Research plays a vital role in the cybersecurity field because it cultivates the ability to think critically, analyze complex systems, and consider how technology affects society on multiple levels. As someone who studied cybersecurity to stay on the cutting edge of innovation, I’ve learned that understanding human behavior, technology use, and digital ethics is just as important as understanding code or network protocols. My research experience in the IDS 300W: Interdisciplinary Research course allowed me to explore this intersection by examining how digital literacy programs and policy interventions can mitigate the mental health impact of social media on adolescents.

This project, titled “The Digital Dilemma: Examining Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health,” required integrating perspectives from psychology, neuroscience, public policy, education, and law to address a growing issue in the digital age. The goal was to investigate how the design of social media platforms affects young users’ mental health, and how educational and policy-based solutions can create healthier digital environments. My research process involved analyzing scholarly journal articles, policy reports, and scientific studies to identify the biological, psychological, and structural factors contributing to social media addiction and emotional distress.

One of the most eye-opening aspects of this project was learning how deeply neuroscience connects to digital behavior. I discovered that the same brain regions activated by addictive substances are also triggered by excessive social media use. This helped me understand why adolescents are especially vulnerable to compulsive engagement online and how algorithmic design can exploit that vulnerability. As someone passionate about technology and innovation, this research pushed me to consider the ethical responsibilities of future developers, cybersecurity professionals, and policymakers.

Writing this paper was not just an academic exercise, it was a chance to integrate multiple disciplines into a cohesive argument for social change. I argued that digital literacy education should be a core part of school curricula and that public policies like the Kids Online Safety Act should be strengthened to ensure equity and accountability. Conducting this research taught me how to connect scientific data with policy implications, a skill that translates directly into cybersecurity work, where professionals often need to assess both technical risks and human impacts.

A powerful learning moment occurred when I realized how closely my topic related to cybersecurity ethics. While my focus was on mental health, the same algorithms that affect adolescent well-being are also responsible for privacy breaches and data manipulation. This made me reflect on how cybersecurity and mental health are linked through digital trust and safety. It reinforced my belief that being “on the up and up” in innovation isn’t only about mastering new technologies, it’s about understanding how those technologies shape people’s lives.

The most challenging part of the process was narrowing my scope. With so many potential factors influencing adolescent mental health, I had to learn how to filter information and prioritize what was most relevant. That skill, distinguishing between useful data, is essential in cybersecurity research and incident analysis.

Ultimately, this research experience showed me that technology and humanity cannot be separated. It deepened my appreciation for the balance between innovation and responsibility, a mindset I plan to carry into my future endeavors, whether through an internship, cybersecurity consulting, or starting my own business. The ability to analyze digital challenges from multiple perspectives will continue to guide me as I seek to create solutions that are not only secure but also socially and ethically sound.