Reasons for Social Media Use and Well-Being

Purpose
You are being asked to participate in a student research project conducted regarding social media use and well-being. You will be asked to complete an online survey that should take approximately 20 minutes. The survey will include questions about how often you have used social media recently (if applicable, instructions will be given for finding this information from your phone/device), the typical reasons for why you use social media, and a variety of questions about feelings and well-being (e.g., self-esteem, loneliness, nervousness, sadness, & depression). Additional questions will ask about demographic characteristics.

Benefits and Risks
Completing this survey may give you a better understanding of how much and how often you use social media. In addition, you will be assisting the student researcher and the broader research community to better understand how reasons for using social media use relate to well-being. The risks of this study are minimal and similar to those you would encounter in typical normal, daily activities. If for any reason you feel uncomfortable with any question or part of the survey you may skip it, and you may withdraw your participation at any time. 

All data will be completely anonymous. No direct identifying information will be collected. Demographic characteristics will only be used to combine responses from people who share similar characteristics. 

Contact Information
Should you have any questions at any time about the study or this class project or you experience adverse effects as a result of participating in this study, please contact:
Nicholas Widger, Student Investigator and Honors Psychology Student, Western Illinois University, NA-Widger2@wiu.edu, 309-298-1593
Dr. Colin Harbke, Faculty Sponsor, Psychology Department, Western Illinois University, CR-Harbke@wiu.edu, 309-298-1593 

Consent:
By clicking the “I Agree” button on this page, you affirm that you are at least 18 years of age and that you have read and understood the information provided on this page. You understand that your participation is completely voluntary and that you may cease your participation at any time without penalty.