Abstract

This study examines social media's quantitative effect on juvenile criminality. The researcher intends to quantify how social media usage affects juvenile delinquency. The research will examine mediating elements, including peer influence, self-esteem, and antisocial content. This study may educate parents, educators, politicians, and mental health experts on adolescent social media usage hazards. This study aims to establish evidence-based social media mitigation and youth development solutions. This research employed quantitative methodologies. The target population for this study will be two hundred (200) criminology students of Headstart College of Cotabato. Participants will be selected using a time-efficient random selection strategy. The findings of a power analysis will be used to calculate the sample size needed to achieve the desired level of statistical significance. The researcher will administer the survey questionnaire face-to-face after proper coordination with the College head. Respondents had enough time to complete the survey questions. The researcher and respondents will complete the questionnaire in their own time to gather and retrieve data: data quantification, categorization, and statistical description. Weighted mean and correlation were utilized to assess the association between social media use and teenage delinquency and behavior. The researcher carried out all methods using SPSS Application Guide as statistical software. The study revealed that excessive social media use is associated with negative outcomes such as mental health issues, decreased social interactions, and potential impacts on academic performance. Additionally, the level of parental monitoring and communication regarding social media usage was varied, and family conflict related to social media use was evident to some extent. There needs to be more research done to determine the mechanisms that link adolescent social media usage and behavior. Longitudinal studies may help explain what happens and why, as well as suggest any necessary countermeasures.