1. Choose a topic: The impact of social media on mental health.
2. Ask a question about your topic that: How does social media use affect the mental health of teenagers?
3. Find the answer to your question: Excessive social media use is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in teenagers.
4. Research the answer, and identify several conflicting viewpoints relevant to the topic: Some studies suggest that social media can enhance social connections and support, while others show it contributes to cyberbullying and social comparison, leading to negative mental health outcomes.
5. Form an opinion on your topic: While social media can offer benefits, its negative impact on mental health outweighs the positives for most teenagers.
6. Outline the evidence you will use to support your claim: Evidence includes research showing increased rates of anxiety and depression among heavy social media users, the role of cyberbullying, and the impact of social comparison on self-esteem.
7. Write your working thesis statement: It should include your claim, and hint at the evidence you will use to support it: Although social media can foster social connections, excessive use negatively impacts teenagers' mental health by increasing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem through cyberbullying and social comparison.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of writing a thesis statement worksheet.
