Rearch participant information form

Outline of the research Investigating and comparing the relationship between social media use and mental health and wellbeing in two age groups

Who is the researcher?

Name: Bronwen Jones

Institution: Liverpool Hope University

Researcher's University email address: 15008605@hope.ac.uk

What will my participation in the research involve?

Your participation in this research will involve you responding to items on a questionnaire. These items will ask about the frequency and nature of your social media use, and your mental health. You will respond to items about online platforms Facebook and Instagram, and mental health issues such as addiction and anxiety.

Will there be any benefits to me taking part?

You will benefit from taking part in this research by sharing your thoughts, views and experiences of whether social media use has any influence on your mental health and wellbeing. By doing this, you will make a valuable contribution to our understanding of the impact social media use is having on individuals' mental health and whether certain types of social media use could be improved or enhanced.

Will there be any risks to me in taking part?

There is minimal risk to participation in this research. If at any time you feel uncomfortable with the questions being asked, you can skip the question or end the study.

What happens if I decide that I don't want to take part during the actual research study, or decide that the information given should not be used?

You can withdraw from this study at any time before, during, or after you have participated and without giving any reason. If at any time you decide you wish to withdraw, you can contact the researcher and they will withdraw and destroy all of your data.

How will you ensure that my contribution is anonymous?

You will not be asked for your name and details of your identity will not be recorded.

All participants will be asked to provide a 4-digit number and memorable word when completing the questionnaire. Any and all identifying data will be removed. Your participation will not be discussed with anyone outside of the research team.

Please note that your confidentiality and anonymity cannot be assured if, during the research, it comes to light that you are involved in illegal or harmful behaviours which I may need to disclose to the appropriate authorities.