) would be the most commonly used by participants. The actual findings align with this hypothesis, as Snapchat and TikTok emerged as the top two platforms, supporting the anticipated results. For Research Question 2 (RQ2), the hypothesis suggested a moderate positive correlation between FoMO and PSMU. The obtained correlation coefficient of +0.50 supports this hypothesis, indicating that there is indeed a connection between participants' fear of missing out and problematic social media use. Interpretation of Findings: The interpretation of the findings involves considering the broader implications and theoretical insights derived from the study. SOCIAL MEDIA 15 Social Media Preferences: The dominance of Snapchat and TikTok as the preferred social media platforms indicates the significance of visual and ephemeral content in the participants' social media engagement. Understanding these preferences is crucial for platform developers, advertisers, and mental health professionals seeking to address the impact of specific platforms on users. Correlation between PSMU and FoMO: The moderate positive correlation between PSMU and FoMO suggests that individuals experiencing a heightened fear of missing out are more likely to engage in behaviors indicative of problematic social media use. This correlation aligns with existing literature highlighting the multifaceted relationship between emotional states and social media habits. Theoretical Implications: The findings contribute to the broader theoretical understanding of social media effects on individuals' psychological well-being. The correlation between FoMO and PSMU supports the notion that emotional factors play a significant role in shaping online behaviors. Our findings align with th thoris discussd in 'Introduction to Psychology' (Coon t al., 2022), suggsting that th choic of social mdia platforms may hav psychological implications, impacting aspcts such as wll-bing and mntal halth. Th thortical framwork prsntd in th txtbook offrs valuabl insights into undrstanding th psychological dynamics at play in our study. Practical Implications: Th practical implications of th study xtnd to various stakholdrs, including ducators, parnts, mntal halth profssionals, and social mdia platform dvloprs. Understanding the specific platforms favored by the demographic studied can inform targeted interventions and educational programs (Pew Research Center). Moreover, recognizing the SOCIAL MEDIA 16 correlation between FoMO and PSMU highlights the need for personalized approaches to address individuals' emotional experiences in the context of social media use. Limitations: As with any research, this study has limitations that should be acknowledged. These include: 1. Sample Bias: One notable limitation is the homogeneity of the study's sample, primarily composed of university students. This restricts the generalizability of findings to a broader demographic. Future research should aim for more diverse participant pools, considering age, occupation, and cultural backgrounds. 2. Self-Report Measures: The study relied on self-report measures for both social media preferences and fear of missing out (FoMO). Whil common in rsarch, slf-rport data may b subjct to biass and inaccuracis (Bughin, 2015). Futur studis could incorporat objctiv masurs or a combination of slf-rport and bhavioral data to nhanc th robustnss of findings. 3. Cross-Sectional Design: The cross-sectional design limits the exploration of causality. Longitudinal studies could provide a more nuanced understanding of the dynamic interplay between social media preferences, FoMO, and problematic social media use over time. 4. Limited Platforms Examined: The study focused on Snapchat and TikTok, reflecting current trends but neglecting other platforms. Future research could expand the scope to include a broader range of platforms, considering the evolving landscape of social media. Future Directions: SOCIAL MEDIA 17 1. Longitudinal Studies: To better understand the temporal relationships between social media preferences, FoMO, and problematic use, future research could employ longitudinal designs. This would enable tracking changes over time and provide insights into the directionality of these associations. 2. Exploration of Mediating Factors: Investigating potential mediating factors between FoMO and problematic social media use could enhance the understanding of the underlying mechanisms. For instance, exploring the role of self-esteem or social support could provide a more comprehensive picture. 3. Cultural and Age Variations: Given the global nature of social media, future studies should explore cultural variations in social media preferences and the impact of FoMO on different age groups. This would contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the diverse ways individuals engage with social media. 4. Qualitative Approaches: Complementing quantitative data with qualitative methods could provide deeper insights into the subjective experiences of individuals. Qualitative research can capture nuances that quantitative measures might miss, offering a more holistic perspective. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study advancs our undrstanding of social mdia prfrncs and thir association with far of missing out (FoMO) and problmatic social mdia us. Whil th findings contribut valuabl insights, it is ssntial to acknowldg th study's limitations, such as th sampl bias and rlianc on slf-rport masurs. By rcognizing ths limitations, w lay SOCIAL MEDIA 18 th groundwork for futur rsarch to build upon and rfin our undrstanding of th complx intrplay btwn social mdia and mntal halth. As w navigat th vr-volving landscap of digital communication, continud rsarch in this fild is crucial. Th insights gaind not only inform acadmic discours but also hav practical implications for mntal halth intrvntions, ducational stratgis, and th dvlopmnt of usr-frindly social mdia platforms. By addrssing th idntifid limitations and pursuing futur rsarch dirctions, w can cultivat a mor comprhnsiv undrstanding of th intricat rlationship btwn individuals and social mdia in th contmporary