Phase I – Survey
Phase I: Survey
The online anonymous survey, conducted on Google Forms, contained closed-ended questions to collect data from a predefined group of participants and used random selection as a data collection method. Simple random sampling ensured inclusion in the survey, as each participant in the target demographic had an equal chance of being selected. The age range of the participants was limited to young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 years old, specifically residing within Edmonton city limits and 20km outside limits. All participants were informed fully and truthfully and guaranteed confidentiality before consenting to participation. The researchers also refrained from using the word ‘addiction’ until the interview phase, to avoid influencing or skewing participants’ responses. Instead, the term was rephrased and substituted with words such as ‘significant/substantial use, habits, dependence’ to ensure accuracy while avoiding any negative connotation associated with the word ‘addiction’. The survey was shared on each of the researchers’ personal social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) as well as in several private social media groups. Personal platforms used and their approximate reach:
In addition to these personal platforms, the survey link was also posted onto three private pages on Facebook and one private messaging channel via Slack:
● MacEwan University Student Experience (7.6k members)
● 2020/2021 MacEwan University First-Year Students (2.4k members)
● MacEwan Sh*tposting (2k members)
● MacEwan Public Relations 20202/21 Slack Channel (48 members)
The survey consisted of 15 questions with one additional question inviting participants to participate in further research. The questions covered demographics, social media usage and habits, and social media attitudes. The survey was distributed on October 26, 2021, and stayed open for 10 days until November 5, 2021, at midnight; it collected 66 valid responses—some were deleted due to age requirements.
