The Impact of Social Media on Human Behavior - Research Paper Example

Any form of information that is shared through social media can reach many people at the same time is subject to many responses irrespective of whether the information is based on facts or myths.

Some of the arguments include quick means of information delivery, promotion of business operations, and aiding learning in schools among other views. Arguments against the use of social media include loss of privacy, identity theft, loss of face-to-face instead of face-to-face.

However, there is less information that can be used to defend either stand on the impact of social media on human beings and this forms the basis for this research proposal. Hypothesis and research questions 1 Social media has a negative influence on human behavior. Hypothesis 2Specific needs of human beings affect the use of social media. Hypothesis 3Some social media platforms are more reliable than others. Research questions1. What are the specific human needs that affect the use of social media? 2. Is the use of social media having a negative impact on human behavior? 3. Which social media platforms are regarded to be more reliable than others?

Study population and samplingThe study population will range between 50 and 100 and will mainly consist of college students who are active users of social media. The sample will be random sampling. Data collection methods and instrumentsThe methods that will be applied in data collection will be based on both secondary and primary sources. This will include the use of questionnaires with open-ended questions presented to students who use social media as a means of communication, personal interviews aimed at receiving direct feedback from various categories of people, and online research on the topic.

Statistical analysisThe statistical analysis will take into consideration the variation between the qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data will be done by computing the mean and standard deviation of all the values. Correlation coefficients between human behavior and usage of social media will be taken into consideration. Linear regression will also be undertaken when analyzing the specific cases where social media influences the behavior of human beings. Analysis of the content from in-depth interviews will form part of the qualitative analysis.