Date of Award

7-8-2024

Publication Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.Ed.

Department

Education

Keywords

adolescents;Affordance Theory;mental health;Social Influence Theory;transition;well-being

Supervisor

Lindsey Jaber

Abstract

Adolescence is a crucial stage for developing good social connections and emotional habits within a supportive environment that promotes mental health and well-being. Online digital connection provides opportunities for adolescents to socialize; however, research (e.g., Abi-Jaoude et al., 2020; Kerr & Kingsbury, 2023; Statistics Canada, 2022) has also indicated that it negatively impacted adolescent mental health. However, it is relatively unknown how social media use and mental health simultaneously affect adolescents’ transition from high school to university. In conducting this study, opinions regarding social media use and the impact it has on adolescent mental health and well-being during the transition to university will be presented and interpreted. Using Social Influence Theory (SIT) and affordance theory lenses, semi-structured interviews were conducted with first- and second-year university students. The data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and five overarching themes were conceptualized: 1) Knowledge and Understanding; 2) Changes in Social Media Use; 3) Coping During Difficult Times; 4) Mental Health and Well-Being During the Transition to University; and 5) Problematic Social Media Use. Unique individual findings were also discussed. These themes encompassed the unique lived experiences that participants had using social media and how it impacted their mental health and well-being during their transition into university.

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