Effects of Social Media on the Developing Mind

Topic: Internet use among elementary aged children (ages 5–11).

Instructions:

Younger generations are growing up with exposure to the Internet from their earliest moments. Children might be swiping on tablets before reading physical books, teenagers might engage with friends as much online as offline, and emerging adults may be exploring their identity in new ways given access to various social media platforms. How does this exposure influence human growth and development? Are effects positive, negative, or somewhere in between? The potential influences on our cognitive, academic, emotional, and physical growth are many.

For example, have you ever felt overwhelmed by the amount of information available on the Internet? Do you have a hard time remembering where you saw or heard a specific fact? The Internet provides people with more information than the largest physical library can contain. This wealth of facts, figures, opinions, and even memes requires our brain to process information in new and different ways.

Consider too how you learn differently when presented with online resources versus in-person or physical resources. The Internet has changed schooling as well. Some of those changes are huge—like this online course you are taking. Others are more subtle, like offering more communication tools. Many resources are now just a click away.

In recent years, people have been paying more attention to the relationship between social media use and health, both physical and emotional. Like all aspects of the Internet, the effects are mixed. This assessment focuses on how the Internet and social media affect the developing mind. You'll review multiple of the areas above to explore these effects and highlight personal and professional applications.

Preparations:

Topic: Internet use among elementary aged children (ages 5–11).

Research:

Using the Capella University Library, find two peer-reviewed journal articles on your topic. Some concepts to consider are:

• Information and higher-order processing.
  • Memory.
  • Google effect.
  • Immediate gratification.
  • Critical thinking.
• Reading, writing, and schooling.
  • Critical analysis.
  • Reading skills.
  • Motor knowledge.
  • Self-regulation.
  • Metacognition.
• Emotions.
  • Valence.
  • Arousal.
  • Nomophobia.
  • Depression.
• Health.
  • Rumination.
  • Reappraisal.
  • Stress.
  • Exercise
  
  Instructions:
• Write a 3–5 page paper that includes:
  • Introduction.
    • One paragraph summary of your topic.
      • Include a thesis statement.
      • Describe why it is important to study the digital behaviors of your selected age group.
  • Psychological Concepts.
    • 1–2 paragraphs on a psychological concept related to information or higher-order processes.
      • Choose a concept that relates to your topic:
        • Memory.
        • Google effect.
        • Immediate gratification.
        • Critical thinking.
    • 1–2 paragraphs related to reading, writing, or schooling.
      • Choose a concept that relates to your topic:
        • Critical analysis.
        • Reading skills.
        • Motor knowledge.
        • Self-regulation.
        • Metacognition.
  • Research.
    • 1–2 paragraphs that summarize the research from the two peer-reviewed journal articles you found.
      • Describe the main concepts, participants, methods, and research findings. Be sure to include citations.
  • Personal Health.
    • 1–2 paragraphs related to emotions.
      • Choose a concept that relates to your topic.
        • Valence.
        • Arousal.
        • Nomophobia.
        • Depression.
    • 1–2 paragraphs related to health.
      • Choose a concept that relates to your topic.
        • Rumination.
        • Reappraisal.
        • Stress.
        • Exercise.
    • One paragraph describing how you'll use this information in your personal life.
  • Careers.
    • 1–2 paragraphs describing how you'll use this information in a future psychology-related job or career.
  • Conclusion.
    • One paragraph summarizing your key points.
      • End with a concluding thought.
  • References
  • Create a reference page
  Requirements:
• Your assessment should also meet the following requirements:
  • Written communication: Written communication is in professional style with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.
  • Resources: Use a minimum of three sources: your textbook and two peer-reviewed journal articles.
  • APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to APA style and formatting.
    • Refer to Academic Writer for guidance in using proper APA style.
  • Length: 3–5 typed, double-spaced pages.
  • Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
  • 
    

Sources:

Information Processing and Social Media

Explore the ways social media affects information processing. Access the following chapters to learn more:

• From Smartphones to Social Media.
  • Chapter 5, "Information and Attention."
  • Chapter 6, "Higher-Order Processes."

Learning, Reading, and Writing

Learn about the positive and negative effects Internet use can have on learning. Access the following chapters to learn more:

• From Smartphones to Social Media.
  • Chapter 7, "Reading and Writing."
  • Chapter 8, "School Learning."

Emotions and Health

Social media use affects our emotions and physical health. Access the following chapters to learn more:

• From Smartphones to Social Media.
  • Chapter 9, "Emotions."
  • Chapter 10, "Health."