Research Symposium Program - Individual Details

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5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025

Valerie Downing

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BIO

Hi! I'm Valerie Downing, and I'm a Junior from North Bay Haven. I've lived in Florida for most of my life, and I'm itching to explore the rest of the world. I love animals, love to read, and love to help in any way I can! However, the most important thing in my life is my faith, and that is the only reason I'm able to do everything I do.

It's Not the Phone

Authors: Valerie Downing, Robin Vaughn
Student Major: Veternarian
Mentor: Robin Vaughn
Mentor's Department: Language Arts
Mentor's College: North Bay Haven Career Academy
Co-Presenters:

Abstract

In today's society, adolescents are commonly diagnosed with a plethora of disorders. Researchers and doctors in this field have come to one conclusion: social media. However, this study addresses the gap that countless researchers continue to overlook, that the majority of mental health illnesses diagnosed are caused by social media. This study aims to identify the cause of common health disorders in adolescents, including depression and anxiety. In this study, I aspire to discover the true underlying reasons for teen mental health issues and prove that it isn´t just the phone.

Keywords: Teen Mental Health