Abstract
The purpose of this project is to explore social media behaviors and potential outcomes amongst young adults ages 18-24 years old. This quantitative study draws from a survey of 104 students at California State University, Sacramento, which included questions about low risk, cautionary risk, and high-risk social media behaviors. Findings indicate that young adult males are more likely to engage in cautionary and high-risk behaviors than young adult females. Multivariate analyses also indicate that use of Instagram, versus use of other platforms, is associated higher risk behaviors even when controlling for the differences of male and female students. Recommendations and implications for further social work practice, research, and policy are discussed in the conclusion of the project.