Perceptions & Identity: A Narrative Inquiry Study of Young Women's Experiences with Social Media

Perceptions & Identity: A Narrative Inquiry Study of Young Women's Experiences with Social Media sought to understand young women's experiences with social media, their curated algorithms, and their connections to mental health. The research question: "how do young women describe the influences of social media platforms and their curated algorithms' connection (if at all) to mental health and wellness?" explores the impact and causes of their experiences. The Perfect Storm, a developmental-sociocultural framework, was used to understand the effects of the combined forces of adolescent development, gender socialization, and social media on young women. Data used for this study included art collages, field notes, and interviews. This data identified four themes: Mirror Syndrome, Friend Weaving, Cogniscope, and Hope. These four themes were present in all six of my participants' data. Significant to this study was that while it supported previous research about the harms that occur from social media use, these participants were resolute in their ability to not only understand their experiences but also to find hope for future healing and wellness. These young women are strong and capable and want to share their voices with future generations about how to combat and mitigate the harms that come from social media platforms and their curated algorithms. Continued research is needed to explore practical ways to support those who have suffered from these negative experiences.

​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Perceptions & Identity: A Narrative Inquiry Study of Young Women’s​ ​Experiences with Social Media​ ​Tina S. Seastrand​ ​Westminster University​ ​A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment​ ​of the requirement of the degree​ ​of​ ​Master of Arts in Community and Organizational Leadership​ ​Westminster University​ ​Salt Lake City, Utah​ ​May 2025​ ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Abstract​ ​Perceptions & Identity: A Narrative Inquiry Study of Young Women’s Experiences with​ ​Social Media sought to understand young women's experiences with social media, their curated​ ​algorithms, and their connections to mental health. The research question: “how do young​ ​women describe the influences of social media platforms and their curated algorithms'​ ​connection (if at all) to mental health and wellness?” explores the impact and causes of their​ ​experiences.​​The Perfect Storm​​, a developmental-sociocultural​​framework, was used to​ ​understand the effects of the combined forces of adolescent development, gender socialization,​ ​and social media on young women. Data used for this study included art collages, field notes,​ ​and interviews. This data identified four themes: Mirror Syndrome, Friend Weaving,​ ​Cogniscope, and Hope. These four themes were present in all six of my participants' data.​ ​Significant to this study was that while it supported previous research about the harms that occur​ ​from social media use, these participants were resolute in their ability to not only understand​ ​their experiences but also to find hope for future healing and wellness. These young women are​ ​strong and capable and want to share their voices with future generations about how to combat​ ​and mitigate the harms that come from social media platforms and their curated algorithms.​ ​Continued research is needed to explore practical ways to support those who have suffered from​ ​these negative experiences.​ ​Keywords:​​Social Media, Sexism, Surveillance Capitalism,​​The Perfect Storm​ ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Acknowledgment/Dedications​ ​I would like to express my appreciation to all of my teachers and advisors at Westminster​ ​University: Emily Mullenax, Lindsie Smith, Alexandria Yrungaray, Sean Crossland, Meggie Troili, David​ ​Blackmer, Brian Wierman, Chelsea Dye, Shawn Coon, Melanie Lee and Peggy Cain. I have learned from​ ​each of you many valuable and important things. I feel that I am a better person for having been taught​ ​and supported by each of you.​ ​I am grateful to the Utah PTA, which supported me during this time while I was in school as we​ ​served together to benefit the lives of children and their families. This research is for your organization​ ​and will hopefully provide insights into an increasingly important topic.​ ​I also want to express my deep appreciation to my husband and family for listening, supporting,​ ​and letting me work through this process. Also, to my dad, who helped me to see things clearly in the​ ​beginning when I wasn’t sure I would make it through.​ ​Lastly and most importantly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my six participants:​ ​Ellie, Julie, Karen, Mary, Robin, and Susan. You are heroes to me. You shared your hearts and​ ​understanding with me. You are strong women who will make a difference in our world for the better. You​ ​give me hope for a greater tomorrow.​ ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Table of Contents​ ​ hapter I…………………………………………………………………………1​ C ​Root Causes…….…………………………………………………………………3​ ​Critical Theory…...……….………………………………………………………3​ ​Sexism………….………………………………………………………………....5​ ​Racism………….…………………………………………………………………5​ ​Surveillance Capitalism…………………………………………………………...6​ ​Problem Statement………………………………………………………………..7​ ​Conceptual Framework…………………………………………………………...8​ ​MACOL Community Organization: Utah PTA…………………………………..8​ ​Positionality Statement……………………………………………………………9​ ​Significance……………………………………………………………………...11​ ​Chapter II.……………………………………………………………………​​…​13​ ​The Perfect Storm………………………………………………………………..14​ ​Social Media Influence... ………………………………………………………..15​ ​Body Image, Comparison Culture, and Cyberbullying …………………………16​ ​Root Causes Revisited…………………………………………………………...17​ ​Sexism..……………………………….…………………………………………17​ ​Racism…………………………………………………………………………...18​ ​Surveillance Capitalism………………………………………………………….18​ ​Conclusion……………………………………………………………………….20​ ​Chapter III...……………………………………………………………………22​ ​Research Questions and Thesis..……………………………………………...…23​ ​Research Context…….……………………………………………………..........24​ ​Participants……………………………………………………………………....25​ ​Methods………………………………………………………………………….25​ ​Data Analysis……………………………………………………………………28​ ​Potential Problems...………………………………………………….…………28​ ​Ethical Concerns...………………………………………………………………28​ ​Validity Measures……………………………………………………………….29​ ​Conclusion………………………………………………………………………30​ ​Chapter IV……………………………………………………………………...31​ ​Mirror Syndrome…….……………………………………………………..........33​ ​Sexism….………………………………………………………………………..37​ ​Surveillance Capitalism…..……………………………………………………..40​ ​Friend Weaving…..………………………………………………………...……42​ ​Cogniscope.……………………………………………………………………...49​ ​Hope…………………………………………………………………………......53​ ​Conclusion………………………………………………………………………56​ ​Chapter V..……………………………………………………………………...57​ ​Root Causes....…………………………………………………………………..58​ ​Connections to Literature, Framework, Methods and Theory...…...……………59​ ​Recommendations...……………………………………………………………. 61​ ​MACOL Organization…………………………………………………………...63​ ​Implications..…………………………………………………………………….64​ ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​ uture Research………………………………………………………………….65​ F ​Positionality Statement…………………………………………………………..66​ ​Conclusion…………………………………………………………………….....67​ ​References...……………………………………………………………………​​..​​69​ ​Appendix A..…………………………………………………………………….86​ ​Appendix B..…………………………………………………………………….88​ ​Appendix C..…………………………………………………………………….91​ ​AppendixD.……………………………………………………………………...93​ ​Appendix E……………………………………………………………………...94​ ​List of Figures​ ​ igure 1: If Only You Knew the Whole Story……..…………………………………​​.36​ F ​Figure 2: Untitled Wallflower………………………………………………………….​​40​ ​Figure 3:Untitled​​………………………………………………………………...44​ ​Figure 4: Social Media and the Teenage Experience​​……………………………48​ ​Figure 5: Sabotage​​..……………………………………………………………..52​ ​Figure 6: Escaping from A Digital Reality...​​…………………………………….55​ ​​ 1 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Chapter I​ ​The 1962 World’s Fair, also known as the Century 21 Exposition, was held in Seattle,​ ​Washington from April 21st to October 21st that year. Like its predecessors, this Expo unveiled​ ​world achievements from technology to art. Entertainment, food, and shopping showcased​ ​countries at their finest (Berger, 2012; Wong, 2022). This event brought the world together and​ ​revealed and exhibited world advancement (Back to the Future: Why Seattle's World's Fair​ ​Mattered, 2012). Most notable that year were three technological innovations: the cordless​ ​phone, a pager, and a new device called a computer (Staff, 2012). For context, I was born in May​ ​1962, the same year these technological innovations were introduced. During my lifetime, I have​ ​seen technological innovation and advancement that I would never have dreamed of as a child.​ ​Our lives have been transformed in the areas of agriculture, communication, education,​ ​medicine, engineering, and transportation (Schwab, 2017). Communication has particularly been​ ​of interest to me.​ ​When I was young, we owned an old manual Royal Quiet De Luxe typewriter, which my​ ​parents used to type their college papers. Thesis or dissertation work was a job for a hired typist.​ ​Rarely did students tackle this job without the help of a professional. I learned how to type on an​ ​electric typewriter, which was sophisticated for my day, during my senior year of high school, in​ ​1980. I was given an electric portable typewriter as a gift when I graduated from high school. I​ ​was excited to use it and felt privileged to have one for use at home as I was preparing for my​ ​freshman year of college at the University of Utah. I used this typewriter all through college. I​ ​wrote and hacked papers, with corrections aplenty. There was a lower standard of aesthetics and​ ​exactness for a paper’s finished product than today. White-Out was a staple college purchase for​ ​incoming students.​ ​​ 2 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​In the late 1960s, computers were devices that filled a room and required manual​ ​punches of binary code to indicate directions for tasks (Ceruzzi, 2003). Punch cards were​ ​perforated with codes that operated and controlled the computer. Computers and typewriters​ ​were not objects that the average person thought of as working together, at least not in my​ ​sphere. They each had their individual function and purpose.​ ​The POTS (plain old telephone service) or traditional analog phone line was the​ ​mainstream phone network of my generation. The Bell System, currently known as AT&T, had a​ ​monopoly in the telecommunications industry for decades (Phillips, 2002). “Ma Bell”, as it was​ ​often referred to in the United States, reigned as queen. Mountain Bell, one of “Ma Bell’s​ ​babies” or regional operating companies, operated in Utah, as well as six other western states in​ ​the United States. It was the only controlling phone company that everyone subscribed to if we​ ​wanted to have phone service. Phones in those days had cords hooked to a base box and then into​ ​the wall of your home. A cord then ran from the handle which had a mouthpiece on the bottom​ ​and a hearing piece at the top. Long cords were needed, if you aimed to walk around much while​ ​talking. If you wanted to have a phone in a particular room, the room had to have a phone jack to​ ​plug into. People did not have answering machines, either. There was no caller ID. When the​ ​phone rang in the house, everyone clamored to answer the phone to see who it was. People​ ​actually enjoyed having conversations on the phone, especially if the person who called was​ ​someone you cared about. Fighting often arose as members of the same family negotiated over​ ​who could use the phone next. We had to take turns. The Bell Systems founder, Alexander​ ​Graham Bell, was not alive to see its breakup, and divestiture on January 1, 1984 (Crandall,​ ​2007). This dismantling was a benefit for the consumer; it lowered prices (Hausman et al., 1993).​ ​A more competitive telecommunications market was born. The popular spy thriller/espionage​ ​​ 3 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​James Bond movies of the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s spotlighted futuristic communication​ ​devices and technologies that were not congruent with mainstream society. Little did we all​ ​know how relatable this portrayal would be and what was yet to come. With the change of this​ ​phone monopoly, cell phones were primed to make their debut.​ ​Fast forward several years, I was a mom with a number of children, keeping very busy.​ ​My husband was in graduate school. We owned our first computer and hooked up to a dial-up​ ​internet phone service through the University of Utah, so my husband could communicate on our​ ​computer with other students to talk about ideas from class. The year was 1993. It was exciting​ ​to see what the possibilities of this new technology would be, but it didn’t always work well and​ ​was not always reliable.​ ​Raising children through the technology, innovation, and advancement of phones,​ ​computers, and other digital devices have been experiences that I have watched from a bird's eye​ ​perspective. I always looked at the big picture of what had happened, what was happening, and​ ​what may happen in the future (Hilty et al., 2023; Murthy, 2023; O’Keefe, 2021; Shoemaker et​ ​al., 2021). Regardless of the good that has come, problems have also ensued. I have chosen the​ ​topic of the influences of social media platforms and their curated algorithms and their effects on​ ​the mental health and wellness of young women because I am concerned. Has the intrusiveness​ ​of mobile phones, computers, and the internet in our daily lives created distractions and barriers?​ ​What are the serious problems we are not addressing that are affecting individuals, families, and​ ​communities?​ ​Root Causes​ ​Critical Theory​ ​​ 4 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​As a critical theorist, Michel Foucault believed that “knowledge linked to power not only​ ​assumes the authority of the truth but has the power to make itself true” (Foucault, 1977, p.27).​ ​Foucault also believed that power is a kind of “metapower” or “regime of truth” that pervades​ ​society and is constantly in flux (Foucault, 1977). If he were alive today, how might he consider​ ​his views and ideas of power and relate them to the phenomenon of social media?​ ​This “regime of truth” which Foucault refers to as the set of rules, practices, and​ ​institutions within a society that determines what is considered true and how knowledge is​ ​produced (Foucault, 1977) seems to have been reimagined in our new digital world (Shackell,​ ​2024). In my 1981 Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, one of the definitions of power states​ ​that power is the “possession of control, authority, or influence over others” (Merriam-Webster,​ ​1981, p. 895).​ ​Using this definition from Webster (1981), how does the enticement and influence of​ ​social media and its seemingly invisible curated algorithms lure people into this “regime of​ ​truth”? With the creation of the internet and social media platforms, a new kind of power has​ ​emerged. It is the power, authority, and control over others by social media influencers. “A social​ ​media influencer is a user on social media who has established credibility in a specific industry,​ ​has access to a large audience, and can persuade others by virtue of their authenticity and reach"​ ​(Freberg et al., 2011). Social media influencers (SMIs) represent a new type of independent​ ​third-party endorser who shapes audience attitudes through blogs, tweets, and the use of other​ ​social media (Freberg et al., 2011). With the continual onslaught of information, misinformation,​ ​opinions, thoughts, and ideas from anyone who wants to give them, how might someone​ ​determine what is true, and what is not? With Artificial Intelligence's ability to write, rewrite,​ ​filter, and change anything that has been created, how can we trust what we read and see online​ ​​ 5 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​and on television? This power is real in the minds of those who it affects. It is also real for those​ ​who are users of its devices. On the internet, knowledge is cheap and easy to attain (Weinberger,​ ​2014). With the acquisition of easy knowledge, which may or may not be true, we can be given a​ ​false sense of power which also may give us a sense of privilege over others (Shackell, 2024).​ ​Sexism​ ​Sexism creates unequal power dynamics for women. Access to resources and​ ​opportunities is inhibited through the negative effects of this type of discrimination. Social media​ ​and its curated algorithms are influential in their negative impact on young women and girls​ ​(Buie & Croft, 2023; Rogers, 2022). The objectification of women on social media is​ ​contributing to cultural, economic, political and social problems (Galdi & Guizzo, 2020). It is​ ​also contributing to mental health challenges and concerns (Buie, 2023; Gerson, 2024). Sexist​ ​content on social media such as pornography and sexual exploitation are damaging in their scope​ ​and contribute to some of the most serious harms against women and girls (Dines, 2011; Farley,​ ​2003). Because of these harms, negative views of self-image and value are promoted and​ ​enhanced, further negatively influencing future growth and potential (Buie, 2023; Olson, 2023).​ ​Racism​ ​Women of color are particularly at risk for these same types of sexist harms in the sphere​ ​of social media (Amarikwa, 2023). Young black girls and women face aggression in online​ ​circles because of being female and black (Amarikwa, 2023; Gaston, 2024; Tao & Fisher, 2021).​ ​Body comparison and image standards for all women are continually problematic, but black​ ​women face an especially challenging life’s journey when facing sexism and racism on social​ ​media platforms at the same time (Amarikwa, 2023; Felmlee, 2018; Gaston, 2024; Nesi et al.,​ ​​ 6 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​2015). This adds another layer of concern to young women of color and how they navigate​ ​through their own perfect storm.​ ​Surveillance Capitalism​ ​Surveillance capitalism is defined as a new economic order that treats people's​ ​experiences as raw material for commercial practices (Zuboff, 2019). With the collection of data​ ​on people’s digital devices, websites, and apps, private companies are able to track just about​ ​everything their user’s access. This data may then in turn be sold to someone else. One day​ ​several years ago, I was having a discussion with my daughter in our family room about an​ ​article of clothing we liked. Within minutes my computer screen showed an ad for this exact item​ ​on the sidebar; color included. We both marveled at this “coincidence”. Our Alexa device had​ ​been “listening” to us, a similar phenomenon as reported by Ford and Stucke (Ford & Palmer,​ ​2018; Stucke & Ezrachi, 2018). This smart little gal had “heard” and transferred this information​ ​to my home computer within minutes. We no longer use Alexa in our home.​ ​Big Tech giants are monitoring us. Most Americans realize this, but they do not realize​ ​the depth or harm that it is creating (Halloway, 2019; Zuboff, 2016). Surveillance capitalism is​ ​contributing to cyberbullying as well as other harms in the new digital fabric we clothe ourselves​ ​in every day (Halloway, 2019). Whether we are doom scrolling on our phones or surfing on our​ ​computers, Big Tech is listening and plotting. Their messages, whether by video, ads, or other​ ​content, are more than just about what to purchase. These messages may also be trying to​ ​influence our thoughts and personal sense of value, and self-worth (Perloff, 2014). They can be​ ​harmful, especially to the marginalized and vulnerable.​ ​Messages across algorithms include themes related to ableism, capitalism, racism, and​ ​sexism (Gaston, 2024; Smith & Rustagi, 2021; Zhu, 2022). Sexism specifically, is exacerbating​ ​​ 7 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​previously mentioned harms found in the use of social media (Miller, 2023; Rogers, 2022; Roy,​ ​2023; Tang, 2018). These harms are being perpetrated by women and men (Attaway, 2024;​ ​Barreto & Doyle, 2023). How do we navigate through these concerns and problems, particularly​ ​as they relate to children, especially young girls? There appear to be gaps in hearing the stories​ ​and experiences of those whom it has affected the most (Ellis et al., 2024; Popat & Tarrant,​ ​2022). Therefore, hearing from adult women who used social media as teenagers could enlighten​ ​us with valuable insights into this problem and perhaps even share possible ways for future​ ​change and improvement.​ ​Problem Statement​ ​With the technological advancements in the digital world moving at a rapid pace,​ ​increased concern for the health and well-being of society’s most precious asset, our children,​ ​has become at the forefront of attention in communities, education, families, news outlets, and​ ​governments (Teens, Screens and Mental Health, 2024). Depression and anxiety among children​ ​and youth have skyrocketed at a similar rate and time sequence as the daily use of digital​ ​technology (Brodersen, 2022; Pignatiello, 2020). Girls are particularly at risk for these mental​ ​health problems (Choukas-Bradley et al., 2019; Yang, 2020). The risks have increased at such a​ ​dramatic and concerning rate that US Surgeon General, Vivek H. Murthy issued a warning about​ ​the harmful effects that social media is having on our children.​ ​Children are exposed to harmful content on social media, ranging from violent and sexual​ ​content to bullying and harassment. And for too many children, social media use is​ ​compromising their sleep and valuable in-person time with family and friends. We are in​ ​the middle of a national youth mental health crisis, and I am concerned that social media​ ​is an important driver of that crisis – one that we must urgently address. (Murthy, 2023).​ ​​ 8 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Based on this problem, my study attempted to find meaning and understanding from my​ ​participants. Therefore, my overarching research question was:​ ​How do young women describe the influences of social media platforms and their curated​ ​algorithm's connection (if at all) to mental health and wellness?​ ​Conceptual Framework​ ​For this study, I used the framework of​​The Perfect​​Storm​​, a developmental-sociocultural​ ​framework (Choukas-Bradley et al., 2022).​​The Perfect​​Storm​​framework suggests that social​ ​media, adolescent development, and gender socialization are all processes that contribute to the​ ​“perfect storm” (Choukas-Bradley et al., 2022), which exacerbates body image and concerns in​ ​adolescent girls (Choukas-Bradley et al., 2022). This framework was well suited to my study and​ ​its subject matter because of the gender and age of the participants, particularly their age when​ ​they began using social media. Using a constructivist perspective of narrative inquiry (Merriam,​ ​2016), and the framework of​​The Perfect Storm,​​a developmental-sociocultural​​framework​ ​(Choukas-Bradley et al., 2022; Choukas-Bradley et al., 2023), I sought to understand the​ ​meaning of the participants’ experiences and stories.​ ​The context of my study is discussed in chapter III. Based on the findings of my research,​ ​future studies will need to be conducted to further explore the many aspects and intersections of​ ​this topic, particularly with the prolific emergence of AI (Artificial Intelligence) (Niskanen et al.,​ ​2023).​ ​MACOL Community Organization: Utah PTA (Parent Teacher Association)​ ​I am currently the Digital Wellness Specialist for the Utah PTA. The Utah PTA is an​ ​affiliate of the National PTA. I have served in this capacity for nearly two years. The Utah PTA’s​ ​mission statement is “to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering​ ​​ 9 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​families and communities to advocate for all children” (Utah PTA, n.d.). One aspect of fulfilling​ ​this mission is to advocate. Advocacy in the Utah PTA is speaking on behalf of children and​ ​youth in schools, the community, and before governmental bodies (Utah PTA, n.d.). My role, as​ ​part of this advocacy, is to “empower and support children and young people to use digital​ ​technologies responsibly, respectfully, critically, and creatively” (Utah PTA, n.d.). I also work to​ ​empower and support these children’s families and the community at large.​ ​My assignments in the Utah PTA have been enriching and rewarding. I have learned a lot​ ​about the topic of digital safety and digital wellness and work with many people who care a great​ ​deal about children and families. The Utah PTA donates around a million volunteer hours each​ ​year to the state of Utah on behalf of its children. I am grateful for the time I have had to work​ ​with the Utah PTA. Because of this position, I wanted to engage in research for an organization​ ​that I care about. The Utah PTA will benefit from this study by using it as a resource for their​ ​knowledge for improved digital wellness understanding and practice. It may also contribute as a​ ​resource for the digital wellness resolution at a future time.​ ​Positionality Statement​ ​I am the mother of nine children. These children were born to me from the years​ ​1985-2003. This range is precisely the range which cell phones, home computers, gaming​ ​systems, and other digital devices made their debut and subsequent monopoly on individuals and​ ​families. I have watched firsthand the effects they have had on not only my children and family​ ​but the lives of everyone around me. With the invention of the cell phone has come social media​ ​platforms, apps, and their curated algorithms. What began as touted as a way for connection has​ ​become a way of isolation.​ ​ 0​ 1 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​As a parent, I was always concerned about too much television viewing, video game​ ​playing, and social media and smartphone use for my children and teens. While I am not opposed​ ​to it, I have always felt that too much screen time has harmful effects on the minds and bodies of​ ​growing children. I have also been concerned about the type of content viewed on screens by​ ​children and adolescents. People in general, but particularly children, need to spend time away​ ​from screens and digital devices. Getting outside into nature, being with other people in actual​ ​face-to-face communication, spending time being creative, reading and other activities are​ ​important for a well-adjusted adult but more importantly for a developing child.​ ​The data I collected gave me feedback as to the validity of the presuppositions of my​ ​topic. Because of my negative view of screens in general, I was already swayed as to my position​ ​on this topic. I definitely have biases which I acknowledge and own. My data did give me some​ ​positive insights, which contributed to a more balanced understanding of this topic and research.​ ​Prior to this study, I attended conferences, read books, and researched literature on many​ ​topics associated with digital technology. I also have many years of experience with my own​ ​children and have seen the negative effects that can come from these devices and platforms. In​ ​addition to my nine children, I have thirteen grandchildren, eight being granddaughters. I worry​ ​about the effects that social media will have on all of my grandchildren, but especially my​ ​granddaughters. I am also concerned for all young girls and the negative messages that they are​ ​confronted with on social media. As I learned more fully from my research and the voices of my​ ​participants, I discovered things that I had not thought of before. I was encouraged too that some​ ​of the things I have worried about are not as concerning. I was impacted by the knowledge I​ ​gained to strengthen my artillery of tools to advocate for these young girls. I saw the challenges​ ​they faced, but I also saw hope.​ ​ 1​ 1 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Because of my age and status as a mother and grandmother, there was a power dynamic​ ​between myself and the participants. This was a positive connection though as I have a​ ​granddaughter who just turned 15 years old, and three daughters ages 26-40. I have empathy for​ ​young girls and women and the challenges they face in our ever-changing world. I was a young​ ​girl once with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. I am not sure how I would have navigated all that​ ​the young girls of today have to navigate. I am grateful that I am on this side looking back.​ ​Strong girls make for strong women. Strong women make for a better future and society.​ ​Young girls are smarter than we think they are, and many know the challenges that are out there.​ ​“Many teens think tech companies manipulate users to spend more time on their devices and say​ ​that digital distractions interfere with homework, personal relationships, and sleep.” (Rideout &​ ​Robb, 2018 p.15). Teens are starting to understand curated algorithms and how they are used by​ ​tech companies. We need to educate them better, as well as their parents, concerning some of the​ ​tougher topics such as body dysmorphia, cyberbullying, pornography, and sexual exploitation​ ​(Yang, 2020). Parents and governments do have a role and responsibility in protecting these​ ​vulnerable and young minds. I believe that educating girls and young women as well as their​ ​families about the negative aspects of social media and how it affects them is a global priority​ ​that we can no longer push aside. Learning and implementing digital wellness practices is also an​ ​important aspect of this education (Homayoun, 2017).​ ​Significance​ ​Digital technology is reshaping how we communicate and subsequently reshaping our​ ​world (Hilty, 2023; O’Keefe et al., 2021; Shoemaker et al., 2021). Patterns of social behavior and​ ​relationships are being rewritten. Practices of social interaction, self-reflection, evaluation, and​ ​appraisal have been dramatically altered with the increase of digital technology (Ammaniti &​ ​ 2​ 1 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Cerniglia, 2019). Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to these new patterns and​ ​practices. According to research, the roles of parent-child relationships have shifted dramatically​ ​from the parent being the key source of knowledge to adolescents relying upon the internet and​ ​social media to get answers to their many questions. This is rewriting family relationships and​ ​culture (Ammaniti & Cerniglia, 2019). It is also in part contributing to the deterioration of teen​ ​mental health worldwide (Samuel, 2023).​ ​I hope that the significance of this research will be of value to the further study of this​ ​topic by others. It will be a small drop in the big ocean of knowledge, but it will be an important​ ​one. Listening to the stories and experiences of my participants shared further insight into how​ ​these young women have internalized the influences of social media platforms and their curated​ ​algorithms and how they have impacted their lives and relationships. Their stories and​ ​experiences will contribute to how we understand theory, make choices about responsible​ ​practice, advocate for better policy, and be participants in social action for a cause worth fighting​ ​for. In the following chapters, I explore what is known about social media influences on​ ​adolescents and some of the harms that are occurring. By interviewing young women who have​ ​lived through personal experiences with social media and their curated algorithms, I have​ ​discovered some positive elements for future digital wellness understanding and implementation.​ ​ 3​ 1 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Chapter II​ ​With advancements in technology, particularly digital technology, we are experiencing​ ​new genres of communication (Bolter & Grusin, 1999). Digital technology is reframing how we​ ​communicate with family, friends, strangers, and communities (Hilty, 2023; Shoemaker et al.,​ ​2022; O’Keefe et al., 2011). Social behaviors and practices are being altered, influenced, and​ ​refashioned by our consumption of digital media (Ammaniti & Cerniglia, 2019; Ammaniti &​ ​Lobb, 2020). Family relationships and culture are being reshaped as technology is becoming the​ ​new source of knowledge (Ammaniti & Cerniglia, 2019; Ammaniti & Lobb, 2020; Nesi, 2020).​ ​Children and adolescents are a vulnerable population who are particularly targeted and​ ​influenced (DeVeirman et al., 2019; Haidt, 2024). Parents, who once held the position of being​ ​the main source of knowledge in the lives of their children, are now being replaced by “experts”​ ​on social media and the internet (Ammaniti & Lobb, 2020; Nesi, 2020). Influencers are​ ​influencing and shifting how the young understand and interpret the world around them​ ​(DeVeirman et al.). This is contributing to the increase in the deterioration of teen mental health​ ​worldwide (Ellis et al., 2024; Hoge, 2017; Rideout et al., 2018, Samuel, 2023). The perfect storm​ ​has been brewing and is now unleashing its fury on this young and vulnerable population,​ ​particularly girls and young women. Social media, along with its curated algorithms, are​ ​colliding in a perfect storm with adolescent development and gender socialization​ ​(Choukas-Bradley et al., 2022; Choukas-Bradley et al., 2023). This perfect storm is why I posed​ ​the over-arching research question: How do young women describe the influences of social​ ​media platforms and their curated algorithm's connection (if at all) to mental health and​ ​wellness?​ ​ 4​ 1 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​The Perfect Storm​ ​According to Merriam-Websters dictionary, “a perfect storm is a critical or disastrous​ ​situation created by a powerful concurrence of factors” (Perfect​​Storm Definition & Meaning,​ ​n.d.). In meteorology, a perfect storm is a weather event that is exacerbated by a rare​ ​convergence of different weather patterns, which may result in devastation.​ ​The Perfect Storm​ ​framework in social science is a developmental-sociocultural framework used by researchers to​ ​analyze various factors that intersect with each other to understand situations that are particularly​ ​critical and impactful (Choukas-Bradley et al., 2022). This framework fit well with my research​ ​topic. The perfect storm being created in my research is adolescent development, gender​ ​socialization, and social media. What is the impact that social media has on the lives of young​ ​women? How has this perfect storm affected them? How can we better help them navigate their​ ​formative years and negotiate the many influences of power they will face daily? I sought to​ ​explore each of these questions in this proposed research study.​ ​Adolescent development is the prime time for a perfect storm to occur (Choukas-Bradley​ ​et al., 2022; Choukas-Bradley et al., 2023). Adolescence is a time of physical and mental growth​ ​and change. Adolescents are in the process of identity discovery. They are forming their own​ ​views, opinions, and ideas about what they believe and think. They often push back on parents,​ ​family, society, and cultural norms. Adolescent development is the process of learning how to​ ​become an adult. This process is necessary for children to bridge the gap into adulthood to be​ ​able to take care of themselves and their future progeny. Gender socialization, which begins at​ ​birth and is in a continual developmental process as we age (Hurd, 2000), is heightened as​ ​children become teens. Hormonal, emotional, and physical changes are primed to influence​ ​ 5​ 1 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​socialization along with familial and cultural norms. Is it any wonder that this necessary and​ ​important time in the life of a teen could be negatively augmented with the introduction of social​ ​media? The perfect storm has been conditioned and aggravated.​ ​Social Media Influence​ ​Social media platforms were initially perceived as the social relationship cure-all (Buie &​ ​Croft, 2023). The excitement for the many connections that could take place with anyone at any​ ​time was hailed as revolutionary. Within a few short years, reality set in, regarding what was​ ​happening (Gergen, 1991; Twenge et al., 2018; Winstone et al., 2021). Teenagers were showing​ ​increased signs of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns (Haidt, 2024; Huang et​ ​al., 2023; Twenge et al., 2018). Parents, teachers, and communities became concerned. This​ ​concern turned into alarm (Murthy, 2023; Twenge et al., 2018). Teens have reported that online​ ​friends did not particularly care for them or would support them, while their “offline” or "real”​ ​friends were of greater value (Popat & Tarrant, 2022). The online social world is very different​ ​from its real-life counterpart (Nesi & Prinstein, 2015; Twenge et al., 2018).​ ​A recent study reports that teenagers engaging with their peers in face-to-face interactions​ ​is central to brain regulation and development (Hilty et al., 2021). Many teens spend hours​ ​scrolling through social media feeds, watching funny videos, and creating content for their​ ​friends without actually being with a real person. Social media may alter how teenagers process​ ​life around them (Hilty et. al., 2021).​ ​Digital technology, particularly social media, contributes to many problems regarding the​ ​physical and mental wellness of this young and vulnerable population (Hilty et al., 2023; Hoge,​ ​2017; O’Keefe, 201l; Montag, 2023; Murthy, 2023; Shoemaker et al., 2021;). PIU (Problematic​ ​Internet Use) is a momentous health condition among teens (Brodersen et al., 2021; Shoemaker​ ​ 6​ 1 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Brino & Derouin, 2022). PIU contributes to sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity. Poor​ ​sleep habits and patterns when formed are also problematic for a developing young brain. As a​ ​result, self-destructive behaviors, poor decision-making skills, and poor social skills are common​ ​in teens (Shoemaker, 2022). There are also many other harms on social media that teens deal​ ​with daily; cyberbullying, depression, anxiety, stalking, sexting, body comparison and envy,​ ​self-esteem problems, addictions, self-harm ideations, social isolation, polarization, and easy​ ​misinformation access to name a few (Andreassen, 2015; Miller et al., 2023; Roy, 2023; Tang,​ ​2018).​ ​Body Image, Comparison Culture, and Cyberbullying​ ​Body image and comparison culture are elements of this new super-storm that is​ ​wreaking havoc in the lives of children and adolescents (Nesi & Prinstein, 2015). Young women​ ​have become appearance-related social media-conscious (Choukas-Bradley et al., 2019;​ ​Zimmer-Gembeck et al., 2023). Because of young women’s active social media engagement,​ ​particularly image-based involvement with photos and videos, this body image and comparison​ ​culture is becoming problematic (Hogue & Mills, 2018). Young women are preoccupied with​ ​body dissatisfaction and thinness (Gerson, 2024; Hogue & Mills, 2018). Body comparison​ ​between women is occurring via social media more than any other type of forum​ ​(Choukas-Bradley, 2019).​ ​Idealized images are being formed from the constant saturation of this media use (Hogue​ ​& Mills, 2018; Murthy, 2023; Yang et al., 2020). These idealized images promote unrealistic​ ​standard models which also may contribute to body dysmorphic disorder (Zimmer-Gembeck et​ ​al., 2023). In young women, negative body image may lead to disordered eating behaviors,​ ​which contributes to low school performance, and a general lack of enthusiasm for life (Bell et​ ​ 7​ 1 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​al., 2018; Perloff, 2014). Because of this heightened self-focus on body image and comparison​ ​culture in young women, increased low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety occur (Yang et al.,​ ​2020; Zimmer-Gembeck et al., 2023). Body image and comparison culture lead to​ ​self-objectification (Bell et al., 2018).​ ​Cyberbullying, augmented by body comparison, is particularly targeted at young women​ ​(Vogels, 2022). Cyberbullying, which is bullying over the cyber network, has become an​ ​increasing problem (Smith et al., 2008). Bullying in digital spaces takes on many forms: the​ ​spreading of false information, offensive name-calling, physical threats, nagging, and sexually​ ​explicit material and images (Vogels, 2022). Young women are especially vulnerable and​ ​influenced by social media (Yang et al., 2020). With body image, comparison culture, and​ ​cyberbullying combining together, another perfect storm for young women is being created. How​ ​does sexism, racism, and surveillance capitalism influence and contribute to the perfect storm of​ ​body image, comparison culture, and cyberbullying?​ ​Root Causes Revisited​ ​Sexism​ ​Sexism plays a significant role in the harmful effects of social media. Connections​ ​between sexism, gender discrimination, identity, and self-esteem are unfolding (Rogers, 2022).​ ​Recent studies show that gender discrimination is a key factor in the impact that social media has​ ​on the mental health of young women and girls (Buie & Croft, 2023; Rogers, 2020). Sexism and​ ​the objectification of women on social media platforms contribute to many problems and mental​ ​health challenges (Buie, 2023; Gerson, 2024). Pornography, sexual exploitation, and sex​ ​trafficking are among the most significant problems that result from sexist views and treatment​ ​of women (Dines, 2011; Farley, 2003). Sexist content on social media increases insecurity,​ ​ 8​ 1 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​self-doubt, and negative feelings of personal value and worth (Rogers, 2020). Anxiety,​ ​depression, and losing confidence in one’s abilities and capabilities are stumbling blocks for​ ​future growth and possibility (Buie, 2023; Olson, 2023). If this is troublesome and concerning​ ​for women then girls, and young women would be especially impacted by sexist content. Girls​ ​and young women are more prone to be affected by depression and anxiety due to social media​ ​use (Buie, 2023; Hilty, 2023).​ ​Racism​ ​Another vulnerable group that is harmed by social media and its curated algorithms is​ ​people of color (Gaston, 2024; Muhammad & McArthur, 2015). Women of color face harms of​ ​aggression that are regularly occurring in online circles (Amarikwa, 2023). Black girls' lives are​ ​especially harmed by sexism and racism on social media (Amarikwa, 2023; Gaston, 2024; Tao &​ ​Fisher, 2021). Unhealthy beauty standards are regularly amplified, which causes lower​ ​self-esteem and a lack of self-worth (Amarikwa, 2023; Felmlee, 2018; Gaston, 2024; Nesi et al.,​ ​2023). Unhealthy beauty standards are problems for all women, but especially for women of​ ​color.​ ​Surveillance Capitalism​ ​Digital technology is not only shaping our world of communication, but also reshaping​ ​how we spend our money, what we purchase, and where we buy products (Zhu, 2023;​ ​DeVeirman, 2019). Surveillance capitalism, a term coined by social psychologist Shoshana​ ​Zuboff concludes that a new economic system has been created with our new digital consumer​ ​platform (Halloway, 2019; Zuboff, 2019). Data is collected, analyzed, and commodified by​ ​corporations (Vangelov, 2022; Zuboff, 2019). Our phones, computers, and other “virtual​ ​assistants” listen to our conversations and monitor what we look at online (Ford & Palmer, 2018;​ ​ 9​ 1 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Stucke, 2018). This is then used by the cyber world to feed us and market to our desires and​ ​wants.​ ​The children and youth of today are being marketed to, particularly on social media and​ ​store apps (DeVeirman, 2019; Zhu, 2022). YouTube has revolutionized how children and teens​ ​view and consume screens. Television, which was once the main platform for screen viewing,​ ​has now been replaced by videos on social media platforms (Vangelov, 2022). With this quick​ ​access to a handheld device, companies have found their mecca for targeting the next generation​ ​of consumers. With the emergence of phone apps, retailers have found a gold mine for profit.​ ​With a constant feed of pretty and exciting things to buy, many are tempted to make purchases.​ ​These items seem to say to us, “Buy me! You will be prettier, have more friends, and feel better​ ​about yourself. You will be happy!” (Zhu, 2022). Amazon is the leader in online shopping for​ ​just about anything a person wants to buy. I have grandchildren who already know how to​ ​readily find and put in the cart what they want to purchase. A parent has to be vigilant in​ ​monitoring that process or they could get items sent to their home that they were unaware of.​ ​With saved passwords and credit card information all ready to go, the ability to purchase things​ ​only takes a few clicks and then the desired item is on its way, quickly too I might add. For an​ ​extra fee, it can even be delivered the next day. As technology quickens its pace to deliver and​ ​please the customer, companies are constantly working to find more alluring ways to keep their​ ​clientele. Surveillance capitalism contributes to the harms that come from consumerism and the​ ​unhealthy and never-ending quest for bigger, better, and more (Holloway, 2019; Zhu, 2022).​ ​Enter the algorithmic content curation into this already unhealthy and pernicious culture.​ ​How do algorithms influence how we think, how we socialize, what we purchase, and what we​ ​spend countless hours doing (The Algorithm Paradox, 2022; Vangelov, 2022)? How do women​ ​ 0​ 2 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​and children navigate all of the harmful messages that can influence them on social media? Big​ ​Tech companies are very aware of how to use algorithmic content curation for their benefit​ ​(Hendrix, 2024). It is the way they make money. Marketers, social media platforms, and anyone​ ​who wants to target consumers to purchase their products use these algorithms for profit. It is the​ ​way they control and dominate consumers for not just things but ideas. These things and ideas​ ​are shaping our future (Hendrix et al., 2024; Cecere, 2024). Children and youth are particularly​ ​vulnerable to these algorithms (DeVeirman, 2019).​ ​Conclusion​ ​The negative effects of social media and the algorithmic​​content curation that is used by​ ​social media platforms are causing harm and trauma to many innocent and vulnerable people,​ ​particularly women and children. While there are many ways digital technology can enhance and​ ​create community bonding, the harms that are ever present are what many are saying is a crisis​ ​(Hendrix et al., 2024).​ ​Digital technology is moving like a train at full speed. Our world is being reshaped and​ ​restructured like no other time before. The patterns of our social behavior and how we address​ ​the mental health problems of women, children, and marginalized groups will in large part shape​ ​the future of our society. (Hilty, 2023; Shoemaker et al., 2021; O’Keefe et al. 2021). We must​ ​understand the patterns that are emerging in this perfect storm with social media.​ ​Digital wellness practices are important for sustained mental health for our young women​ ​and girls. Learning how to manage digital spaces and use them for positive influences is​ ​necessary for a holistic approach to emotional, mental, and physical health. Teaching resilience,​ ​self-recognition, and governance to young women in their daily use of social media is important​ ​if we want to help them navigate through their early delicate, and formative years (Murthy,​ ​ 1​ 2 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​2023). Education on media literacy, revealing the harms that come from social media spaces​ ​and how to combat them is central to this cause. Getting families and communities involved as​ ​support systems by encouraging offline activities and interests and encouraging face-to-face​ ​experiences and conversations with communication and life tasks is necessary. Providing positive​ ​role models who are realistic and relatable to offset what is being seen in the digital world is​ ​needed. Finally, providing mental health resources for the bumps and bruises that come with​ ​living life is imperative. “What would happen if every woman felt empowered within her​ ​sphere of​​influence to live out the full measure of​​her special gifts and propensities for nurture,​ ​care, healing, teaching, and leading” (Johnson, 2024)? We need to create, innovate, and instigate​ ​ways to help our young women work through the challenges that have come because of social​ ​media and their curated algorithms. By creating solutions to these challenges, we can empower​ ​them to be leaders to change their world and make it better. Understanding their stories is the first​ ​step in this process.​ ​In this chapter, I explored the root causes and harms on social media and their curated​ ​algorithms to mental health and well-being of young women. My study was designed to​ ​determine how young women felt about their social media use as teenagers and currently as​ ​young adults. Their experiences and stories serve as valuable resources for this topic now and for​ ​future research. Therefore, my research question of how young women describe the influences of​ ​social media platforms and their curated algorithm's connection (if at all) to mental health and​ ​wellness was an attempt to understand​​the perfect​​storm​​of adolescent development and gender​ ​socialization as it is impacted by social media.​ ​ 2​ 2 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Chapter III​ ​Research involving the harms of social media, particularly as it contributes to young​ ​women and girls is surfacing at an ever-quickening pace (Murthy, 2023; Haidt, 2024; Samuel,​ ​2023). As outlined in chapter II of this thesis project, the harms to young girls are unfolding and​ ​causing great concern in families, schools, communities, and governments (Choukas-Bradley et​ ​al., 2022; Murthy, 2023; OKeefe, 2021). I am a mother of three daughters and a grandmother of​ ​8 granddaughters. I care about their future. I care about not only their lives but those of my​ ​extended family, friends, and community. Digital technology, particularly social media,​ ​contributes to many problems regarding the physical and mental wellness of young women.​ ​(Hilty et al., 2023; Murthy, 2023; O’Keefe, 2021; Shoemaker et al., 2021). As I began this​ ​project, my focus using a feminist theory lens was aimed at the harms that have come from men.​ ​However, the more I researched this topic, I began to recognize that my initial thought of​ ​focusing only on the harm being caused by men was limited in scope and not inclusive of a​ ​larger issue. Women are causing much of this harm to other women (McQueeny, 2018;​ ​Papageorgiou, 2022)​​. Many of the harms circulating​​on social media platforms are being​ ​self-perpetuated by our own sex (Attaway, 2024; Baretto, 2023).​ ​The harms of sexism flow rapidly on the internet and social media platforms. Young​ ​women and teens are particularly affected by cyberbullying, stalking, sexting, body comparison​ ​and envy, addictions, self-harm ideations, social isolation, polarization, and easy misinformation​ ​access to name a few (​​Zuboff, 2016).​​This harm contributes​​to self-esteem problems, depression,​ ​and anxiety (Miller, 2023; Rogers, 2022; Roy, 2023; Tang, 2018). We have yet to see the full​ ​impact of these harms on our future society of women.​ ​ 3​ 2 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Further, women face sexist harm by being objectified by men and other women. When​ ​women are objectified, they are considered a commodity rather than a person (Malik, 2014). A​ ​commodity is a product that can be bought or sold. Pornography and sex trafficking are some of​ ​these products being marketed on social media for those who will pay. Currently, the global porn​ ​industry is valued at over $97 billion (Qasam II, 2024)​​).​ ​This objectification leads to many​ ​inequalities of gender hierarchy in the workplace, governments, and even in families (Barefet,​ ​2020). Sexist behaviors and views are formed on an individual level and are then thrust out into​ ​society (Brandt, 2011).​ ​Research Questions and Thesis​ ​Telling the stories of young women who are now adults and used social media as​ ​teenagers was a valuable insight that should be more deeply explored (​​Plaisime et al., 2020).​​The​ ​stories and lived experiences of young women who utilized social media as teenagers will help​ ​scholars to better understand this new phenomenon: social media’s influence on the health and​ ​well-being of girls, and young women. Additionally, a more powerful understanding of what was​ ​happening in their lives as youth with regard to their participation in the emerging world of social​ ​media platforms and their curated algorithms further illuminated not only harm but also possible​ ​interventions for positive engagement with social media. As adults, who currently may or may​ ​not be involved with social media, their reflections and insights into what they have learned and​ ​how it has influenced them as adult women was impactful.​ ​Women and girls are especially vulnerable because of sexism, particularly sexism on​ ​social media (McQueeney, 2018). Sexism contributes to pornography, sexual exploitation, and​ ​sex trafficking. Social media platforms are intentionally trying to hook their viewers through​ ​curated algorithms (Ammanti, 2019; Cecere, 2019; Gaston, 2024). Curated algorithms are​ ​ 4​ 2 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​contributing to many social harms women and girls confront (The Algorithm Paradox, 2022).​ ​With the many harms that come from sexist behavior and content on social media, hearing and​ ​understanding the stories of these women was key. Through a constructivist narrative inquiry​ ​lens, I sought to understand each of my participant's stories and lived experiences (Merriam,​ ​2016). This was influenced by my lived experiences and biases as the researcher. While I did​ ​not grow up with social media, my youngest daughter did. Her two older sisters were in college​ ​when this phenomenon was created. Because of that, my life has been affected and influenced by​ ​digital technology. Using a constructivist perspective of narrative inquiry (Merriam, 2016),​ ​I sought to understand the meaning of the participants’ experiences and stories. How do young​ ​women describe the influences of social media platforms and their curated algorithm's​ ​connection (if at all) to mental health and wellness?​ ​Research Context​ ​My qualitative research study included participants from the state of Utah. They were​ ​women who used social media for at least one year during high school, grades 9-12. Social​ ​media will be defined as platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and​ ​Snapchat. As previously stated, I was interested in exploring how participants describe their​ ​experiences when they were young and how it has impacted them today. With the new legislative​ ​efforts that have been instituted to regulate social media in Utah (Socialmedia.utah.gov: Home.​ ​(n.d.)., this participant base was not affected by these efforts due to their age, meaning, the​ ​legislation is too current to have influenced the lived experiences of participants within the​ ​inclusion criteria outlined above. This suggests that future research will need to be conducted to​ ​examine if Utah’s legislative efforts are helping with the harms of social media as it pertains to​ ​children and youth. The conducted interviews with these participants were in a comfortable place​ ​ 5​ 2 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​where they felt they could share without inhibition. This was in a public setting such as a​ ​glass-enclosed room at a local library or my study in my home. This ensured the safety of the​ ​researcher and participants, while also providing maximum privacy for the interviews.​ ​Participants​ ​My participant group included six women, ages 25-27, from Utah. These women had​ ​used at least one social media app regularly, several times a week, for approximately three years.​ ​This usage began by the time they were in high school, ages 14-18, for at least one year. The​ ​reason for choosing this age group is because these young women would have been old enough​ ​to have experienced social media usage as teenagers. They are now adults and can reflect back​ ​on the experiences they had with social media as teenagers. Proposed participants also looked at​ ​the experiences that they are currently having as adults and compared them with their​ ​experiences as teenagers. Convenience sampling was the initial sampling method (Noy, 2008).​ ​This method was used because of the convenience, ease, and accessibility of possible participants​ ​in my community. A secondary method, snowball sampling was also used to identify possible​ ​participants (Noy, 2008). This method involved asking the convenience sample participants if​ ​they have others, they thought who would like to participate. I gained access to these participants​ ​through friends, associates, and acquaintances. Word of mouth, phone calls, and emails were my​ ​preferred recruitment practice (See Appendix A). After potential participants agreed to​ ​participate, a consent form was sent to them to be signed prior to the interview (See Appendix​ ​B).​ ​Methods​ ​In this proposed narrative inquiry, I employed three main methods of data collection. The​ ​first was interviews and the second was an art collage created by each participant. Since social​ ​ 6​ 2 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​media apps involve the creation of content for sharing about one's life and experiences, this art​ ​collage was included as a method for creative self-reflection about this topic and research​ ​question (Archibald, 2022; Morris, 2021). A third method of data collection, field notes, was also​ ​used during the interviews to capture physical surroundings (Emerson, 2011). All of these​ ​methods were used as part of my member-checking for validity​ ​Three semi-structured interviews, ranging from 15-60 minutes were conducted (Merriam,​ ​2016). Using semi-structured interviews allowed flexibility during the interviews. At the​ ​beginning of the consent process, example questions, listed below were discussed with the​ ​possibility of evolving questions based on the participant's responses. These interviews were​ ​informal and conversational directed. While the initial questions were scripted, subsequent​ ​conversations and questions were not. The first interview was to discuss the main research​ ​questions listed below. With the flexibility of semi-structured interviews, additional discussion​ ​questions, and experiences were discovered and discussed. At the end of the first interview, a​ ​discussion of the parameters and guide for the art component took place. The participants were​ ​already familiar with this aspect of the research from the initial interview guide given to them at​ ​the beginning of this process (See Appendix C). The participants had a couple of weeks to plan,​ ​organize and create this art collage. This art component was a relevant and appropriate method​ ​for this study (Archibald, 2022; Morris, 2021). The second interview involved the discussion of​ ​the created art collage of posts, photographs, memes, and or messages. It lasted approximately​ ​12-30 The main purpose of this interview was to discuss the inspiration and meaning behind the​ ​participant's creation of the art collage. This was also done in a semi-structured format.​ ​A final or third interview was done as a member-checking component of the research​ ​process. This lasted approximately 15-45 minutes. It was preferable to do in-person interviews,​ ​ 7​ 2 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​but in the event of scheduling complications or illness, a phone call or video chat option was​ ​available. All of the interviews were done in person. These interviews were held at least a week​ ​apart so that sufficient time was available for coding and analyzing the information. These​ ​interviews were digitally recorded on my phone using my Voice Memo app. They were​ ​transcribed through a transcription process on my computer. These electronic messages and​ ​transcript documents were confidentially kept on my password protected computer and phone.​ ​Field notes were recorded manually during the interviews as part of the interview process​ ​(Emerson, 2011). These notes were kept confidential with my thesis folder in my home. I do not​ ​have anyone in my home that would intrude with these documents. They were secure and​ ​confidential. Interview guides were prepared for the participants, so they felt they had a sense of​ ​direction for these interviews (See Appendix C)​​.​​These​​guides were given to them electronically​ ​before the interview and a hard copy at the interview for their reference. A $25 gift card to​ ​Amazon was given as a token of appreciation for their time and efforts.​ ​Some example interview questions include but are not limited to:​ ​1.​ ​How has teenage social media usage impacted your views on body image,​ ​self-esteem, and self-worth?​ ​2.​ ​How did you experience sexism on social media as a youth and how has this​ ​impacted your ability to be successful and have positive life experiences as an adult?​ ​3.​ ​How has social media use affected your mental health and overall well-being?​ ​4.​ ​What would you tell a young adolescent girl entering this vulnerable time in her life​ ​and her use of social media and digital technology?​ ​5.​ ​Knowing what you know now, what would you change or not change about your use​ ​of social media as a youth?​ ​ 8​ 2 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Data Analysis​ ​Emergent coding was the process which I used to analyze my participants transcriptions​ ​(Miles et al., 2020). I did not have a predetermined set of codes and looked for emerging themes​ ​that surfaced naturally from the data. This process was reviewed, repeated and refined. The data​ ​analysis for the art pieces was done using a coding scheme or framework. Open and thematic​ ​coding frameworks were used to identify patterns, themes and symbolic meaning (Miles et al.,​ ​2020).​ ​Potential Problems​ ​One potential problem that could have arisen with my research would have been to get​ ​participants who would be able to regularly take part in the interviews, and social media collage​ ​project. Because of the demographic that I am using, ages 18-27, the possible time commitment​ ​could have been difficult for them. This age group was occupied in full-time school or full-time​ ​work. Fortunately, my participants were willing and able to meet the scheduled interview with​ ​some rescheduling needed at times. This required diligent and intentional scheduling on my part.​ ​I employed frequent and regular reminder texts as needed. This age group is best communicated​ ​with by text (Harari, 2019). I used this means to schedule and coordinate my interviewees’​ ​participation.​ ​Ethical Concerns​ ​Ethical concerns for qualitative research projects are important to address. Because of​ ​this, Institutional Review Boards that function more on a medical model may be an obstacle in​ ​getting projects approved for research (Cahill, 2015). Since my research project dealt with an​ ​oppressed group, women, the ability to unfold the layers of their stories was critical to getting to​ ​the root of the challenges these women faced because of social media and the harm that it has​ ​ 9​ 2 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​caused them. The emotional layers that could have been uncovered by exploring influences of​ ​social media on mental health and well-being were approached with empathy and sensitivity.​ ​Another area of importance with regard to ethical concerns is the importance of respecting the​ ​individual. “Individuals should be treated as autonomous agents” (The Belmont Report, 2024).​ ​The participant's ability to be self-governing and independent in thought strengthened the validity​ ​and credibility of the research. Respect also helped to create an environment where participants​ ​felt safe to share personal insights and experiences.​ ​Another ethical problem that could have arisen involved the possible harm that could be​ ​elicited because of the subject matter. Talking about harms that have come from social media​ ​usage could possibly trigger negative responses in my participants. I talked about this freely​ ​when soliciting participants. I tried as best as possible to address this at the beginning stages of​ ​participant reflection. A list of possible agencies that could be contacted to support the​ ​participant if this harm occurs was given to each participant (See Appendix D).​ ​Validity Measures​ ​Much effort was given to represent the experiences and narratives of these young women.​ ​This was intentional and focused on by me the researcher and interviewer. A triangulation of data​ ​collection through interviews, field notes, and an art collage strengthened the validity of this​ ​research (Lather, 1986). A coding process for both the interviews and art collage was used to​ ​analyze the data. Through a follow-up member-checking interview, a review of how and what the​ ​participant shared with the researcher was reviewed to ensure as best as possible accurate and​ ​viable information (Cresswell, 2000). This was the process to ensure the best representation of​ ​the intentions of the participants. This was done with all of my participants. I wanted to make a​ ​concerted effort to connect and understand my participants’ responses and feelings truthfully.​ ​ 0​ 3 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Researcher reflexivity is also another way I validated my research (Cressell, 2000). Because of​ ​my presupposed views and biases on this topic, it was important to disclose freely, which I did. It​ ​has shaped my opinions and should be stated.​ ​Conclusion​ ​Social media is changing the very fabric of our society (Haidt, 2024). Mental health​ ​concerns are emerging at a rapid pace (Ashar, 2024: Hilty, 2023; Murthy, 2023). Current​ ​research related to the influences of social media on young women is alarming (Ammanti, 2019;​ ​ChoukasBradley, 2022). Collecting the narratives and experiences of young women who have​ ​lived through this digital phenomenon is an important piece to more fully understand what is​ ​happening and how to mitigate the negative effects of problematic internet use. The methods and​ ​structures I chose, align to the voices and stories of these individuals. Having participants create​ ​an art collage that shares their feelings about their experiences with social media was a natural​ ​connection to this topic.​ ​In the next two chapters, I provide detailed analysis of how participants described their​ ​experiences with social media and its influence on their respective levels of mental health and​ ​well-being. Further, I aim to elevate participant voices and narratives to share recommendations​ ​for how teenagers today might engage with social media in healthy ways. This research will​ ​hopefully contribute to the knowledge and literature already established as well as to form a new​ ​path for additional research and understanding.​ ​ 1​ 3 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Chapter IV​ ​Perceptions & Identity: A Narrative Inquiry Study of Young Women’s Experiences with​ ​social media sought to examine the lived experiences of young adult women who have passed​ ​through their adolescent years and are now young adults living in a new digital world on social​ ​media. How did the young women I interviewed describe the influences of social media​ ​platforms and their curated algorithm's connection (if at all) to mental health and wellness?​ ​Through my data collection of an art collage, field notes, and interviews, I analyzed each​ ​participant's lived experience with their relationship to social media and their curated​ ​algorithms.​ ​This analysis examined the connections between each participant’s experiences on social​ ​media and their connections to cognition, comparison, social connection, and hope for the​ ​future. Four themes emerged from this analysis. These themes were discussed with each​ ​participant in their last member check interview. Each participant agreed with my theme​ ​selections and assessments of their relationships with social media. These themes are: Mirror​ ​Syndrome, Friend Weaving, Cogniscope, and Hope. Throughout this chapter, my participants​ ​will share their experiences through the interweaving of their stories and collages as illustrations​ ​of these themes.​ ​Six women participants were used for this study. Ellie and Karen are age 27. Julie, Mary,​ ​and Robin are age 26. Susan is age 25. These women, who currently all live in Utah, began​ ​using social media while they were in high school for at least one year. Julie, Karen, Mary,​ ​Robin, and Susan were all raised in Utah. Ellie was raised in Tennessee and moved to Utah​ ​when she began college. Each of my participants has attended some sort of after-high school​ ​educational institution. Four of them have graduated from a university with a bachelor's degree.​ ​ 2​ 3 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​All of them have come from homes with a father and mother who are still married. They​ ​also all have siblings. They currently use social media in some form. The personal stories of​ ​these six participants, who share similar experiences of their social media usage because of their​ ​age and station in life, were carefully synthesized and analyzed. Each participant showed a​ ​remarkable ability to be cognitively aware of and evaluate their own lived experience of what​ ​had happened to them as teenagers and what is now happening to them as young adults because​ ​of their use of social media. One participant, Susan, felt like her generation was the “Guinea Pig​ ​generation. We really didn’t know the effects and I feel like we still don’t.” While not familiar​ ​with the word surveillance capitalism, my participants understood its meaning because of their​ ​use of social media and being marketed to by curated algorithms. They were even aware of how​ ​these algorithms influenced them for the positive and negative.​ ​Mirror syndrome discusses the role of comparison in these young women’s experiences​ ​with social media. It encompasses not only body comparison, which is influenced by sexism, it​ ​includes material comparison which is exacerbated by surveillance capitalism. My second theme,​ ​friend weaving explores the relationships between social connections online and their influences​ ​for the negative and positive. It also examines the intertwining and interconnectedness of​ ​relationships or the metaphorical friend weaving on social media and its connection to my​ ​participant's mental health and wellness. Cogniscope examines these participant's ability to​ ​recognize how social media is affecting them emotionally, mentally, physically, and socially.​ ​Through this recognition, the final theme of hope considers the views of these participants and​ ​how they want to use their experiences with social media to mentor others and become future​ ​leaders who will have a positive impact on society.​ ​ 3​ 3 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​This analysis also showed the interrelationship of mirror syndrome, friend weaving,​ ​cogniscope, and hope. Each theme flowed from one to the other. Hope encircled the other three​ ​themes as these participants shared what they had lived through as adolescents and how it has​ ​impacted them as young adult women. The findings indicate that these women while they have​ ​scars from the past are not beaten. They are determined to take charge of their lives and their​ ​social media usage and want to move forward with hope and healing.​ ​The following sections describe each theme and their connection to the root causes and to​ ​each other. These themes are interwoven together to form a tapestry of each participant's​ ​experiences with social media, its curated algorithms, and their perceptions of their exposure in​ ​these digital spaces as youth and as young adults. The tapestries are unique to each participant.​ ​They have each been exposed to similar but also distinct experiences and events that have shaped​ ​their identities. These participants have grown up with digital technology, social media, and their​ ​curated algorithms. Their lives have been influenced by these technological advancements and​ ​exposures. Their individual experiences, perceptions, and identities or tapestries have been​ ​stitched together like a patchwork quilt with different squares and blocks. These tapestry blocks​ ​stitched together connect them. They relate and understand each other. Past generations cannot​ ​understand because they have not lived it. These young women are bound together which is​ ​something to give them and us hope for the future.​ ​Mirror Syndrome​ ​Comparison is the thief of joy. —Robin, Interview​ ​The initial theme that emerged was mirror syndrome. Mirror syndrome is defined for this​ ​study as the ability to analyze and identify the social status and social hierarchy of individuals,​ ​groups, and social structures within the context of social media and its related topics. (Attaway,​ ​ 4​ 3 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​2024; Buie, 2023; Nesi, 2015; Smith E.B.,2020). Comparison on social media is a form of mirror​ ​syndrome. Young women are negatively affected by mirror syndrome, particularly body​ ​comparison.​ ​A recent study suggests that “Consistent with hypotheses, technology-based social​ ​comparison and feedback-seeking were associated with depressive symptoms” (Nesi 2015).​ ​Body comparison, especially for teenagers and young adults, may lead to depression symptoms​ ​and lower self-esteem. Adolescence is a time of physical and mental change and growth.​ ​Growing up may be difficult and painful, especially during these vulnerable years. Young​ ​women compare their bodies and faces with their peers and others they see on social media,​ ​particularly famous celebrities and influencers. They compare the clothes they wear and the​ ​places they shop. They are influenced by who is hanging out with who and why they weren’t​ ​invited. This is a perfect storm for problems. My participants shared many thoughts as well as​ ​components in their collages that illustrate this point on this topic. One participant, Karen shared,​ ​I grew up dancing and so I feel like my curated algorithm, especially on Instagram when​ ​I was younger, I was following a lot of different dance accounts. I think standing there in​ ​front of a leotard every day and then also seeing other people on social media, I had a​ ​really really hard time with my self-image and body, whatever you want to call it. But my​ ​body image and self-esteem was really hard in high school just being around that so​ ​much. You’re out there on social media, especially when I was in high school, kind of​ ​had this certain body type. I feel when I was so young. I feel social media was a really​ ​big hard spot of comparison for me. I feel like I touched on earlier, like my body image, it​ ​was really easy to compare my body.​ ​ 5​ 3 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Karen grew up in the dance world. Body comparison among dancers has always been a​ ​problem but social media amplified it. Karen worried about her body in a leotard. Karen said she​ ​had a “really, really hard time in high school, just being around it so much.” This phrase would​ ​indicate that Karen’s perception and identity of who she was and how she related to her peers​ ​was an ongoing and difficult experience. Susan’s words share additional insights beyond the​ ​scope of the high school experience.​ ​I feel like after high school is where I really started comparing myself. Because you are​ ​in the prime of your life, you want the attention, the false gratification from males,​ ​knowing that you’re desirable. I think it roots from being accepted. You see all these​ ​similar pictures of what you want to look like, their own algorithm is like purposely​ ​trying to put you deeper into that spiral into comparing what you should look like. Media​ ​and celebrities, they also look like this. They’re doing this; therefore, I should be doing it​ ​because I’m going to be loved and accepted by people that probably wouldn’t love me for​ ​me. It just feels very plastic, superficial, and surface level. We project a real life on social​ ​media and it’s not real.​ ​Susan’s experience after high school shares a similar theme of comparison to Karen's to​ ​the content she viewed on social media. Feeling comfortable in their own skin is not easy for a​ ​teenager or a woman. Women are constantly looking inward to see how they compare to other​ ​women. They want to be valued and loved. Susan also shares her sense of value being​ ​conditional on being accepted by people on her social media. These feelings of that false world​ ​that social media is portraying cause her to question what is real and what is not. Social media is​ ​curating algorithms to spiral a person down this hole of comparison. They are doing it to hook​ ​their viewership for monetary gain.​ ​ 6​ 3 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Ellie illustrates in her artistic collage her experience with comparison through the contrast​ ​of appearance and reality in her piece titled: If Only You Knew the Whole Story. Ellie explains,​ ​In the age of social media, we often see only fragments of people’s lives—curated,​ ​filtered, and polished for presentation. This piece explores the contrast between​ ​appearance and reality, using the symbolism of closed eyes. One eye remains bare, while​ ​the other is adorned with makeup, reflecting the duality of authenticity and performance.​ ​The gradient background shifts from somber to bright, representing the emotional​ ​spectrum that exists beyond the frame of what we choose to share. ‘If Only You Knew​ ​the Whole Story’ invites viewers to consider the unseen realities behind every post and​ ​every carefully chosen moment.​ ​Figure 1​ ​If Only You Knew the Whole Story, Ellie’s Art Collage​ ​ 7​ 3 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Sexism​ ​Young women objectify themselves when they post photos that portray themselves as​ ​objects to be admired and even worshiped. “Unfortunately, instead of providing a utopian tool of​ ​inclusion and connection, social media platforms often exacerbate existing societal biases like​ ​sexism and objectification” (Buie, 2023). The role of the influencer is to influence. Young minds​ ​are prone to the influence of their peers, parents, and society. They can be easily swayed by what​ ​they see and read on social media. One participant, Mary, shared about her time in high school,​ ​No one said the quiet part out loud but there was definitely subconscious messaging, if​ ​you’re a woman on social media, this isn’t a place for you to post your fun photos; this is​ ​a place for you to post your highly curated, you know, glamour shots. I think every girl in​ ​high school was insecure trying to you know, peacock to everyone else, that they weren’t​ ​actually insecure. As a teen, when you’re going through, like, you know, I don’t look​ ​good in pictures. I feel like I don’t have anything that’s up to snuff to post with these​ ​other girls.​ ​Using the phrase​​peacock to everyone else​​strongly​​illustrates the point through an animal​ ​visual representation what these young women are doing to put themselves above others.​ ​Peacocks are known for strutting around, particularly the males while they show their big​ ​colorful feathers. This has been a symbol of confidence, pride and arrogance. Mary continues to​ ​lament her experience,​ ​That’s very hard when you’re seeing all of the girls at your school who are cute and​ ​they’re good looking, and then their social media, your like, oh my gosh, just a gorgeous​ ​woman. I feel like I don’t, compare to that. I feel like it’s even more damaging than just​ ​seeing those people in person because you’re only seeing the best side of them. And you​ ​ 8​ 3 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​think that as a teenager, you think that’s everything. You think they live this glamorous​ ​life and you’re like, why isn’t my life like that?​ ​In this interview, Mary shares some of the challenges she faced in high school while​ ​comparing herself to other girls. She used words like glamorous, gorgeous, and good-looking as​ ​she described other women at school. While she recognized that social media shared the best​ ​side of these girls, it still had an impact on her. She compared herself and her identity to them.​ ​Even knowing that it is curated to show the best side of someone, young girls wonder why their​ ​lives aren’t like the ones they are seeing on social media. Karen, another participant asserts,​ ​I think social media is a really easy place to hide behind a curtain and you can say things​ ​that you like maybe wouldn’t say to a person if you were face-to-face with them. I think​ ​there was like objectification of women online. You’d see that a lot, or especially like​ ​women putting down other women. It’s just as easy to just like be mean on social media.​ ​I think women to women especially, it’s really easy to put other women down when​ ​you’re hiding behind a phone screen.​ ​The personal experiences of Mary and Karen coincide with the literature that sexist​ ​content on social media increases insecurity, self-doubt, and negative feelings of personal value​ ​and worth (Rogers, 2020). They also suggest that sexism and the objectification of women on​ ​social media platforms contribute to many problems and mental health challenges (Buie, 2023;​ ​Gerson, 2024). The literature confirms that women are causing much of this harm to other​ ​women (Attaway, 2024; Barreto & Doyle, 2023; McQueeny, 2018;​​Papageorgiou, 2022)​​. Many​ ​of the harms circulating on social media platforms, which are sexist and objectifying are being​ ​self-perpetuated by our own sex (Attaway, 2024; Barreto & Doyle, 2023).​ ​ 9​ 3 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Another participant, Julie shares through her art collage, her experiences with social​ ​media and the challenges she faced as a young teen because of comparing herself to unattainable​ ​beauty standards and the conflicting voices she was subjected to. In her piece titled, Untitled​ ​Wallflower, she shares her struggles and heart.​ ​This collage captures the essence of being a teenage girl in a time shaped by the​ ​intoxicating pull of social media, the glorification of unattainable beauty standards, and​ ​the quiet weight of digital validation. I logged back into all my accounts I had as a​ ​teenager and pulled images that I reblogged, repinned, and “worshiped”. This piece​ ​reflects the paradox of growing up in a hyper-connected world: a generation too busy​ ​documenting life to truly live it. This piece is a visual diary of the mid-2010s internet girl:​ ​melancholic yet self-aware, striving for authenticity but wanted to just fit in, yet be the​ ​sad internet girl that was glorified. A confusing time full of conflicting voices.​ ​ 0​ 4 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Figure 2​ ​Untitled Wallflower, Julie’s art collage​ ​Surveillance Capitalism​ ​Research on how this new form of digital capitalism is causing increased concern​ ​particularly as it affects teenagers is surfacing. “Governmental control is nothing compared to​ ​what Google is up to. The company is creating a wholly new genus of capitalism, a systemic​ ​coherent new logic of accumulation we should call surveillance capitalism” (Zuboff, 2016).​ ​“Social media companies have willingly created immersive online environments with the aim to​ ​“persuade” users to spend as much time possible on their social media apps to watch ads and​ ​ 1​ 4 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​enlarge their digital footprints (Montag, 2023). “Teenagers are especially susceptible to the​ ​harms of social media and influencer marketing.” (Zhu, 2022).​ ​The term surveillance capitalism was not something any of my participants had heard of.​ ​But when explaining what it was, they all understood it and could see it in their use of social​ ​media. They all understood that they were being marketed and curated. Mary shared,​ ​I think if you go on social media being aware that everything’s an ad, you can kind of​ ​catch yourself because it’s hard because not everything is openly trying to sell you​ ​something though. You have influencers who are using a project and they’re getting​ ​commissioned for but you don’t know it. Or, you know, just people doing certain things​ ​making certain types of videos that promote you to buy things that you don’t need, even​ ​if you don’t realize that you’re being advertised to. I think it’s tricky and requires kind of​ ​a mentality change to realize you’re not just being entertained but you’re constantly being​ ​sold to. And I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing. I mean, it’s a bad thing if​ ​you’re the type of person who wants to just buy and consume, but I don’t think that.​ ​While not knowing before this interview the definition of surveillance capitalism, Mary​ ​understood what was happening and that there was a deeper plot to get her hooked on​ ​consuming. Mary understood that she was constantly being sold to, whether openly or​ ​discreetly. When Robin responded about her experiences with surveillance capitalism, she​ ​shared,​ ​I don’t think I have ever bought anything from an Instagram ad before. I have been​ ​influenced, I’ve seen something on social media and then I’ve gone and bought it. I saw​ ​this girl who designed her bathroom, and she got a lamp for her bathroom, and she has a​ ​lamp on the shelf in her shower, and I went, ‘Oh’, and I immediately went and bought a​ ​ 2​ 4 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​shower lamp. And now I have a shower lamp, and I consider it a necessity of life. How​ ​did I exist before the shower lamp? So, I have definitely been influenced, but it’s always​ ​been things that have made me happy. But maybe it’s made me unnecessarily spend​ ​money when I should have saved it.​ ​While not necessarily being influenced by an ad for a product, Robin’s experience​ ​connects to Mary’s statement of being influenced to buy something from someone else’s​ ​suggestion or influence. While this may not always be a bad thing, since Robin’s shower lamp​ ​made her very happy, it could become a perpetual habit of buying things that are not needed to​ ​excess. We live in a world of instant gratification to buy happiness. Surveillance capitalism is​ ​contributing to the problem of over-consumption and debt. The next theme revealed in my​ ​study, which is closely related to mirror syndrome, is friend weaving.​ ​Friend Weaving​ ​In a world of algorithms, hashtags, and followers, know the importance of human​ ​connection. —Karen, art collage interview​ ​Adolescent development is an exciting but challenging time. Children are growing into​ ​adults. Many teenagers push against parents, teachers, and authority. They are exploring their​ ​emotions, and ideas and figuring out what they believe in and who they want to become. Their​ ​perceptions of others and themselves shape their identity. Having friends is an important aspect​ ​of growing up, particularly for a teen. Teens may have thousands of friends online from social​ ​media platforms. From my research, I have learned that social media contributes to this already​ ​sensitive and influential time of growth. Social media is influencing friendships and social​ ​connections negatively and positively. The theme of friend weaving highlights exploring the​ ​relationships between social connections online and the impact they may have on our​ ​ 3​ 4 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​interactions with others. Social experiences are often clouded by comparing ourselves to others,​ ​particularly for young women. Social media may amplify pain, loneliness, and mental health​ ​concerns through negative social connections. Too much online connection over the real​ ​face-to-face experience is particularly problematic. It can be a mentally arduous task to sift​ ​through what is shared on social media. How to negotiate what we see and read, even with our​ ​close friends can be confusing and complicated. Mary relates her experience,​ ​As I use and consume social media, I thought about the different ways that viewing social​ ​media affects me in terms of how I see myself, how I interact with others, and how my​ ​friendships are affected by that. Conversations are affected, you know, the things that I​ ​listen to, the things that I even eat, or the ways that I work out because of whatever sort​ ​of social media trends.​ ​Karen similarly expresses,​ ​I think it's hard cause sometimes as an anxious girl myself, I feel like it's hard that I, you​ ​don't know how to take things. Like there's not that dictation of their voice to know, like,​ ​are they saying this in a rude way? Are they saying this in a kind way? I think that's stuff​ ​that we still deal with on social media today with everyone.​ ​Karen also shared, “I see that friends are hanging out and I’m not there, you know, it’s really​ ​hard with your mental health as a teenager to see all your friends hanging out and you didn’t get​ ​invited, whether it’s on purpose or you know, it’s completely innocent.”​ ​Mary’s artistic collage compares the relationship between Shakespeare’s, Romeo and​ ​Juliet and her experiences with social media and friend weaving. She shares,​ ​From Romeo and Juliet Act 5, Scene 3. I imagine my relationship with social media as​ ​tumultuous and isolating as the love between Romeo and Juliet. The ideals of a loving​ ​ 4​ 4 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​social life, a healthy body and immaculate self-image are as good natured as young love.​ ​Until they become all consuming. When these ideas and images devour all waking head​ ​space, the relationship quickly turns from harmless to toxic. We lose sight of what is real​ ​as every sensory aspect of our life is dictated by the media that we consume. As Juliet​ ​contemplates taking her own life for the sake of her lover, I find myself also asking Am I​ ​really willing to give up my life to this?​ ​Figure 3​ ​Untitled, Mary’s art collage​ ​ 5​ 4 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Does friend weaving have some redeeming value as it connects to social media? Has it​ ​contributed positively to these participants if at all? Two participants shared positive stories​ ​about how they have benefited from friend weaving on social media. Ellie relates,​ ​I have also on the flip side gotten a lot of empowerment from being on social media, for​ ​instance having an Asian background and that experience I've grown up in areas where​ ​there weren't a lot of Asian people, and so I didn't really have a lot of peers that could​ ​relate to that part of my upbringing, and which wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's​ ​been really cool to just find different pockets of communities online like for example​ ​there's a Facebook group online for Asian Americans whether they're half like I am or​ ​they're first generation and both their parents are Asian, you know, and mainly it's just​ ​people sharing memes and silly content that's relatable for people who have grown up​ ​with that experience, but sometimes it's wholesome things too, or just, and there's​ ​thousands of people in this group from all over the U.S. and maybe even into like Canada​ ​and other parts of North America but it's just so cool to see people sharing just funny​ ​things that I’m like oh my goodness I had no idea that that was relatable to anybody else​ ​but me and so that's really cool to have that camaraderie and it only goes so deep.​ ​Ellie seems to gain a lot of positive empowerment from her online Asian community that​ ​she has been able to connect with on social media. It has given her a connection to her heritage​ ​which has strengthened her identity and value. Ellie continues,​ ​It's not like I'm gonna meet any of those people personally and develop long-lasting​ ​friendships but just to know I'm not alone and there's other people who can relate to that​ ​is very comforting and I think that is empowering because it inspires me to want to really​ ​stay connected to my heritage. I got married recently and my spouse and I, we got to​ ​ 6​ 4 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​dress up in the traditional wedding attire. I think finding that inspiration has helped my​ ​self-worth and my self-esteem a lot because it's helped me to embrace different parts of​ ​my personality and different parts of my my upbringing and just parts of my overall​ ​perspective on how I see the world and so that has been really helpful.​ ​Another participant Robin shares her positive experiences on social media with her​ ​Bookstagram business she created.​ ​I have an account where I just do my books and my writing and that one actually​ ​crazily enough has not felt isolating. It's been a really, really good community and​ ​I've actually made friends like people I've never met in real life. I've made friends​ ​through social media, and I have formed a writer's club. I now have three girls​ ​who I meet with regularly and we have a group message totally separate from​ ​Instagram. And so, we meet via video call, every couple of weeks. We read each​ ​other's books, we comment, we cheer each other on, and I consider these three​ ​girls like some of my best friends right now. And then I'll think about it and I'm​ ​like, I've never even met them in real life. But one of them is from Pakistan and​ ​she lives now in Canada. One of them is from California, but we randomly​ ​happened to be like members of the same church, and it was a super random​ ​connection. Another girl, very different from me, was from Hawaii and then was​ ​in a super fundamentalist religion or Christian-type upbringing. It was super​ ​different than my experience. And then the girl from Pakistan, she's Muslim. And​ ​so, it has been so, so cool to form these connections with people quietly. And one​ ​of them is quite similar, but then the other one is really different than me. And it's​ ​ 7​ 4 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​been so cool. Like one of the coolest experiences that I've had in my recent life.​ ​And it was through social media that all came to be.​ ​Robin has found a lot of connections to her book and writing community. This has been a​ ​positive experience for her and most likely the other women she has connected with. Because of​ ​this online experience, Robin has been able to further her work interests and find increased​ ​self-worth and value. She repeats the phrase;​​it’s​​been so cool​​several times.​ ​Robin continues,​ ​“There's another girl I met who messaged me and she was like, 'Hey, I live in Salt​ ​Lake. Would you ever be down to meet in person?' So, we met at the library, and​ ​we now meet weekly. We read each other's books and we're just like friends in real​ ​life. We text each other all the time. It's been really cool. Social media, when used​ ​for its proper purpose, can be so awesome and can really be the opposite of​ ​isolating.​ ​Ellie and Robin have both shared some of their positive experiences with social media.​ ​Many benefits are available to those who use this tool to create healthy connections. Through​ ​connecting with individuals who share similar interests and backgrounds, Ellie and Robin have​ ​created a positive environment that has benefited them and others.​ ​Even with the positive connection on social media the dark side is ever present. Because​ ​of the dual side of friend weaving, Karen, through her artist statement and collage, depicts the​ ​confusing and complicated aspects of friend weaving and mirror syndrome. These dual themes​ ​intertwine to such a degree that one is seemingly always present with the other. Karen expresses​ ​about her piece titled: Social Media and the Teenage Experience,​ ​ 8​ 4 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​This collage explores the complex, often contradictory relationship teenage girls have​ ​with social media, particularly around body image, self-worth, and connection. It shows​ ​how social media can be both empowering and destructive, offering a space for creativity,​ ​community, and self-expression, while also fueling harmful comparisons and unrealistic​ ​beauty standards. The layered nature of the work reflects tension, capturing how social​ ​media can simultaneously connect and isolate, uplift and diminish. Through this piece, I​ ​want the viewer to think about how social media shape's identity, self-image, and mental​ ​health, especially for young women navigating these digital spaces. Ultimately, my work​ ​speaks to the delicate balance between embracing the positive aspects of social media​ ​and acknowledging its power to distort our sense of self.​ ​Figure 4​ ​Social Media and the Teenage Experience, Karen, art collage​ ​ 9​ 4 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​The literature supports that social media is not only changing how we communicate with​ ​family, friends, strangers, and communities (Hilty, 2023; Shoemaker et al., 2022; O’Keefe et​ ​al.,2011), social behaviors and practices are being altered, influenced and refashioned by our​ ​consumption of it (Ammaniti & Cerniglia, 2019; Ammaniti & Lobb, 2020). Friend weaving​ ​while it has some positive influences, has many negative influences and is contributing to the​ ​increase in the deterioration of teen mental health worldwide (Ellis et al., 2024; Hoge, 2017;​ ​Rideout et al., 2018, Samuel, 2023).​ ​Cogniscope​ ​I think it requires kind of a mentality change to realize you’re not just being entertained,​ ​but you’re constantly being sold to. —Mary, interview​ ​The ability to recognize how something affects you emotionally, mentally, physically, and​ ​socially is a valuable life skill. Cogniscipe requires critical thinking and examination, humility,​ ​and resilience. Through the entwining of their interviews and art collages, it was apparent that​ ​each participant recognized how social media, and its curated algorithms were affecting them.​ ​They understood mirror syndrome and how body and material comparison were affecting their​ ​mental health. They acknowledged how friend weaving and the role of an influencer were​ ​influencing them. These six participants recognized the influence this had on them as​ ​adolescents and as it continues to do so as young adults. Susan articulates her experiences with​ ​social media, “It’s not real life!”​ ​While adolescent females are less cognizant of what is happening to them with their​ ​connection to social media and its curated algorithms, young adult women who have lived​ ​through these experiences are aware. Due to their age, and naivete, adolescents are more​ ​vulnerable and ignorant of the many consequences that come from regular and unregulated social​ ​ 0​ 5 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​media use. Thus,​​The Perfect Storm​​is created from adolescent social media use. Susan shares​ ​her advice to this tender population when asked what advice she would give them.​ ​I'd want her to know that her worth is not in the world, her worth is in the Lord, and her​ ​worth is not, you know, based upon the gratification of likes, that's the top tier right​ ​there's so much more to it. But honestly, just to give her the reassurance that I think​ ​there's a generation I really believe that's coming up where you know parents aren't​ ​giving their kids cell phones or iPads or because they're aware of the generation right​ ​before, where I want you to flourish. A life that you could be living right now. I think it's​ ​like the people that are actually living life. They don't need their phone; they can live, and​ ​they can be present.​ ​Susan was fervent in her declaration of what she would tell young adolescents. She says​ ​that her generation, when they become parents are going to think differently about how they​ ​handle digital technology use with their own children. Susan, as previously mentioned, was the​ ​participant who felt that her generation was the “Guinea Pig generation”. She has a plan for her​ ​future and wants to promote positive change. Susan continues,​ ​I heard this one time, and it was so profound, it's so good to be bored, to know how to​ ​handle yourself when you're bored. This is so great! I just think kids, when they know​ ​how to handle boredom, boredom like there's a new level unlocked, it just encourages​ ​them to be curious and inquisitive, intelligent, and present, and human. To just value,​ ​value human connection, value finding, instead of valuing a ton of followers, value​ ​finding a few good friends like a man of many friends comes to ruin.​ ​Julie also showed a lot of understanding or cogniscope as she reflected on her​ ​experiences with social media as she recounted about her image of Icarus in her art collage.​ ​ 1​ 5 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​I just put Icarus falling because I feel like that's what it kind of felt. I think I like thought​ ​about that a lot, like, I felt too, I don't know. I just felt like I was always falling when I​ ​was a teenager. And I think it was a lot of times social media. What was interesting is I​ ​came home from my other interview and my dad said that every bad thing that's ever​ ​happened to you is because of social media. He's like every tragedy you've had and​ ​hardship, I can blame your phone. And I was like, that's probably true.​ ​Current literature shows that the field of what teenagers and young adults understand or​ ​cogniscope about their relationship with social media and its curated algorithm is materializing​ ​and on the cutting edge. It also shows what new research needs to be done (Groot et al., 2023;​ ​Swart, 2021). My research shows clearly that young adult women especially, understand what is​ ​happening. Younger women are less able to see these harms as demonstrated by my participant's​ ​voices of their experiences from when they were adolescents until now.​ ​Robin’s art collage shows her recognition and understanding of the twofold nature of​ ​social media. She is not naive to the problems that it creates. Her ability to cogniscope what is​ ​happening to not only herself but also her friends, encompasses the previous themes of friend​ ​weaving and mirror syndrome. Her collage titled Sabotage illustrates her ability to see what is​ ​happening.​ ​This work utilizes a collage format to examine the relationship between the positive and​ ​negative aspects of social media. I used a plethora of different images, pieced together to​ ​demonstrate the attributes that bring me joy from social media, as well as those that make​ ​social media a negative part of my life. On the bottom right side of the piece are those​ ​images demonstrating how social media can be a source of creativity, self-expression, and​ ​friendship. I also presented how this is not always the case. On the top left, I depicted​ ​ 2​ 5 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​how negativity is ever present and able to overpower the positive aspects. I demonstrated​ ​the negativity by including images that highlighted how social media can promote sexist​ ​ideology, tear down individuality, and enhance depression. I purposefully layered the​ ​negative aspects on top of the good to appear as if they are encroaching upon the​ ​“positive” side of the piece. This was done to convey how the dark aspects of social​ ​media often find a way of bleeding into and sabotaging the positive aspects. My goal with​ ​this piece is for the viewer to recognize that social media does have many positive​ ​aspects, but it is important to be aware of the dark attributes that may be causing harm.​ ​Figure 5​ ​Sabotage, Robin’s Art Collage​ ​ 3​ 5 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Susan, Robin, and Julie from their examples all recognize the role that social media has​ ​played in their lives, particularly when they were younger. Susan was passionate in her​ ​interview to share her feelings about what she wanted to tell the young female adolescents​ ​growing up today. Julie’s assessment of how she felt she was always falling as a young​ ​adolescent depicts her ability to see this perception from a larger lens and view. As she looked​ ​back to this time, she lamented how she struggled with her identity and perception of who she​ ​was.​ ​Hope​ ​You can dream of the life you want. Like Google, dreams have two definitions. It can be​ ​your escape of reality or a picture of the life you long for and aim to create. -Susan, art collage​ ​The Merriam-Webster dictionary states that hope is “a feeling of desire that’s​ ​accompanied by expectation or belief that something will happen” (​​HOPE Definition &​ ​Meaning​​, 2025). Paul teaches in Romans 8:24 “For​​we are saved by hope” (​​The Holy Bible​​,​ ​2000). Hope is how we survive the challenges that life presents. We cling to hope for healing,​ ​wellness, understanding, relief, suffering, and clarity, not just for ourselves but for those we love​ ​and care about. Sometimes hope is all we have. Susan’s art collage, with its bright and vibrant​ ​colors, was different from the others. Her piece spoke about this hope. Her title,​​Escaping from a​ ​Digital Reality​​and artist statement​​shares her dreams​​of a different reality, one that she hopes for​ ​and aims to create. She recognizes that life does not need to be lived in an escape, which is what​ ​so much of social media curates for us to believe. She talks about being present. She expresses​ ​cherished aspirations, ambitions, and ideals that she hopes and dreams for in her art collage​ ​titled, Escaping from a Digital Reality.​ ​ 4​ 5 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​If you look up the definition of dream on Google search. There are two different​ ​definitions. The first describes a dream as a series of thoughts, images, or sensations​ ​occurring in a person’s mind while one sleeps. You can assume most people know what a​ ​“dream” is in a literal sense. However, the second definition describes the heart behind a​ ​dream, and therefore resonated with the center point of my artist statement. The second​ ​definition describes a dream being a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal. When I​ ​think about today's technology and all the advancements we have experienced, too much​ ​of a good thing can soon lead to our detriment. When we believe we are getting ahead,​ ​our humanity is falling behind. My everyday “ideal” is living phone free. My ambition is​ ​to be in the present moment. We will never be able fully immerse ourselves in a phone​ ​free era, and even though a life before technology feels like a distant dream, dreams are​ ​not without cause. You can dream of the life you want. Like Google, dreams have two​ ​definitions. It can be your escape of reality or a picture of the life you long for and aim to​ ​create.​ ​ 5​ 5 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Figure 6​ ​Escaping from a Digital Reality​ ​Ellie also shares a feeling of hope,​ ​That's one of the benefits to social media, it's a wonderful outlet if used correctly,​ ​to share our stories and our experiences. And part of the human condition is going​ ​through hard things. And feeling sad and dealing with those heavy emotions. By being​ ​able to talk about those things and being able to acknowledge that yes that's something​ ​we're all going through I think it just makes the parts that are bright and beautiful and​ ​happy about life just that much more richer and greater.​ ​ 6​ 5 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Susan found hope in her dream of escaping from a digital reality. Ellie found hope by​ ​leaning into the difficult emotions as part of the human condition. Mary, Julie, Robin and Karen​ ​also found hope by recognizing the difficult challenges they had been through and by maybe​ ​through recognition and understanding, they could find a better future ahead. By acknowledging​ ​these thoughts and ideas, the seed of hope has been planted. Literature has also confirmed that​ ​while risks are inherent in social media spaces, this is also a time of hope and opportunity (Nesi,​ ​2020). Nesi finds hope in looking for opportunities and benefits in these social media spaces. She​ ​also encourages continued evidence-based approaches to encouraging healthy social media use​ ​in youth (Nesi, 2020). If we are indeed saved by hope as Paul stated, then these seeds of hope​ ​from these young women can have a powerful effect on those whom they encounter. Their future​ ​families will all benefit which will in turn spread to others.​ ​Conclusion​ ​Perceptions & Identity: A Narrative Inquiry Study of Young Women’s Experiences with​ ​Social Media sought to examine the lived experiences of young adult women who have passed​ ​through their adolescent years and are now young adults living in a new digital world on social​ ​media. These six brave young women have lived through a time never before experienced by any​ ​other generation. They are woven together in a tapestry quilt, each with their own block story​ ​and lived participation. Mirror syndrome, friend weaving, cogniscope, and hope are themes that​ ​have been woven through their human experience with social media and its curated algorithms.​ ​As we move to the last chapter for reflection and recommendation, we explore how we can use​ ​these themes to provide healing and wellness.​ ​ 7​ 5 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Chapter V​ ​Social media and its curated algorithms are shaping our society in a profound way. While​ ​all technological advancements shape our future, social media and its curated algorithms are​ ​unusually unique and moving at such a fast pace it is often challenging to know exactly what is​ ​happening. What is happening in the lives of young people, particularly young women was the​ ​primary focus of this thesis. How is the use of social media and their curated algorithms​ ​affecting their mental health and wellness? This phenomenon is like no other. The purpose of this​ ​thesis was to answer the question; how do young women describe the influences of social media​ ​platforms and their curated algorithm's connection (if at all) to mental health and wellness? And​ ​how have these influences affected my six participants mentally, emotionally and physically?​ ​Were these influences positive or negative? The four themes of m​​irror syndrome, friend weaving,​ ​cogniscope, and hope,​​that emerged from this study​​have provided valuable insight into the lives of​ ​my six participants as well as others who may have had similar experiences with social media.​ ​This final chapter further connects to literature and theory and readdress some of the root​ ​causes from chapter I that impact this topic. I give recommendations for policy, practice, and​ ​theory which can be used by stakeholders and institutions to make for a better and safer world​ ​for our young people, particularly young women. These recommendations also include areas​ ​needed for future research and investigation. I explore possible implications of what may​ ​happen if society chooses to address these issues or ignore their warning signals. As part of this​ ​exploration, I discuss my connection and experience with this project and its connection to the​ ​Utah PTA. As the Utah PTA Digital Wellness Specialist and grandparent of 13, eight being​ ​granddaughters, my passion for this topic is profound. Finally, I give my personal reflection of​ ​my feelings and experiences with my participation in this study and what I have learned.​ ​ 8​ 5 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Root Causes​ ​As a MACOL student at Westminster University, much effort is made to enlighten​ ​students as to root causes in our society that affect social issues. This has been a​ ​thought-provoking learning experience for me. One root cause discussed in chapter I, that is​ ​relevant to my thesis topic is critical theory. Critical theorist, Michel Foucault died in 1984 prior​ ​to the beginning of the technological craze of cell phones and their new power in the digital​ ​world. He taught that knowledge linked to power assumes the authority of truth (Foucault,​ ​1977). This power or authority of truth is running wild in our new digital world. It is changing​ ​many aspects of communication, ideas and what is considered truth. Foucault taught that power​ ​is a “regime of truth” that pervades society and is in constant flux (Foucault, 1977). Social media​ ​and their curated algorithms have become a new source of power that has its own set of rules and​ ​practices. Older generations scramble to keep up with these nuanced rules and practices of the​ ​digital world. I am one of these people from the older generation. I have to rely on my children​ ​to help me to understand what appropriate digital communication signals and practices are and​ ​what are not. As I try to understand this digital ecosystem, I am leery of much of what is being​ ​dished out and taught as accurate and true. My study has shown several aspects of this power that​ ​Foucault is referring to. Power as it connects to sexism and surveillance capitalism is a​ ​contributor to harm that is happening in the online environment.​ ​Racism, another root cause addressed in chapter I was not a strong theme for this study​ ​due to the participants demographics. However, racism and its influence in social media​ ​platforms is particularly important to be aware of (Amarikwa, 2023; Gaston, 2024; Tao & Fisher,​ ​2021). Women in general fight sexism as shown in this study. Women of color have the double​ ​ 9​ 5 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​challenge of combatting sexism and racism simultaneously (Amarikwa, 2023; Felmlee, 2018;​ ​Gaston, 2024; Nesi et al., 2023).​ ​Connections to Literature, Framework, Methods and Theory​ ​As I listened to the experiences of my participants, I became keenly aware that the​ ​literature that I had researched was accurate. Social media and its curated algorithms are​ ​restructuring communication, social behaviors and practices​​(Hilty, 2023; Shoemaker et al.,​ ​2022; O’Keefe et al., 2011). The increasing consumption of digital media is altering and​ ​influencing how we not only communicate but how we act and think with family, friends and​ ​strangers in our communities (Ammaniti & Cerniglia, 2019; Ammaniti & Lobb, 2020). One​ ​participant referred to her generation as the guinea pigs of the social media experiment. Most​ ​participants felt that their parents really didn’t understand the harm that came from social media​ ​as it began to emerge, neither did my participants. They were young, unprotected and​ ​vulnerable. Children, adolescents and other vulnerable populations are under attack (DeVeirman​ ​et al., 2019; Haidt, 2024). The young, susceptible and unprotected members of our society are at​ ​risk (DeVeirman et al., 2019; Haidt, 2024). Because of the power of the influencer and its target​ ​audience, these groups' understanding and interpretation of the world is shifting (DeVeirman et​ ​al., 2019). Research is clearly showing a correlation between the increase of social media use and​ ​the deterioration of teen mental health worldwide (Ellis et al., 2024; Hoge, 2017; Rideout et al.,​ ​2018, Samuel, 2023).​ ​The Perfect Storm​​, the framework chosen for this study,​​is the collision of adolescent​ ​development, gender socialization and social media. This perfect storm has been escalating and​ ​is now wreaking havoc on this young and vulnerable group, particularly girls and young women​ ​(Choukas-Bradley et al., 2022). Gender socialization, adolescent development and social media​ ​ 0​ 6 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​and their curated algorithms are disastrously converging into each other in this now unrelenting​ ​cyclone (Choukas-Bradley et al., 2022). This thesis through participant interviews and art​ ​collages supported the reality of this perfect storm and the damage it is doing to young women.​ ​The primary methodology choices of interviews, and art collages were the most accurate​ ​way to assess the research question. The interviews were instructive and enlightening. They​ ​were filled with emotion and inquiry. Additionally, the art collages were compelling and​ ​poignant. My participants were excited to do the art collage. They wanted to share their thoughts​ ​and feelings using this art form. I was excited to see what they created, and I was not​ ​disappointed in the results. Based upon these interviews and art collages, further evidence has​ ​been obtained and is in support of my initial research. These six brave young women described​ ​there influences on social media platforms and its curated algorithms to be primarily negative​ ​and they felt their mental health was adversely affected by its use. There were a few redeeming​ ​positive influences such as connecting to social groups who you could identify with. For​ ​example, Ellie’s experience with meeting and befriending other Asian identifying people was a​ ​good experience as she connected to her roots and Japanese culture. Robin also had some​ ​positive experiences on social media platforms with her Bookstagram community. A​ ​Bookstagram community is combining the two words of book and Instagram. A community​ ​such as this uses Instagram, a popular social media platform to discuss book-related content.​ ​These social media groups may include readers, writers, publishers and book lovers. Robin’s​ ​Bookstagram community was enhanced with real life interactions after their initial online group​ ​began. Robin has made new offline friends. While Ellie and Robin’s experiences had positive​ ​aspects, the majority of the interviews and art collages shared the pain, worry and negative​ ​impact of their lived experiences.​ ​ 1​ 6 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​The six brave young women participants in this study are heroes to me. They recognize​ ​how the cyber landscape has affected them. They were able to look back on their adolescent​ ​years with thoughtful analysis of what should and should not have happened. They realized that​ ​because of their young age and the general societal understanding of social media at that time,​ ​they were susceptible to influencers in the virtual realm and to the power of the surveillance​ ​capitalistic economy. This awareness and comprehension are what gives them power, the power​ ​to change.​ ​Digital technology is quickly becoming the new source, expert, and place we go to for all​ ​knowledge and understanding (Ammaniti & Cerniglia, 2019; Ammaniti & Lobb, 2020). Young​ ​people trust social media posts, influencers and Artificial Intelligence over parents and other​ ​trusted friends and family members (Ammaniti & Lobb, 2020; Nesi, 2020). Through the sharing​ ​of their stories, my participants could cognitively understand that their teenage brain was​ ​different from their now young adult brain. Because of the ages of my participants, ages 25-27,​ ​they have all been out of high school for at least 7 years. This has given them much time for​ ​thoughtful contemplation about their relationship with social media. This study gave them pause​ ​to reflect and process what they had been through. They even now still fall prey to this new​ ​source of knowledge and consciously realize that they need to be careful about “knowledge” and​ ​“experts”. They know that the influencer is influencing. They know they are being marketed to​ ​and preyed upon for purchase. Increased awareness could have a positive effect for good as we​ ​move forward in our quest for healing and wellness.​ ​Recommendations​ ​Because of the accelerated rate in the technological advancement of social media,their​ ​curated algorithms and the increase in Artificial Intelligence in every aspect of our lives for us to​ ​ 2​ 6 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​make sound and educated decisions on policy, practice and theory, as these topics connect to​ ​mental health and wellness, expanded and elevated future research is necessary to keep up with​ ​our changing landscape in this space. Because of the negative aspects and harm that are​ ​occurring, this is not only important but vital (Murthy, 2023).​ ​E​ducating parents, caregivers and young people themselves​​about the potential harms that​ ​exist on social media and their curated algorithms is one of the first steps needed to tackle this​ ​herculean dilemma. My study clearly shows that my participants wished they had known, known​ ​how their young teenage girls' minds were being affected by social media and their curated​ ​algorithms. They wished they had seen what was happening to them mentally, physically, and​ ​socially. They wished their parents had known too. Several of my participants did have parents​ ​who were skeptical about the new and forward-thinking form of communication. With eyebrows​ ​raised and a firm resolve to be wary, they developed rules and practices in their homes that​ ​attempted to put a roadblock in the damaging path of their young daughter's social media​ ​consumption. But some young women found ways to rebel and access it anyway as often is the​ ​case in a developing teen.​ ​Policy is being created as research and personal stories, like this study, are emerging. SB​ ​142 App Store Accountability Act has recently been signed by Utah’s Governor Cox (Tonsager​ ​et al., 2025). Utah is being hailed as the first state in the nation to pass such a bill. This bill will​ ​make app stores accountable for their apps and require age verification procedures for minors.​ ​This bill is a long-awaited win for those advocating for this cause. Other states, such Alabama​ ​and Texas are now following Utah’s lead (Schoenbaum, 2025; Thayer, 2025). We need this​ ​momentum to continue. Another bill in Utah, SB 178, was also signed by the governor​​(​SB 178​​,​ ​2025).​​This bill, Devices in Public Schools is the default cell phone policy for public schools in​ ​ 3​ 6 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Utah. Many school districts are embracing this policy as a support to their already instituted​ ​policy and practice. Several of my participants were highly in support of no cell phones in​ ​schools. They felt that this was a distraction to the learning process.​ ​While policy is being created and a momentum shift seems to be happening, stories like​ ​those of these six brave young women need to be shared, supported and research replicated. For​ ​best practice to happen, continual research and the collaborative efforts of many organizations​ ​and governments are needed to stop the harm that is occurring. The beginning of best practice is​ ​to make ourselves aware of what is going on in the communities in which we live. When we​ ​become aware of what is happening then we will be able to be better advocates for others.​ ​MACOL Organization​ ​The Utah PTA is the largest children’s advocacy organization in the state of Utah. They​ ​have regional, council and local units that represent the entire state from inner city to outreach​ ​rural areas. The Utah PTA collaborates with other organizations that care about Utah’s children​ ​and families. As a combined force in advocacy, much good is done in public schools,​ ​communities and at the state legislative level. The Utah PTA even has a presence on the national​ ​legislative level. The Utah PTA’s mission statement is: To make every child’s potential a reality​ ​by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. This​ ​mission statement is why I have dedicated many years of service to this organization. I love​ ​children. I want to see them flourish, despite the challenges that they are facing. I want to​ ​advocate for them.​ ​As the Digital Wellness Specialist, I have worked with other organizations in Utah and in​ ​other states. We collaborate for the same cause, which is to advocate for those whose voices are​ ​ 4​ 6 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​still small and susceptible to harms that can come from those who prey upon their vulnerability. I​ ​hope my research will provide a benefit to this organization.​ ​The Utah PTA is affiliated with the National PTA. The National PTA has recently​ ​announced a new collaboration with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to​ ​empower families to be “Screen Smart”. Screen Smart is a program to support families and​ ​caregivers in digital spaces. Navigating the digital landscape safely and effectively should be a​ ​top priority for both of these organizations. Screen Smart workshops are being developed to​ ​address many subjects associated with these digital topics. Screen Smart is part of PTA​ ​Connected; a program run by the National PTA​​(​PTA​​Connected and Meta​​, 2024).​​With the fight​ ​that Meta has been having with parents and legislators, is their motivation truly for the good of​ ​children and youth? When I recently found out about this alliance, I was alarmed and skeptical.​ ​Will Meta truly do what they say they will do, protect our most vulnerable population? It will​ ​take time to see what they are really about. Are they gentle giants with a heart of gold or are they​ ​a wolf in sheep's clothing who are dangerous and deceitful? The National and Utah PTA will​ ​need to be aware and careful about this alliance. The National PTA is a great organization to get​ ​a stamp of approval from for Meta. I wish I had known about this alliance to get my six brave​ ​young women’s perspective about this alliance. I am sure they would have an opinion about it.​ ​Implications​ ​The question of how young women describe the influences of social media platforms and​ ​their curated algorithm's connection (if at all) to mental health and wellness has been resolutely​ ​addressed and supported by these six brave young women. Yes, they have all been affected​ ​negatively. They carry regrets, scars, and sorrows. This has impacted them and will do so for​ ​the rest of their lives.​ ​ 5​ 6 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​The implications for not taking action to protect young, vulnerable and growing minds​ ​from exposure to harmful content on social media and their curated algorithms is neglectful and​ ​troublesome. This could affect our society in a concerning way. Because of the value women​ ​hold as bearers of children and as the primary nurturer in their families, their mental health is a​ ​top priority. Families are the core strength of our society. When families are strengthened, so are​ ​communities. Mental health, young women, families and communities are all part of a symbiotic​ ​relationship that will shape the future outcome for our world.​ ​The implications of tackling this problem head on will have the opposite effect for our​ ​world. Through education, policy making and collaborative efforts of communities and​ ​organizations to address the problems that are occurring, I believe we can change things for the​ ​better. Each participant, while acknowledging the harm that they had experienced on social​ ​media, had hope for the future. They had hope of how differently they would handle cell phone​ ​and social media usage with their own children. They also had hope for personal healing through​ ​digital wellness practices.​ ​Future Research​ ​Future research needs to continue to address this problem with regard to adolescent use of​ ​social media platforms. Additional research topics that include Artificial Intelligence use for the​ ​positive and negative influences of this new rising phenomena and the impact it is having on​ ​young people, particularly women need to be addressed. Because of the harm that is caused to​ ​women through sexual exploitation and pornography usage is growing, these are additional​ ​topics that need to be tackled as well. Research that includes the digital wellness aspects of​ ​social media use by adolescents and women could be very insightful to develop methods and​ ​practices for health and healing from the harm that is occurring.​ ​ 6​ 6 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​The literature supports the relationship between the harms that come from social media to​ ​people of color (Amarikwa, 2023; Felmlee, 2018; Gaston, 2024; Nesi et al., 2023). But because​ ​of the demographic of the individuals in this study, I did not find any relationship to support this​ ​claim. My participants were all white except for one who was half white and half Japanese.​ ​While I was not able to substantiate this relationship of racism on social media, it does not mean​ ​that it is not real and not happening. The literature claims otherwise. This is an opportunity for​ ​more research to examine this population.​ ​Positionality Statement​ ​Our lives are shaped by our genetic makeup and our experiences (Reiss, 2000). We are​ ​born into different circumstances that shape our culture, viewpoints and in many instances​ ​determine who we grow up to be. Because of the era and location in which I was born, and​ ​because of the home I was raised in, I came to have biases about technology, particularly​ ​television, and its effects on myself and those around me who I care about. As a child, I was​ ​passionate about helping the underdog. I was determined and independent to set my own sail. I​ ​was taught that I had a voice and could forge my own path. This I attribute to my parents and​ ​my extended family.​ ​After I got married and started a family, I took my new role as mother very seriously.​ ​This journey was fraught with joy and pain. I made mistakes and did some good things too.​ ​Ultimately, I felt I had brought my children into the world, and I was responsible for giving them​ ​a healthy and positive start, as best as I knew how. I was always guarded about too much screen​ ​time for my children. They needed to be creating, playing and running around. Getting dirty,​ ​reading and playing make believe and outside were more important to me as activities for my​ ​children. Television, while it had some merits, was a mechanical babysitter that turned brains​ ​ 7​ 6 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​into mush if it was used too much. I even told my children that when the need arose. When cell​ ​phones emerged, I was especially wary of their negative effects. Because of this, I have naturally​ ​gravitated to this topic. My work with the Utah PTA has also opened my eyes to what is going on​ ​in the digital landscape. I also care about other people’s children. While my own children grew,​ ​we were connected to many others; friends, families, teachers, coaches and community people.​ ​Because of this, my love and concern for all children was a seed that started to grow.​ ​Conclusion​ ​The process of doing this project, while it was very challenging and trying, has been a​ ​sweet experience for me.​ ​Interviewing these six brave​​young women was delightful and​ ​inspiring.​​I learned a lot about resilience, empathy,​​and hope.​​I feel closer to each of my​ ​participants for their willingness to share their experiences and heart with me. I admire and​ ​respect their resolve, despite the harms that they have faced, to learn from the past and make​ ​better choices for the future for themselves, and their posterity. They want to share with others​ ​their message of understanding, wellness and hope too. This generation of young women are​ ​strong and enduring.​ ​Strong girls make for strong​​women. Strong women make for a better​ ​future and society. Young girls are smarter than we think they are and many know the challenges​ ​that are out there. I learned from this study that these young women are very aware of the​ ​challenges that they experienced because of their use of social media. They also now see in​ ​hindsight how this affected them as adolescents and how it continues to affect them today.​ ​My current desire is to continue my work with the Utah PTA as a support and volunteer​ ​in their organization in advocacy and service. I would also like to continue writing about topics​ ​that I care about. I enjoy writing and creating. This research process has been something I have​ ​ 8​ 6 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​enjoyed as well. 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(2019).​​The age of surveillance capitalism: The fight for a human future at the​ ​new frontier of power.​​PublicAffairs.​ ​ 6​ 8 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Appendix A​ ​Hello. My name is Tina Seastrand, and I am a graduate student in the Master of Arts in​ ​Community and Organizational Leadership department at Westminster University. I’m calling to​ ​talk to you about participating in my research study. This is a study about “How young women​ ​combat the negative aspects and influences of social media platforms and their curated​ ​algorithms and become empowered for improved mental health and wellness.”​ ​You’re eligible to be in this study because you are a female age 18-26. You will need to​ ​have used for at least one year during high school, grades 9-12, social media platforms such as​ ​Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat.​ ​I obtained your contact information from my friend _______, who thought you would be​ ​a good candidate for this study.​ ​If you decide to participate in this study, you will participate in three interviews ranging​ ​from 60-90 minutes long. The first will be a semi-structured interview discussing research​ ​questions regarding the topic of social media use and their curated algorithms. This interview​ ​will also be to discuss the submission and parameters of an art collage about your social media​ ​experiences while growing up. The second interview will discuss your ideas, thoughts, and​ ​meaning behind your art collage, and additional research questions. The third interview will be​ ​done as a member-checking component for research accuracy and validity. A $10 gift card to an​ ​establishment of your choice will be given as a token of appreciation for your time and thoughts.​ ​These interviews will be audio recorded so that the researcher may use them for review and​ ​accuracy of discussion responses.​ ​Participation in this is completely voluntary. You can choose to be in the study or not. If​ ​you would like to participate, we can go ahead and schedule a time for me to meet with you to​ ​ 7​ 8 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​give you more information. If you need more time to decide if you would like to participate, you​ ​may also call or e-mail me with your decision.​ ​Do you have any questions for me at this time? If you have more questions about this​ ​process, or if you need to contact me about participation, I may be reached at 801-916-1297.​ ​Also, if you would like to discuss this with my Faculty Advisor, their name is Melanie Lee and​ ​may be reached at [e-mail]​ ​Thank you so much.​ ​ 8​ 8 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Appendix B​ ​Westminster University​ ​Institutional Review Board (IRB)​ ​For the Protection of Human Subjects​ ​Form B​ ​Consent Form for Adults​ ​Before agreeing to participate in this study, it is important that the following explanation of the​ ​proposed procedures be read and understood. It describes the purpose, procedures, benefits, and​ ​risks of the study. It also describes alternative procedures available and the right to withdraw​ ​from the study at any time. It is important to understand that no guarantee or assurance can be​ ​made as to the results. See below.​ ​You have been invited to participate in a research study, the purpose of which is to understand​ ​How can young women combat the negative influences of social media platforms and their​ ​curated algorithms and become empowered for improved mental health and wellness?​ ​The study procedure(s) have been identified as:​ ​Two main methods of data collection will be used for this study. The first will be​ ​interviews and the second will be an art collage created by each participant. Since social media​ ​apps involve the creation of content for sharing about one's life and experiences, this art collage​ ​will be included as a method for creative self-reflection about this topic and question.​ ​Semi-structured interviews ranging from 60-90 minutes will be the initial research​ ​method. During this interview, the parameters and guide for the art component will be discussed.​ ​Using semi-structured interviews will allow flexibility during the interviews. The initial creation​ ​of posts, creating a collage of posts, memes, and or messages that invoke the inner feelings of​ ​ 9​ 8 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​these participants seems relevant and appropriate for this study. Research questions will be​ ​discussed with the possibility of evolving questions based on the participant's responses. These​ ​interviews will be informal and conversational directed. While the initial questions will be​ ​scripted, subsequent conversations and questions will not be. The second interview, which will​ ​last approximately 60-90 minutes, will be to discuss the inspiration and meaning behind the​ ​participant's creation of the photo collage. This will also be done in a semi-structured format. A​ ​final or third interview will be done as a member-checking component of the research process. It​ ​would be preferable to do in-person interviews, but in the event of scheduling complications or​ ​illness, a phone call or video chat option will be available. These interviews will be held at least​ ​a week apart so that sufficient time is available for coding and analyzing information. These​ ​interviews will be digitally recorded and transcribed. Field notes will be recorded during the​ ​interviews as part of the interview process. Interview guides will be prepared for the participants,​ ​so they feel they have a sense of direction for these interviews.​ ​The duration of the study is expected to be 9 months. You will be notified of any significant​ ​variance from the stated duration of the study.​ ​Benefits that may occur from participation in this study have been identified as a better​ ​understanding of social media and its curated algorithms and its relationship to the participants.​ ​There may also be a benefit to understanding possible wellness and healing principles from​ ​self-reflection.​ ​INVESTIGATORS: Include one of the following two statements as applicable:​ ​Projects for which there are no or minimal foreseeable risks:​ ​ 0​ 9 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​There are no foreseeable side effects/ risks associated with this project, other than the possibility​ ​of possible trauma-triggering experiences from past social media use. However, some side​ ​effects/risks may be unforeseeable​​.​ ​Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw from the study any​ ​time you wish without any penalty.​ ​If you have any questions about this study or wish to withdraw, please contact:​ ​Thesis Advisor: Melanie Lee​​[e-mail] ​ ​Principal Investigator​ ​If you have any questions regarding your rights as a research participant, please contact:​ ​Sheryl Steadman Chair of IRB, Phone: [phone]​ ​All personally identifiable study data will be kept confidential. However, the results of this study​ ​may be made available to you upon request or used in formal publications or presentations.​ ​If you feel that you have received a satisfactory explanation as to the risks and benefits of this​ ​study as well as your rights as a research participant and you would like to participate, please​ ​sign and date below. You will be given a copy of this form for your records.​ ​________________________________________​​Signature​​of Subject/Date​ ​________________________________________Signature of Investigator/​​Date​ ​ 1​ 9 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Appendix C​ ​Interview Guide​ ​Introduction of thesis overarching question and demographics of participants will be​ ​established:​ ​1. How can young women combat the negative influences of social media​ ​platforms and their curated algorithms and become empowered for improved mental​ ​health and wellness?​ ​2. Personal information currently and when they were in high school.​ ​Participant's age, family size while in high school, how many siblings/birth order,​ ​were parents divorced, etc.​ ​3.Social media platform use in high school and as an adult.​ ​4. What age the participant first used social media?​ ​5. What were the “rules” regarding cell phones, and social media use in the home​ ​they grew up in?​ ​Below are some research questions that will be highlighted:​ ​1. How has teenage social media usage impacted your views on body​ ​image, self-esteem, and self-worth?​ ​2. How did you experience sexism on social media as a youth and how has​ ​this impacted your ability to be successful and have positive life experiences as an​ ​adult?​ ​3. How has social media use affected your mental health and overall​ ​well-being?​ ​ 2​ 9 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​4. What would you tell a young girl entering this vulnerable time in her​ ​life and her use of social media and digital technology?​ ​5. Knowing what you know now, what would you change or not change​ ​from your use of social media as a youth?​ ​Digital Art Collage purpose for study:​ ​To convey ideas, thoughts, meaning, messages, and discovery of one’s social media use.​ ​This could be the negative or positive aspects of social media and how it has impacted them as a​ ​woman and their mental health and overall well-being. This art component will be created after​ ​the first interview so that the participant's ideas may be generated from the above research​ ​questions.​ ​While this project could be done digitally, it does not need to be. It could be created as a​ ​physical art piece as long as it deals with digital topics and ideas. If done digitally, I will help the​ ​participants save and print their digital art collages for display at my graduate showcase.​ ​If the participant would prefer to do a video submission, like a TikTok video format, this​ ​will be decided and organized as a possible avenue for sharing. The parameters would be the​ ​same as for the collage above.​ ​ 3​ 9 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​Appendix D​ ​Resources for Mental Health Concerns​ ​NAMI Utah:​ ​3269 South Main Street #230​ ​Salt Lake City, Utah​ ​Phone [phone]​ ​University of Utah:​ ​Community Crisis Intervention & Support Services​ ​Call 801-587-3000​ ​Valley Behavioral Health:​ ​Utah: 801-263-7100​ ​Text: 385-474-8887​ ​ 4​ 9 ​YOUNG WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA​ ​ ppendix E​ A ​Westminster University​ ​Institutional Review Board (IRB)​ ​For the Protection of Human Subjects​ ​Form F​ ​IRB Approval Notification Form​ ​(applicant fills out the top portion)​ ​Principal Investigator:​​Melanie Lee​ ​Co-Investigators:​​Tina Seastrand​ ​ itle​​: How do young women describe the influences​​of social medial platforms and their​ T ​curated algorithm’s connection (if at all) to mental health and wellness?​ ​□​​Approved​ ​□​​Approved with conditions​ ​□​​Disapproved​ ​Comments:​ ​1.​​You are required to immediately report any adverse​​reactions or complications of the​ ​project to the Institutional Review Board.​ ​2.​​There may be no change or addition to the project,​​or changes of the investigators​ ​involved, without prior approval of the Institutional Review Board.​ ​3.​​If applicable, the attached consent statement has​​been approved by the IRB. Please​ ​copy this document and use for all subjects entered into this study.​ ​ heryl Steadman, PhD October 28, 2024 Chairperson,​ S ​Institutional Review Board Date​​IRB Approval Valid:​​IORG #: 0004878 Proposal​ ​#: 20250014​ Seastrand_Tina_approval.pdf APPROVAL of a thesis/project submitted by Author(s): Tina Seastrand | Advisor: Melanie Lee School Department: School of Education Title of Thesis: Perceptions & Identity: A Narrative Inquiry Study of Young Women’s Experiences with Social Media The above named master's thesis/project has been read by each member of the supervisory committee and has been found to be satisfactory regarding content, English usage, format, citations, bibliographic style, and consistency, and is ready to be deposited and displayed in the Westminster University —Institutional Repository. Chairperson, Supervisory Committee: Melanie Lee Approved on 01-21-2026 Dean of School of Education: Matthew Neves Approved on 01-21-2026 Seastrand_Tina_permission.pdf STATEMENT OF PERMISSION TO DEPOSIT & DISPLAY THESIS IN THE INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORY Name of Author: Tina Seastrand | Advisor: Melanie Lee Additional Authors: | | | School Department: School of Education Title of Thesis: Perceptions & Identity: A Narrative Inquiry Study of Young Women’s Experiences with Social Media With permission from the author(s), the staff of the Giovale Library of Westminster University has the right to deposit and display an electronic copy of the above named thesis in its Institutional Repository for educational purposes only. I hereby give my permission to the staff of the Giovale Library of Westminster University to deposit and display as described the above named thesis. I retain ownership rights to my work, including the right to use it in future works such as articles or a book. Submitted by the Author(s) on 1/20/2026 12:37pm The above duplication and deposit rights may be terminated by the author(s) at any time by notifying the Director of the Giovale Library in writing that permission is withdrawn.