Research Symposium

22nd annual Undergraduate Research Symposium

Eva Rucinski she/her Poster Session 7: 3:30 - 4:15/Poster #4


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BIO


My name is Eva Rucinski and I am from Beverly Hills, Florida. I am currently in Behavioral Neuroscience and I plan to practice psychiatry in the future. As for my research interests, I want to explore how mental disorders affect the brain and how the use of drugs and psychotherapy can help individuals overcome these disorders.

Emotions and Social Media Use: Youth Experiences of Different Online Phenomena

Authors: Eva Rucinski , Vanessa Dennen
Student Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Mentor: Vanessa Dennen
Mentor's Department: Department of Educational Psychology & Learning Systems
Mentor's College: College of Education
Co-Presenters: Sofia Bernal, Maddie Massmann, Martina Rojas, Olivia Martin

Abstract


Social media has become more prominent in the 21st century and has facilitated easier modes of communication. However, with the emergence of social media, many individuals have started associating social media in both a negative and positive light. This study investigates possible correlations between social media and feelings of negative and positive emotions while also conducting a meta-analysis to investigate trends that are related to this field of study. The objective of this research was to investigate why individuals experience these varieties of emotions and provide more knowledge to this current field of literature. Additionally, it is also a way to provide more knowledge than what is known about current studies. Participants involved in this study were asked to complete a Qualtrics survey that offered in depth questions about emotions experienced while doing certain tasks on social media. Afterwards, participants were asked two long answer questions about one time they experienced both positive and negative emotions while on social media.

Keywords: Social Media, Emotions, Phone Use