THE LEVEL OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND ITS RELATION TO DEVIANT

TENDENCY BEHAVIOR AMONG ADOLESCENTS

A Research Paper Presented to the

Faculty of the Institute of Criminal Justice Education
Tangub City Global College
Maloro, Tangub City

In Partial Fulfilment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

Honey Jean N. Abanil

Rosalyn R. Ybañez
Shaine Gabrielle E. Bulaybulay
Jussel S. Estoquia

November 2024
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Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Background of the Study

Adolescents are in a critical stage of social and emotional development, which makes

them highly susceptible to the powerful influences of social media. Since 2019, research has

consistently shown a strong correlation between high levels of social media usage and an

increased likelihood of engaging in deviant behaviors. This connection arises from several key

factors, including peer influence, exposure to harmful or inappropriate content, and the

normalization of risky or unethical actions through viral trends and challenges (Navarro, 2024;

Felson & Richard, 2023). Social media platforms, where adolescents often seek validation and

form identities, amplify these risks by presenting environments that frequently glorify violent,

criminal, or otherwise deviant acts. Such exposure not only heightens the likelihood of online

misconduct but also significantly increases the chances of these behaviors translating into

offline contexts (Sampasa-Kanyinga & Lewis, 2020). As a result, social media use emerges as

both a medium for exposure and a catalyst for behavioral influence, underscoring its critical

role in shaping adolescent actions.

Deviant behavior, encompassing acts such as cyberbullying, participation in risky

online challenges, and other forms of rule-breaking, finds a conducive environment within the

digital realm of social media. This phenomenon is largely driven by the anonymity,

immediacy, and social validation inherent to these platforms (Kircaburun et al., 2020).

Adolescents, often in search of peer approval, are particularly prone to imitating risky

behaviors showcased online, even when such actions conflict with ethical or legal standards.
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Research highlights a direct relationship between increased screen time and heightened

vulnerability to engaging in deviant behaviors, suggesting that prolonged exposure to harmful

content or trends amplifies the likelihood of mimicry (Huang, 2021). Furthermore, the

perceived anonymity afforded by social media acts as a psychological buffer, reducing the

fear of real-world consequences and emboldening adolescents to act in ways they might

otherwise avoid (Kowalski et al., 2019). Together, these elements highlight the complex

interplay between social media environments and the emergence of deviant behaviors among

adolescents.

The link between social media use and deviant behavior is increasingly supported by

research, highlighting the platform's role in shaping adolescent actions. Social media offers a

unique environment where anonymity and peer influence converge, creating conditions that

encourage risky and rule-breaking behaviors. Adolescents, who are in a developmental phase

characterized by heightened sensitivity to peer validation and identity exploration, are

especially vulnerable. Platforms amplify this vulnerability by normalizing harmful behaviors

through viral challenges, glamorized depictions of deviance, and the constant visibility of peer

actions. Studies consistently reveal that prolonged exposure to such digital environments

increases the likelihood of mimicking these behaviors, as adolescents are drawn into patterns

of conduct that prioritize social approval over ethical considerations (Kircaburun et al., 2020;

Huang, 2021; Kowalski et al., 2019). This demonstrates the critical interplay between social

media use and deviant tendencies, with the digital landscape acting as both a catalyst and a

medium for these behaviors to develop.

In the context of Tangub City, it is plausible that adolescents may be exposed to

similar risks prevalent in the broader digital landscape. Factors such as peer influence, the
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desire for social validation, and the accessibility of potentially harmful content can contribute

to the manifestation of deviant behaviors both online and offline. Addressing these issues

requires a comprehensive approach, including digital literacy education, parental guidance,

and community awareness programs, to mitigate the potential negative impacts of social

media on youth behavior.

Although a substantial amount of research has explored the effects of social media on

young people, the direct relationship between the intensity of social media use and the

inclination toward deviant behaviors has received limited attention. Most studies tend to focus

on specific issues, such as cyber bullying, social media addiction, or general behavioral

consequences, without addressing the broader range of deviant tendencies comprehensively.

This oversight highlights the importance of investigating how excessive or unregulated

engagement with social media platforms might shape adolescents' decision-making processes

and increase their vulnerability to deviant behaviors. Filling this research gap is essential for

developing targeted strategies to mitigate the potential negative effects of social media on

youth behavior.

This study aims to investigate the levels of social media use among adolescents and

examine how this usage correlates with deviant behavioral tendencies. The research seeks to

uncover the ways in which social media platforms influence attitudes and actions, both

directly—through the immediate content adolescents engage with—and indirectly, by shaping

social norms and peer dynamics. By identifying patterns and triggers of deviant behaviors

linked to excessive or inappropriate social media use, this study intends to provide valuable

insights into the psychological and social mechanisms at play.

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The study further aims to address the broader issue of social media misuse among

adolescents by identifying specific risk factors and protective measures. The objectives

include assessing the prevalence of social media use among adolescents, including frequency,

duration, and types of platforms most commonly used, analyzing the relationship between

social media use and the emergence of deviant behaviors, such as cyber bullying, participation

in harmful challenges, or exposure to inappropriate content and proposing interventions, such

as digital literacy programs, mental health support, and community-led initiatives, to empower

adolescents and their families to navigate social media responsibly.

Finally, this study seeks not only to shed light on the risks associated with social media

use but also to propose practical solutions for mitigating its negative impacts, fostering a safer

and more constructive digital environment for adolescents.

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Theoretical Framework

This study is anchored to Social Cognitive Theory by Albert Bandura (1986) and

Ecological Systems Theory adapted to the digital context by Bronfenbrenner and Morris

(2021) to explore the impact of social media on youth mental health and deviant tendency

behavior. These modernized theories provide a comprehensive approach to understanding the

psychological and behavioral consequences of social media use, particularly among

adolescents in Tangub City.

Social Cognitive Theory emphasizes the unique way individuals acquire and maintain

behavior, considering both internal cognitive processes and the social environment where

behaviors are performed. It accounts for how past experiences influence reinforcements,

expectations, and outcomes that shape behavior. Adolescents, in particular, are susceptible to

the behavioral models they encounter, especially on platforms where social interactions are

amplified.

Bandura’s theory is relevant in the context of social media as it highlights

observational learning, where individuals adopt behaviors modeled by others. For instance,

studies by Anderson and Jiang (2018) emphasize that adolescents frequently mimic behaviors

—both positive and negative—that they observe online, particularly when such behaviors are

reinforced by likes, comments, or shares. Furthermore, the immediacy of social media

feedback creates a cycle of reinforcement that may encourage deviant behaviors, such as

cyberbullying or participation in harmful viral challenges.

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Research by Chassiakos et al. (2020) highlights the increasing prevalence of antisocial

behaviors, such as aggression and risky decision-making, stemming from exposure to negative

or harmful content on social media. This aligns with the theory’s assertion that reinforcement

mechanisms—such as digital validation—play a significant role in determining whether an

individual adopts a behavior. Conversely, exposure to positive role models on platforms can

encourage prosocial behaviors, demonstrating the dual potential of social media.

Ecological Systems Theory provides a macro-level perspective on the interaction

between individuals and their environments. Adapted to the digital context, it examines how

various systems—such as the microsystem (family and peers), mesosystem (relationships

between microsystems), exosystem (social networks and online environments), and

macrosystem (cultural and societal norms)—influence adolescent development.

Social media serves as a bridge between these systems, deeply integrating itself into

adolescents’ daily lives. Yau and Reich (2019) note that interactions within the exosystem,

such as peer connections and digital communities, can contribute to both prosocial behaviors

(e.g., advocacy and community support) and antisocial behaviors (e.g., trolling or

cyberbullying), depending on the content and engagement patterns. The macrosystem, shaped

by cultural norms and societal values, also plays a critical role in shaping adolescents’ digital

behaviors, as trends and norms on platforms often reflect broader societal dynamics.

Further research by Twenge et al. (2018) demonstrates the connection between

excessive social media use and negative mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and

depression, which can exacerbate the likelihood of deviant behaviors. In contrast, the same
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platforms can also provide access to supportive communities and positive peer interactions,

showcasing their complex and multifaceted impact.

By combining these theories, the study seeks to explore how social media operates as

both a risk factor and an opportunity for positive influence among youth in Tangub City.

Social Cognitive Theory underscores the individual learning processes facilitated by digital

environments, while the Ecological Systems Theory provides a broader view of how online

and offline systems interact to shape behavior.

The theoretical framework will guide this study in understanding the interplay between

social media behaviors and deviant tendencies, offering insights into local dynamics and

broader patterns. Lastly, this integrative approach aims to provide a foundation for evidence-

based interventions that address the risks of deviant behaviors while leveraging the potential

for positive outcomes in adolescents’ digital interactions.

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1. Deviant Tendency Behavior

1. Level of Social Media Use 1.1. Participating Online Risky
1.1 Frequency of Social Media Use Challenges
1.2 Type of Content Engage With 1.2. Cyberbullying
1.3. Rule-Breaking Behavior
2. Digital Literacy Intervention

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of the Study

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Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of social media use and its relation to

deviant behavior tendency among adolescents in Tangub City. Specifically, the study aims to

answer the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1 Age,

1.2 Gender,

1.3 Year Level and;

1.4 Social Media Platform Use?

2. What is the level of social media use among the respondents in terms of;

2.1 Frequency of use; and

2.2 Type of content engaged with?

3. Is there a significant relationship between the respondents' social media use and their

deviant tendency behavior?

4. Based on the findings, what protective factors can help mitigate the risk of deviant

behaviors linked to social media use?

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Significance of the Study

This study on level of social media use and the deviant tendency behavior among

adolescents hold significance for several key stakeholders:

Community. The findings of this research will help the local community in Tangub City

better understand how social media influences youth behavior and mental health.

By identifying potential risks associated with social media use, community

leaders and organizations can develop programs to educate young people about

responsible online behavior and provide support for those at risk of deviant

tendency behaviour.

Parents and Guardians. Parents will benefit from this study by gaining insights into

how social media usage impacts their children’s mental health and behavior.

Understanding these dynamics can empower parents to guide their children in

using social media positively while being aware of warning signs of behavioral

and mental health challenges.

Educators. Teachers can use these findings to integrate digital literacy and mental health

awareness into their curriculum, helping students navigate social media

responsibly while addressing its potential negative effects.

Future Researchers. This study will serve as a reference for future research exploring

the intersection of technology, and how it affects the adolescents ‘behavior. By

providing localized data from Tangub City, it contributes to a broader

understanding of these issues, paving the way for further exploration in similar

contexts.
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Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study focuses on the level of social media use and its relation to the deviant

tendency behavior among adolescents in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental specifically in

barangays that have high reports on deviant behaviors linking to social media use. The

research will assess how the frequency and type of social media content consumed

influence youth behavior and emotional well-being. Data will be collected from

adolescents residing in Tangub City, specifically targeting those who are active on social

media platforms. The study aims to provide insights into the relationship between social

media usage and behavioral outcomes.

The study is limited to the youth demographic within Tangub City and does not

include other populations or regions, making the findings specific to this locality.

Furthermore, the reliance on self-reported data through surveys introduces the potential

for response bias, as participants may overestimate or underestimate their social media

usage or behaviors. Time constraints and resource availability may also limit the sample

size, affecting the generalizability of the results. Additionally, the study does not delve

into other factors influencing youth mental health and behavior, such as family dynamics

or economic conditions, focusing solely on social media use.

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Research Methodology

This chapter discusses the research design, respondents, sampling methods, research

instrument, and data analysis employed in the study.

Research Design. The study will use a descriptive-correlational quantitative research

design to examine the relationship between social media use, and deviant

tendency behavior among adolescents in Tangub City. Descriptive design is

appropriate for systematically analyzing the frequency and type of social media

use and its associated behavioral effects, while correlational analysis allows for

exploring relationships between these variables (Creswell, 2019). This approach

ensures a structured examination of the research problem while providing

measurable insights.

Research Settings. The research will be conducted in 5 barangays of Tangub City,

Misamis Occidental wherein there are reported of deviant behavior linking to

social media use. This urban locality is ideal for studying the phenomenon due to

the growing accessibility of social media platforms and their influence on local

youth behavior. Public and private institutions, community centers, and homes in

Tangub City will serve as potential locations for recruiting participants.

Respondents. The respondents for this study will be youth aged 13 to 19 years old who

are active on social media platforms. The number of the respondents involved in

this study will be determine using the Raosoft sample size calculator. The exact

sample size will depend on the population size of the cities being studied and the
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scope of the research. However, the sample will be chosen to be representative of

the general population within the three cities. This means the sample will include

a balance of both male and female participants to ensure diverse perspectives. A

sample size of 150 to 300 respondents would be appropriate to ensure reliable

data and sufficient diversity in the responses. According to Cochran's formula for

sample size calculation, when the population is large, a sample size of 150 to 300

is often sufficient to maintain the desired confidence level and margin of error,

ensuring that the sample is representative of the larger population without being

excessively large.

Sampling Technique. A stratified random sampling technique will be employed to

represent various demographic characteristics, such as age, gender, and

educational level (Etikan & Bala, 2017). The population will be divided into

subgroups based on these characteristics, and respondents will be randomly

selected from each subgroup to ensure a balanced representation.

Research Instrument. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire titled: “Use

of Social Media Use Scale (SMUS) by Lin, Wang, and Chen (2016) and Deviant

Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) by Robinson and Bennett. The instrument has

three sections. Section one, information elicited was on respondent demography

such as sex, age, class, and name of school. Section two, consist of six (6) items

on use of social media and section three measure deviant behavior tendencies

constructed in a four (4) point rating scale ranging from Strongly Agree (SA) 4

points, Agree (A) 3 points, Disagree (D) 2 points, and Disagree (SD) 1 points.
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Likert Scale will be used to assess the frequency, intensity, and attitudes of social

media use, as well as its correlation with specific deviant behaviors.

Validity and Reliability. The questionnaire will undergo content validation by adviser,

panel, and guidance officer. A pilot test with 30 respondents from a similar

population will be conducted to assess the reliability and consistency of the

instrument (Taherdoost, 2020). Feedback from the pilot test will be used to refine

the questionnaire before final distribution.

Data Collection Procedure. Data collection will take place as soon as the letter pf

approval to gather data is done. Respondents will be approached in schools,

community centers, and through online recruitment. Surveys will be administered

in person and digitally, with clear instructions provided to ensure accurate

responses. Participants will be given adequate time to complete the questionnaire,

and their anonymity will be maintained throughout the process.

Data Analysis. The collected data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential

statistics. Descriptive statistics, such as mean, frequency, and percentage, will

summarize demographic profiles and social media use patterns (Creswell, 2020).

Correlational analysis will explore the relationships between social media use,

and deviant tendency behavior. Statistical tests, such as Pearson correlation will

determine the significance of these relationships (Field, 2019). The following

statistical approaches are used in the research to provide a more precise

interpretation of the data collected through survey questionnaire:

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1. Simple Percentage. This analysis tool is used to describe the demographic profile of

the respondents in terms of Age, Gender, Year Level and Social Media Platform

Use.

The formula for computing this analysis is as follows:

P = F/N (100)

Where:

P = computed percent

F = frequency for each class or category

N = Total number of respondent

100 = constant multiplier to change the decimal into a percentage value.

2. Weighted Mean is a statistical tool that is particularly useful when different data points

contribute varying levels of importance or frequency. In the context of this study

the weighted mean will be applied to respondents frequency of social media use

and the type of content engaged with.

The Formula for the weighted mean is shown below:

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3. Pearson Correlation coefficient (𝑟) is a statistical measure that calculates the strength

and direction of the linear relationship between two variables.

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Ethical Considerations. This study emphasized the voluntariness of participants by

ensuring informed consent was obtained. Researchers provided a clear

explanation of the study's purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits,

emphasizing that participation was entirely voluntary and free from coercion.

Participants were assured that their personal information would be protected in

compliance with Republic Act No. 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of

2012. To safeguard their anonymity, participants were given the option to omit

their names from the research instrument, and their identities were kept

confidential. Additionally, they were informed that all responses would be treated

with strict confidentiality. Approval will be sought from an institutional ethics

review board to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines (Bryman, 2020).

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Definition of Terms

Demographic Profile. The characteristics of a population, such as age, gender, and

educational level, used to analyze and compare different groups

(Creswell, 2019).

Deviant Behavior.. Deviant behavior refers to actions or conduct that violate societal

norms, rules, or expectations. These behaviors can range from minor

rule-breaking to significant acts that contravene laws or ethical

standards. Deviant behavior often challenges the social order and can

be influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, peer

pressure, and individual psychological states Kornblum & Julian,

(2012).

Frequency of Use. The measure of how often an individual accesses and uses social media

within a specific time frame (Anderson & Jiang, 2020).

Risk-Taking Behaviors. Actions that involve a potential for harm or loss, often driven

by a desire for thrill or lack of foresight (Steinberg, 2019).

Social Media Use. The engagement with online platforms and applications that enable

users to create, share, and interact with content (Boyd & Ellison,

2020).

Type of Content Engaged With. The nature of media consumed or interacted with,

including text, images, videos, or interactive content, categorized by

themes such as educational, entertainment, or violence (Kietzmann et

al., 2020).
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