Beyond Childhood: Social Media and Emotional Violence in the City of Illusions

Research Summary for Businesses: Understanding Your Target Market

Over a three-year ethnographic study, Carisa Carlton conducted in-depth research in La Paz, Baja California Sur, to uncover how social media impacts emotional experiences and influences behaviors among adult college students. This research aimed to understand how platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp shape communication patterns, emotional responses, and ultimately, the decisions and actions of consumers in a real-world context.

Using robust qualitative research methods, including direct observation, in-depth interviews, and case studies, we identified key insights into how social media facilitates emotional violence and manipulation, affecting educational outcomes and personal well-being. By focusing on a community where digital interactions play a significant role in daily life, this study captured the nuanced ways that social media influences perceptions, motivations, and actions.

For businesses aiming to connect authentically with their target audience, this research demonstrates the value of deeply understanding emotional drivers and cultural dynamics. It reveals how social media behaviors can impact consumer engagement, brand perception, and decision-making processes. This approach can be adapted to help companies uncover unique insights into their own target markets, enabling them to craft more resonant and effective marketing strategies that genuinely connect with their audience’s needs and emotions.

This research showcases our ability to provide actionable insights into complex social behaviors, offering a foundation for developing strategies that can drive meaningful engagement and market success.

The final research report, titled “Beyond Childhood: Social Media and Emotional Violence in the City of Illusions,” offers a comprehensive and detailed account of the three-year ethnographic study. It is designed for academics, researchers, and anyone interested in an in-depth exploration of the methodologies, case studies, and extensive analysis behind the findings.

The white paper distills the key insights from the research into actionable recommendations. It is aimed at business executives, policymakers, and decision-makers, such as stakeholders at Meta Platforms, Inc. This document is intended to educate and inform stakeholders, propose well-reasoned solutions, and establish thought leadership on the issue of social media-facilitated emotional abuse.

How Stakeholders Can Use These Documents:

• Final Research Report: Stakeholders such as academics and researchers can use this report to understand the detailed context, methodologies, and nuanced findings of the study. It serves as a foundation for further research and a source of comprehensive data on the topic.
• White Paper: Business executives, policymakers, and decision-makers can use the white paper to gain a concise overview of the research findings and to explore practical solutions. This document is designed to influence industry trends, shape public opinion, and drive meaningful dialogue towards creating safer online environments.
• Versión en Español: Informe Final de Investigación: Las partes interesadas, como académicos e investigadores, pueden utilizar este informe para comprender el contexto detallado, las metodologías y los hallazgos matizados del estudio. Sirve como una base para investigaciones futuras y una fuente de datos completos sobre el tema.

By providing these two distinct yet complementary documents, we aim to cater to the diverse needs of our audience, facilitating both deep academic inquiry and practical application in addressing social media harm.