The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential impact of social media violence on the mental health of female adolescents.
The paper opted for a quantitative approach. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire sent to 120 selected respondents. The study was conducted in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The questionnaire was used to collect data.
Findings indicated a correlation between online violence and social media use, particularly among female adolescents. Respondents in this study noted that prolonged stay on social media may result in the possibility of falling into mental health challenges due to violence.
The researchers note that, because of the chosen quantitative approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to further test the proposed propositions.
This research has important practical implications for important knowledge to inform the development of digital safety education and interventions that promote responsible social media use. Findings can strengthen mental health screening and support services, to improve measures for safety against online violence on adolescents.
This paper fulfils an identified need to study the influence of social media technologies on internet violence among adolescents.
