stdClass Object
(
    [id] => 15562
    [paper_index] => 202504-01-020931
    [title] => IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA EXPOSURE AMONG OUT OF SCHOOL YOUTH IN LAAK, DAVAO DE ORO
    [description] => 
    [author] => Richelle Teves Guarde, Dr. Annbeth B. Calla
    [googlescholar] => 
    [doi] => 
    [year] => 2025
    [month] => April
    [volume] => 11
    [issue] => 4
    [file] => fm/jpanel/upload/2025/April/202504-01-020931.pdf
    [abstract] => This study investigates the impact of social media exposure on out-of-school youth, particularly in Laak, Davao de Oro. As social media becomes a dominant force in communication and information dissemination, its influence on young individuals not engaged in formal education presents opportunities and challenges. This research seeks to explore their experiences, difficulties, and insights gained regarding their social media use.
A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed to understand the lived experiences of out-of-school youth regarding social media exposure. The study involved in-depth interviews with eight participants aged 15- 24, selected through purposive sampling. These participants were not enrolled in school or employed at the time of data collection. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method, which identified significant themes across participant narratives.
The results reveal that social media serves as an essential tool for accessing information, providing entertainment, and facilitating social connections. However, prolonged exposure also results in several negative consequences. Participants reported experiencing physical discomfort, including eye strain, headaches, and sleep disturbances due to excessive screen time. The study also highlights the dangers of misinformation, with participants struggling to differentiate credible sources from misleading content, which, in some cases, led to anxiety and social conflicts. Additionally, the study found that social media exacerbates mental health challenges, contributing to feelings of loneliness, depression, and self-doubt due to online interactions and unrealistic portrayals of success.
These findings emphasized the need for interventions that promote digital literacy, responsible online behavior, and mental health awareness. Policymakers, social workers, and educators should collaborate to create programs that guide out- of-school youth in harnessing social media's benefits while mitigating its risks. Parental guidance and community support must also be strengthened to ensure a balanced and productive use of digital platforms. Further research is recommended to explore long-term impacts and effective intervention strategies to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable youth in the digital era.

    [keywords] => Social Media, Out-Of-School Youth, Mental Health, Digital Literacy, Online Engagement, Responsible Use
    [doj] => 2025-04-09
    [hit] => 
    [status] => 
    [award_status] => P
    [orderr] => 37
    [journal_id] => 1
    [googlesearch_link] => 
    [edit_on] => 
    [is_status] => 1
    [journalname] => EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR)
    [short_code] => IJMR
    [eissn] =>  2455-3662 (Online)
    [pissn] => - --
    [home_page_wrapper] => images/products_image/11.IJMR.png
)
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