In my master's thesis, I explored the impact of technology, smartphones, and social media on young people. The rapid technological development has brought along not only numerous advantages but also drawbacks. Both aspects were thoroughly examined in my thesis. The main issue I investigated was the excessive use of smartphones among youth. The master's thesis consists of three main parts: theoretical framework, methodology, and research results. In the theoretical introduction, I present the main theoretical foundations and the latest research on the use of technology, smartphones, and social media among primary, secondary, and tertiary education students. I extensively discuss the importance of leisure time in the lives of young people, characteristics of adolescence, theories related to social media, mental health in relation to smartphones, excessive use, and addiction. Finally, I tie everything together with the field of social work.
I conducted a qualitative research study aiming to address the previously formulated research questions. I conducted a study on a convenience sample of 15 young individuals who are completing their level of education. I conducted individual interviews with them, where they answered pre-prepared questions, and I asked them follow-up questions if needed. The results showed that young people spend an average of 4.9 hours per day on their phones, exceeding expert guidelines. Adolescents reported that their mood typically worsens with prolonged phone use. They also noticed the impact of social media on their self-esteem and relationships with parents. The absence of a phone triggers discomfort among youth. Views on the authenticity of addiction in their lives were divided.
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