Produce a plan for a literature review in relation to a chosen research topic

You have to produce a plan for a literature review in relation to a chosen research topic (you do not have to actually undertake the literature review – that comes later)

Ideally the research question will be one that you keep for assignment 2 and your dissertation

The word count is 1,500 words (plus or minus 10%)

The assignment must be submitted electronically via BREO by Friday 9th November at 10.00am

It contributes 20% to the total marks available for the Unit

Sample Answer

Literature Review Plan: The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health

Introduction

Adolescence is a critical stage in human development, marked by significant physical, psychological, and social changes. In recent years, the rise of digital technologies and, in particular, social media platforms has transformed the ways in which young people communicate, learn, and form their identities. While social media presents opportunities for self-expression and community building, it has also raised concerns regarding its potential impact on the mental health of adolescents. Issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and cyberbullying have been frequently linked to online activity.

The purpose of this literature review is to critically evaluate existing research on the relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health. The review will identify the key themes emerging in the literature, highlight debates and contradictions, and situate the chosen topic within broader psychological, sociological, and educational frameworks.

This plan outlines the research focus, objectives, scope of review, sources to be considered, and thematic structure to guide the full literature review later.

Research Question

To what extent does social media use influence the mental health of adolescents, and what factors mediate this relationship?

Objectives of the Literature Review

1. To critically evaluate the existing academic literature on adolescent mental health and social media use.

2. To identify both positive and negative outcomes of social media engagement among young people.

3. To explore mediating factors such as gender, socio-economic background, screen time, and the type of online activity.

4. To examine policy, educational, and healthcare responses to the challenges posed by social media.

5. To identify gaps in the literature that could inform future research and the dissertation project.

Rationale for the Topic

The topic is timely and important, given the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among adolescents. According to NHS Digital (2023), one in five children and young people aged 8–25 in England has a probable mental disorder. At the same time, social media usage rates among adolescents remain extremely high, with studies reporting that over 90% of young people are active online. The review will therefore examine whether there is a causal link, a correlational association, or a more complex interaction between social media use and mental health outcomes.

This topic also allows the integration of multiple perspectives, including psychology (emotional well-being, identity formation), sociology (peer pressure, cultural norms), and public health (mental health interventions, digital literacy policies).

Scope of the Review

The review will cover academic literature published between 2010 and 2025, as this period captures the exponential growth of platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. The population of focus will be adolescents aged 10–19, in line with the World Health Organization’s definition of adolescence. Studies from multiple regions will be considered, although emphasis will be placed on research from the UK, North America, and Europe, due to data availability and relevance to policy discussions.

Both qualitative and quantitative studies will be included, ranging from large-scale surveys and longitudinal studies to smaller, in-depth case studies. Grey literature such as policy reports from the NHS, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization will also be consulted to provide a broader perspective.

Continued...