RESEARCH-BASED ARGUMENT ESSAY (5–7 PAGES) Topic: Social Media and Teen Mental Health ⸻ PURPOSE OF THE ESSAY This essay explores how social media affects teenagers’ mental health and presents realistic ways to reduce its negative effects while still allowing teens to use social media in a healthy, balanced way. The paper should: • Present a clear argument about the issue • Use 4–5 credible scholarly/peer-reviewed journal articles • Include APA-style in-text citations • Include a proper APA reference page • Be written for a general public audience • Include both positive and negative sides of the issue • End with solutions or recommendations ⸻ RESEARCH QUESTION How does social media affect teenagers’ mental health, and what can be done to reduce its negative effects? ⸻ REQUIRED FORMAT (FOLLOW EXACTLY) ⸻ I. TITLE PAGE (APA FORMAT) Include only: • Title: Social Media and Teen Mental Health: Finding a Healthy Balance ⸻ II. ABSTRACT (IMPORTANT – PAGE 1) The abstract must be on the first page after the title page. Requirements: • One paragraph only • Do not indent the paragraph • 150–250 words • Summarize: topic, main issue, pros and cons, and solutions • End with a general conclusion about balanced social media use ⸻ III. INTRODUCTION Include: • Hook about how common social media is among teens • Background on why it affects mental health • Brief explanation of the issue • Clear thesis statement at the end ⸻ IV. BODY PARAGRAPHS A. POSITIVE EFFECTS (PROS) (1–2 paragraphs) Include: • Connection with friends and communities • Emotional support and belonging • Self-expression and creativity • Access to mental health awareness and information Support with: • Scholarly Article 1 • Scholarly Article 2 ⸻ B. NEGATIVE EFFECTS (CONS) (1–2 paragraphs) Include: • Anxiety and depression links • Social comparison and low self-esteem • Body image issues • Cyberbullying, addiction, and sleep problems Support with: • Scholarly Article 3 • Scholarly Article 4 ⸻ V. ANALYSIS / SYNTHESIS (YOUR POSITION) This section should explain your full argument by combining both sides. Include: • Clear stance on the issue • Explanation of both positive and negative effects • Solutions such as: • Teens limiting screen time and using social media more intentionally • Parents setting boundaries and communicating with teens • Schools teaching digital literacy and mental health awareness • Social media companies improving safety features and reducing harmful algorithms Use evidence from your sources to support your points. ⸻ VI. CONCLUSION Include: • Restate main argument in different words • Summarize key points • Reinforce balanced solution • End with a strong final statement about healthy social media use ⸻ VII. REFERENCES (APA FORMAT) • Must include 4–5 peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles • Must be in proper APA format ⸻ VIII. APPENDIX A Include any extra materials such as: • Surveys • Charts or graphs • Interview notes • Additional research data (if used) If nothing is needed, write “Not applicable.” ⸻ IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY • 5–7 pages (not including title page, abstract, references) • Must include 4–5 scholarly peer-reviewed sources • Must include APA in-text citations • Must include both pros and cons • Must include solutions for teens, parents, schools, and companies • Must follow the exact structure above