This is the outline of my research paper writing:

Title: Exploring the Impact of Social Media on College Students' Mental Health

Introduction:

Start with a quote, such as Pema Chodron’s line about inner peace, to introduce the theme of emotional control.

Hook: “Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.” – Pema Chodron

Why is this issue important?

Background: Social media amplifies the fear of missing out (FOMO), college students spend a lot of time on social media to have connections with others. However the over use of social media disrupts Mental health among college students.
Why college students: main users of social media, affects them the most.

*Emphasize the value of inner peace and self-expression.

Thesis Statement: Social media impacts college students' mental health by increasing anxiety, stress and social comparison, leading to diminished self-worth and conformity.

The following paragraphs will be arguing how social media harms college student’s

Mental health With two main aspects:

(1)Increased anxiety and stress

(2)Social comparison leading to pressure to conform

Mental Health

(Argument 1)

Paragraph 1: Increased anxiety and stress

Topic Sentence: Social media undermines students' mental health by increasing their anxiety and stress lowering their self-worth.

Key Points:
- Unrealistic Standards: Social media promotes idealized lifestyles that students may feel pressured to achieve.
- These standards create stress and anxiety over personal appearance, social life, and achievements.
- Stress: Stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior. Stress that's not dealt with can lead to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes.
- Anxiety: Anxiety disorder may lead to social isolation and clinical depression, and can impair a person's ability to work, study and do routine activities
Long-Term Impact: Over time, this search for validation, overwhelming stress and anxiety on social media platforms.
Example: A student may feel pressure to match perfect images or achievements they see, which leads to ongoing stress and anxiety as they try to be “good enough.”

(Argument 2)

Paragraph 2: Social comparison leading to pressure to conform

Topic Sentence: Social media encourages conformity by creating pressure to join certain trends, pushing students away from their personal interests and values.

Key Points:
Social Comparison
- Pressure to Conform: Students often feel compelled to join events or engage in behaviors just to fit in, even if they don’t enjoy them. This undermines their individuality and authentic interests.
- Self-worth : The constant comparison on platforms like Instagram can lower self-worth, as students measure their lives against others’ highlight reels.
Long-Term Impacts: Students lose touch with their values, interests, and personal identity. Regular conformity to fit social expectations can make students lose touch with their true selves and unique passions. Simply put, LOSE INDIVIDUALITY!!
Example: A student passionate about art might abandon this interest for more socially accepted activities, leading to long-term dissatisfaction and missed opportunities for personal growth.

Paragraph 3: Counterargument

Topic Sentence: Although some argue that social media fosters creativity and self-expression by exposing students to diverse trends and ideas, the effects can be superficial and often detrimental to true self-expression.

Counterpoints:

Potential for Connection: It allows students to find like-minded communities, which can seem to support self-expression and individuality.
Creativity and Exploration: Social media offers a variety of content, ideas, and trends that could potentially inspire students to try new things or discover new interests.

Rebuttal:

Superficiality of Trends: While social media may encourage exploration, the nature of social comparison often shifts these efforts toward conformity rather than true self-discovery. Students may explore trends not out of genuine interest but to fit in, undermining authentic self-expression.
False Sense of Belonging: Rather than fostering meaningful connections, social media can create shallow relationships. The desire for social approval often results in superficial engagement rather than true friendship or support.

This reinforces the need for students to prioritize inner peace and self-expression based on personal values rather than external validation on social media.

Inner peace is being in harmony with yourself, others, and the world around you.

Self-expression is the process of engaging in activities you believe exemplify your innermost thoughts, feelings, and desires.

Conclusion

Summary: Social media pressures not only affect students’ mental health by promoting social comparison and anxiety but also undermine individuality by encouraging conformity. To focus on ourselves, defeat the negative impacts on over use of social media.
Call to Action:
Everyone is unique, learn to find your own inner peace and self-expression through:
- Be Yourself: Encourage students to focus on their values, not others.
- Embrace Unique Passions: Reinforce the importance of pursuing authentic interests over external validation.
- Build Authentic Connections: Focus on meaningful relationships that offer genuine support rather than social validation.
Final Thought: “True fulfillment comes not from fitting in, but from embracing and expressing your authentic self.”