ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET STUDENT DETAILS

Computing Research Project 2020
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Anuj Sharma (HND/Fourth Semester)
ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET
STUDENT DETAILS
Student ID 03 Reg No. LK15946
Family Name Anuj Sharma Given Name Anuj Sharma
Enrolment Year 2018 Section P4
Semester Fourth (4th
) Email paudelkritesh@gmail.com
UNIT DETAILS
Unit Title Computing Research
Project
Unit Code T/615/1639
Assessor Name Anup Bhurtel Issued Date 21st
August 2020
Assignment Title Digital wellbeing
Assignment No 01 Submission Date 26th
February,2021
Qualification Campus ISMT
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF
MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY

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When submitting evidence for assessment, each student must sign a declaration confirming that the
work is their own.
Student Name Anuj Sharma Assessor Name Anup Bhurtel
Issue Date 21st,
August, 2020 Submission Date 26th,
February,2021
Programme BTEC HND
Unit Name Computing Research Project
Assignment Title Digital wellbeing
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a particular form of cheating. Plagiarism must be avoided at all costs and students who
break the rules, however innocently, may be penalized. It is your responsibility to ensure that you
understand correct referencing practices. As a university level student, you are expected to use
appropriate references throughout and keep carefully detailed notes of all your sources of materials for
material you have used in your work, including any material downloaded from the Internet. Please
consult the relevant unit lecturer or your course tutor if you need any further advice.
Student Declaration
I certify that the assignment submission is entirely my own work and I fully understand
the consequences of plagiarism. I understand that making a false declaration is a form
of malpractice.
Pearson Education 2018
Higher Education Qualifications

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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
GAIRIGAUN, TINKUNE, KATHMANDU
NEPAL
BTEC HND in Computing
Unit 13: Computing Research Project Unit Code: T/615/1639
Year: 2020 Assessment No: 01
Assignment Launch Date: 21 Aug 2020 Due Date: 21 Oct 2020 (Proposal)
21 Dec 2020 (Research)
Assignment Title: Digital wellbeing
Teacher Name: Anup Bhurtel Iv’s Name & Date:
Student Name: Pearson Reg No: Final Grade:
Purpose of this assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to engage students conduct a research in a specific field of study. This
assignment allows students to demonstrate their capacity and ability to identify a research topic, to
develop research aims, objectives and outcomes, and to present the outcomes of such research in both

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written and verbal formats. This also encourages students to reflect on their engagement in the research
process, during which recommendations for future and personal development are key learning points.
Students have to choose their own research project based on a theme provided (Digital wellbeing). The
project must be related to their specialist pathway of study. This will enable students to explore and
examine a relevant and current topical aspect of Computing in the context of their chosen specialist
pathway.
Assignment submission format
Each student has to submit their assignment as guided in the assignment brief. The students are guided
what sort of information is to produce to meet the criteria targeted. Some tasks might require group work,
but the student has to produce individual assignment.
The course Tutor will
• Make sure that project briefs for this unit is be based on a proposal defined by the student.
• Agree and sign off in the research proposal that each student is embarking on their project. If
this requires extra time to agree, this could be addressed through the student’s tutorial time.
• Make sure that the proposal students develop meets the criteria (given below). This will form
the basis of their project and must be related to their specific pathway, unless the student is on
the general Computing pathway.
• Monitor whether all students complete the research project in order to complete their work for
this unit.
• Guides students on how to go about planning, researching, conducting, recording and reflecting
on the research project.
• Be advisable to direct students to appropriate research sources and advise on qualitative and
quantitative methods.
• Will ask students to reflect on the success of their research project and their performance at the
end of the project, with the inclusion of a project evaluation and recommendations.
Scenario I

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You work as a trainee for a leading IT company. You are supposed to complete a computing research
project based on the theme Digital wellbeing. Most importantly, the chosen project must be related to
your specialist area i.e., Networking or Programming.
In this project you are expected to show your ability to complete a computing research project engaging
yourself in a specific field. Your work must demonstrate that you have the ability to identify a research
topic, to develop research aims and objectives and outcomes and to present the research outcomes to
senior management team both verbally (as a formal presentation) and in written form.
Learning outcomes covered
LO1. Examine appropriate research methodologies and approaches as part of the research process.
LO2. Conduct and analyze research relevant to a computing research project.
LO3. Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified stakeholders.
LO4. Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts.
In order to successfully complete a computing research project, you have to complete the following
tasks as guided.
Part one – Develop a research proposal
• Define your research problem or question. This can be stated as a research question, objectives or
hypothesis.
• Provide a literature review giving the background and conceptualization of your proposed area of
study. This would provide existing knowledge and benchmarks by which your data can be judged.
• Consider and define your research methodology and research process. Demonstrate understanding
of the pitfalls and limitations of the methods chosen and ethical issues that might arise.
Part two – carry out the research and prepare a research report
• Conduct your research as outlined in your proposal. Keep track of your findings as you work.
• Carry out your research and analyses your findings in relation to your original research question.
Draw conclusions.

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Part three - Prepare a presentation using
• Communicate the outcomes of your research project to the identified audience.
Part four: A written reflection on the success of the research
Prepare a written document that reflects on the success of your research project and your
performance at the end of the project with the inclusion of a project evaluation and
recommendations.
Milestones and interim feedback to be used by the teacher
Each student must get approval from the teacher when they have
• Reach topic and aims/objectives are agreed
• completed the research proposal
• developed ethical form
• produced a first draft of findings
• Completed all primary research.
At each milestone, the tutor liaises with the student to check whether it has been achieved. They may need
to redirect the student if necessary.
Guidance for Students
You should read this information before starting to define and work through your research brief. You
should refer to these instructions as you complete work for this unit.
• Consider the development of a methodical and valid research proposal as the foundation for the
project.
• Choose a topic based on the theme released by Pearson Edexceland also make sure of personal
interest in a specialism. The topic chosen should allow a sufficient and suitable degree of research
through the existence of adequate background materials.
• A good project proposal title should meet the following criteria:
○ The proposal is one that has an existing body of literature or source material that can be
reviewed.
○ The proposal extends a current line of learning that will lend itself to further rigorous
exploration
○ Decide on appropriate research methods and select an appropriate sample

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• Ensure that your proposal is ethical, reliable and valid. An ethics form must be submitted prior to
completion of research as part of the research proposal.
• Agree your research proposal with your tutor before beginning your research.
• Conduct your research as outlined in the proposal agreed with your tutor.
• Carry out your research, analyze your research findings and draw conclusions. Apply both
qualitative and quantitative research methods to evaluate data collected from primary research.
• Communicate your research outcomes in a manner appropriate to your audience.
• You will be asked to reflect on the success of your research project and evaluate the problems/issues
encountered.
• On the following pages, there is an example of a research project brief.
• You must complete the research project in order to complete your work for this unit.
Research Proposal
Student name
Centre name
Tutor
Unit
Research Topic:
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of research project
Research project aims and objectives
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
Reasons for choosing the project (e.g., links to other subjects you are studying, personal interest, future
plans, and knowledge/skills you want to improve, why the topic is important):
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective or hypothesis:

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Section Four: Activities and timescales (milestones and target date)
Activities to be carried out during the research project (e.g., research, development, analysis of ideas,
writing, data collection, numerical analysis, tutor meetings, production of final outcome, evaluation,
writing the report) and likely durations.
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
Type of research approach and methodologies you are likely to use and reasons for your choice:
What your areas of research will cover:
Comments and agreement from tutor Comments
(optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted for another qualification and
is appropriate.
Agreed: ............................................. (Name)................................................... (Date) ........................

Anuj Sharma (HND / Fourth Semester) 9
Pass Merit Distinction
LO1: Examine appropriate research methodologies and approaches as part of the research process
P1 Produce a research proposal that
clearly defines a research question
or hypothesis supported by a
literature review.
P2 Examine appropriate research
methods and approaches to primary
and secondary research.
M1 Evaluate different research
approaches and methodology and
make justifications for the choice of
methods selected based on
philosophical/theoretical
frameworks.
LO1 & 2
D1 Critically evaluate research
methodologies and processes in
application to a computing research
project to justify chosen research
methods and analysis.
LO2: Conduct and analyze research relevant for a computing research
project
P3Conduct primary and secondary
research using appropriate methods
for a computing research project
that consider costs, access and
ethical issues.
P4 Apply appropriate analytical
tools analyze research findings and
data.
M2 Discuss merits, limitations and
pitfalls of approaches to data
collection and analysis.
LO3: Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified stakeholders
P5 Communicate research outcomes
in an appropriate manner for the
intended audience.
M3 Coherently and logically
communicate outcomes to the
intended audience demonstrating
how outcomes meet set research
objectives.
LO3 D2 Communicate critical
analysis of the outcomes and
make valid, justified
recommendations.
LO4: Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts

P6Reflect on the effectiveness of
research methods applied for
meeting objectives of the business
research project.
P7 Consider alternative research
methodologies and lessons learnt in
view of the outcomes.
M4 Provide critical reflection and
insight that result in recommended
actions for improvements and future
research considerations.
LO3 D3 Demonstrate reflection and
engagement in the resource process
leading to recommended actions for
future improvement.
6 | P a g e Mention all the grades awarded in this assignment:
Note: Please access HN Global for additional resources support and reading for this unit. For further
guidance and support on report writing please refer to the Study Skills Unit on HN Global. Link to
www.highernationals.com
Other Recommendations:
✓ It should be the student’s own work – plagiarism is unacceptable.
✓ Clarity of expression and structure are important features.
✓ Your work should be submitted as a well presented, word-processed document with headers
and footers, and headings and subheadings, both in hard and soft copies.
✓ You are expected to undertake research on this subject using books from the library, and
resources available on the Internet.
✓ Any sources of information should be listed as references at the end of your document and
these
sources should be referenced within the text of your document using APA referencing
style ✓ Your report should be illustrated with screen-prints, images, tables, charts and/or
graphics.
✓ All assignments must be typed in Times New Roman, Justified, size 12, 1½ spacing.

I declare that all the work submitted for this assignment is my own work or, in the case of group
work, the work of myself and the other members of the group in which I worked, and that no part of
it has been copied from any source. I understand that if any part of the work submitted for this
assignment is found to be plagiarized, none of the work submitted will be allowed to count towards
the assessment of the assignment.
Assignment Prepared by:
Anup Bhurtel
Signature: Date: 19 Aug 2020
Brief Checked by:
Dhruba Babu Joshi
Signature: Date: 20 Aug 2020

Contents
PART ONE..........................................................................................................................................16
ABSTRACT.........................................................................................................................................18
SECTION 1: TITLE, OBJECTIVE, RESPONSIBILITIES................................................................19
Background of the Study..................................................................................................................19
Research Purpose .............................................................................................................................20
Research Questions ..........................................................................................................................20
Delimitation of the Study.................................................................................................................20
SECTION 2: REASONS FOR CHOOSING THIS RESEARCH PROJECT .....................................21
Statement of the Problem.................................................................................................................21
Significance of the Study .................................................................................................................21
SECTION 3: LITERATURE REVIEW ..............................................................................................23
Introduction......................................................................................................................................23
Facebook Use and Mental Wellbeing ..............................................................................................23
Facebook Quiet Mode and Digital Wellbeing..................................................................................24
Theoretical Framework ....................................................................................................................24
Policy Review ..................................................................................................................................25
SECTION 4: ACTIVITIES AND TIMESCALES ..............................................................................27
Study Plan ........................................................................................................................................27
Gantt Chart.......................................................................................................................................28
SECTION 5: RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGIES ...............................................29
Introduction......................................................................................................................................29
Research Design...............................................................................................................................29
Research Approach ..........................................................................................................................29
Paradigm of the Study......................................................................................................................30
Study Area........................................................................................................................................31

Study Population ..............................................................................................................................31
Participant Selection (Data Saturation)............................................................................................32
Data Collection Procedure ...............................................................................................................32
Sources and Type of Data ................................................................................................................32
Data Analysis and Interpretation......................................................................................................33
Trustworthiness in the Research ......................................................................................................33
Ethical Consideration.......................................................................................................................34
Organization of the Research ...........................................................................................................35
PART TWO .........................................................................................................................................40
ABSTRACT.........................................................................................................................................42
ACKNOWLEDGMENT......................................................................................................................43
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................46
Background of the study ..................................................................................................................46
Research purpose..............................................................................................................................47
Research questions...........................................................................................................................47
Organization of the research ............................................................................................................47
SECTION 2. REASONS FOR CHOOSING THIS RESEARCH PROJECT .....................................48
Statement of the problem .................................................................................................................48
Significance of the study..................................................................................................................48
SECTION 3. LITERATURE REVIEW ..............................................................................................50
Introduction......................................................................................................................................50
Facebook Use and Mental Wellbeing ..............................................................................................50
Person-Specificity in Facebook and Quiet Mode Usage..................................................................51
Facebook Quiet Mode and Digital Wellbeing..................................................................................51
Theoretical Framework ....................................................................................................................52
Policy Review ..................................................................................................................................54

SECTION 4. ACTIVITIES AND TIMESCALES ..............................................................................55
Study plan.........................................................................................................................................55
Gantt Chart.......................................................................................................................................56
SECTION 5. RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGIES................................................57
Introduction......................................................................................................................................57
Research Design...............................................................................................................................57
Research Approach ..........................................................................................................................57
Research approach for this study .....................................................................................................58
Qualitative Research Methodologies ...............................................................................................59
Research Methodology for this research..........................................................................................60
Paradigm of the study.......................................................................................................................61
Study Area........................................................................................................................................62
Participant selection (Data saturation) .............................................................................................62
Sample and Recruitment ..................................................................................................................63
Data Collection Method ...................................................................................................................64
Sources and Type of data .................................................................................................................65
Data Analysis and Interpretation......................................................................................................65
Trustworthiness in the research........................................................................................................67
Ethical consideration........................................................................................................................68
Limitation of the study.....................................................................................................................68
Delimitation of the study..................................................................................................................68
SECTION 6. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION...................................................................................70
Introduction......................................................................................................................................70
Participants.......................................................................................................................................70
Themes .............................................................................................................................................71
SECTION 6. CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................83

References............................................................................................................................................84
Appendices...........................................................................................................................................90
PART THREE ...................................................................................................................................100
Presentation Slides .........................................................................................................................101
PART FOUR......................................................................................................................................111
Reflection Paper: Preparing a Research report for Computing Research Project .............................112
Theoretical understanding of subject .............................................................................................112
Evaluation of research methods and strategy.................................................................................113
Evaluation of outcomes..................................................................................................................114
Alternative research methodology .................................................................................................115
Learnt Lessons................................................................................................................................116
Performance Review ......................................................................................................................116
Reflection on actions......................................................................................................................117
Reflection on Further Improvements .............................................................................................118
Future Research consideration .......................................................................................................119
Summary ........................................................................................................................................120
References..........................................................................................................................................121

PART ONE
Develop a research proposal
• Define your research problem or question. This can be stated as a research question, objectives or
hypothesis.
• Provide a literature review giving the background and conceptualization of your proposed area of
study. This would provide existing knowledge and benchmarks by which your data can be judged.
• Consider and define your research methodology and research process. Demonstrate understanding
of the pitfalls and limitations of the methods chosen and ethical issues that might arise.

Research Proposal
Student Name: Anuj Sharma
Centre Name: ISMT College
Tutor: Anup Bhurtel
Research Topic:
Understanding the effectiveness of Facebook's Quiet
Mode on maintaining mental wellbeing of young
adults of Kathmandu
Submission Date: 21 October, 2020

ABSTRACT
Facebook’s Quiet Mode is used as a digital wellbeing tool to give users back their time and maintain
wellbeing of Facebook users. Like various other digital wellbeing tools, its effectiveness is yet to be
measured and understood. Mental wellbeing is affected by several factors, however only wellbeing
through Facebook will be explored. Mental wellbeing being subjective in nature, it is mandatory to
understand how effective is Quiet mode on maintaining mental wellbeing of young adults. In this
study, young adults’ perception about effects of Facebook on mental wellbeing and what effect does
Quiet mode made on their Facebook use will be understood. As participants, young adults of
Kathmandu who have used or are using Quiet mode will be prioritized. The exploratory research
framework will be used and in-depth interview will be done until data saturation is seen. Findings
will be presented after data analysis which will be used to understand about perception about effects
of Facebook and effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode. Finding will open a gateway to
understand about effectiveness of other digital wellbeing tools too and might play a role on spreading
awareness about mental wellbeing and Facebook usage.
Keywords: Digital wellbeing, Quiet Mode, Effectiveness, perception

SECTION 1: TITLE, OBJECTIVE, RESPONSIBILITIES
Background of the Study
Social media like Facebook has been around the world since its beginning. Facebook is now one of
the leading and most known social media, which is used by people of all ages. There are currently
over 2.6 billion monthly active users of Facebook worldwide (Global stats, 2020). Despite having
many positive effects on one’s life, excessive use of Facebook may lead to misuse and addictive
behavior (Griffiths, 2012). Facebook overuse increases screen time and also have an adverse effect
on mental health of people. These effects include sleeping disorder, anxiety, low self-esteem and
ultimately depression. Some research also shows that various people, especially teenagers and young
adults, are not completely aware of such adverse effects of Facebook on their mental wellbeing
(Tsai, et al., 2009). With the increased accessibility and availability of internet, use of social media
like Facebook is currently skyrocketing in Nepal. According to Global stats (2020), the most used
social media in Nepal are Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram respectively, among
which 93.31% of social media users use Facebook. Mental health and mental wellbeing are critical
subject but often neglected in developing countries like Nepal. With the rise of Facebook usage but
not enough research with regards to the effect on the mental wellbeing of young adults in Nepal, we
don’t have enough data about the use and effects of Facebook on young adults’ wellbeing in Nepal.
However, various global researches have suggested that Facebook addiction may play a role in
developing FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) which may lead to severe mental problems like anxiety,
low self-esteem and depression. When all these problems burst into scene, concept of digital
wellbeing was taken seriously.
Digital wellbeing, defined as the state of being comfortable when using digital technologies, came in
the spotlight when Sundar Pichai spoke about it in Google I/O 2018 (Google, 2018). With the rise of
digital wellbeing concept, Facebook also introduced their own digital wellbeing tool called Quiet
Mode recently. According to Facebook (2020), Quiet mode is the new digital wellbeing tool that can
help users find the right balance for how they use Facebook. Quiet mode not only mutes most
notifications, but it also reminds users they set time aside to limit their time on Facebook. This tools
as introduced to give users their time back and also to promote every aspect of people’s wellbeing
(Facebook, 2020). Despite having a bright future, many young adults believe that some solutions
regarding Facebook use might not support formation of new habits (Alberto Monge Roffarello,
2019), and also might be strongly depends on the monitoring behavior once the monitoring stops, it

may or may not be effective e.g., that feature can easily be neglected after sometime and usage
pattern may not be changed at all. So, it is yet to be understood from Facebook users’ perspective
about the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing.
Research Purpose
The purpose of this study is to understand the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on
maintaining the mental wellbeing of young adults of Kathmandu through their own perspective.
Research Questions
- How do young adults perceive about effects of Facebook use on their mental wellbeing?
- How effective is Facebook’s Quiet Mode on changing Facebook’s usage pattern of young
adults?
Delimitation of the Study
The data for research will be collected at Pepsicola because it will be difficult to travel and more
importantly participants of other places might not be ready to meet in the middle of pandemic. Data
will be collected from people of age group 18-24 who use Quiet Mode, since it is believed that 75%
youths identify the problems of mental health before they reach 24. Since there is not enough
existing literature about Quiet Mode hence exploratory research resign will have a deep
understanding about perception of participants.

SECTION 2: REASONS FOR CHOOSING THIS RESEARCH PROJECT
Statement of the Problem
To best of our knowledge, there is insufficient research regarding Facebook addiction and its effect
on mental wellbeing of young adults in Nepal. However, in the research of Jha (2016) it has been
revealed that 86.7% of health science students showed they were pretty annoyed when anyone
disturbed them during Facebook, 24.3% of whole participants also admitted they found it difficult to
not to log onto Facebook during one whole day. This may hint towards addictive nature of Facebook.
76.8% of participants also believed that Facebook had negatively affected their overall heath and
behavior, including mental health. The adverse effects on mental aspect experienced by the
participants were disturbed sleep (19%) followed by headache (16%). This research may be a base to
show Facebook addiction has effects on mental wellbeing of young adults, but quantitative approach
was used. This is clearly lack of research about effect of Facebook on mental wellbeing of young
adults which follow qualitative approach.
As a digital tool for managing and reducing screen time, Facebook Quiet mode was introduced. But
there is not any research till date which measures effectiveness or understand effectiveness of Quiet
Mode on maintaining wellbeing of young adults. Most of the research related to feature and tools are
solely focused on measuring the effectiveness based on pre-defined metrics through quantitative
approach (Collins, Cox, Bird & Cornish-Tresstail, 2014). But there are many factors besides pre-
defined metrics of quantitative approach to understand effectiveness of any digital wellbeing tools
which need to be explored. Understanding about effectiveness of feature and tool from a user’s
perspective is slightly neglected in this kind of research. Thus, this subject and different approaches
on digital field and is yet to be explored by researchers.
Facebook’s Quiet Mode being new digital wellbeing tool and affects mental wellbeing but is yet to
be researched through qualitative approach in Nepal so this research is being carried out to
understand from Kathmandu young adults’ perspective about effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet
Mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing.
Significance of the Study
The findings of this study will help to increase the awareness about the effect of Facebook use on
mental well-being, digital well-being concept, Facebook Quiet Mode which will be beneficial to

Facebook users and digital wellbeing experts. This study will also spread some light on mental health
issues and the overall mental wellbeing of young adults of Nepal. This research can be the bridge for
the communication about mental health issues between people where it is often neglected like Nepal.
This research can crave a path for upcoming researchers to find other critical aspects of social media
which may promote or hinder the overall wellbeing of people which is yet to be found. The findings
of this study can show the picture of where the digital wellbeing concept is heading and how
seriously are tech-giants considering the well-being of their users. This research can also help other
future researchers to evaluate, measure and understand about effectiveness of other digital wellbeing
apps and tools.

SECTION 3: LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
The following chapter provides a clear picture of existing literature related to concept and its relation
with the subject. It clarifies why research is being done and tries to establish a context for the
research to be completed. This review explains how variables of research topic are interrelated to one
another by analyzing existing literature of different field. This review of existing literature comprises
literature related to Facebook use and mental wellbeing, Facebook’s Quiet mode as digital wellbeing
tool in the form conclusive summary.
Facebook Use and Mental Wellbeing
Using social media is a quotidian phenomenon (Elhai, 2016; Quinn, 2016). The increase in the
number of people using social media or social networking sites is also a worldwide phenomenon,
hence social media has become an integral part of today’s world. Younger age, neuroticism,
extraversion and fear of missing out (FOMO) opened the door for social media usage whereas only
FOMO resulted in social media addiction (Blackwell, et al., 2017). Despite all those positive effects
and additional social support, the excessive use of social media like increases screen time and also
exhibits negative effects on mental health (Lanaj, et al., 2014) and social media addicts also
experience emotional, relational, physical health, mental health, and performance problems (Schou
& Schou, 2015). So, every social media usage should be carefully evaluated and researched.
Having over 2.6 billion monthly active users of worldwide, Facebook is the world’s most widely
used social media (Facebook, 2020). On one side, it has been revealed that Facebook connectedness
is related to higher life satisfaction, and it lowers depression too, which emphasizes that there is a
positive relationship between life satisfaction and Facebook use (Grieve et al., 2013). Numerous
studies also support this and suggest there are positive effects of Facebook on mental health and
boost the overall mental wellbeing. But on the other side, despite having numerous positive effects
on one’s life, excessive use of Facebook may lead to misuse and addictive behavior (Griffiths, 2012).
Internal stimuli like constantly checking Facebook with no reason (Oulasvirta, et al., 2012) play
main role along with external stimuli like notification in causing distraction (Dabbish, et al., 2011)
and developing FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) which lead to addictive behavior and can have
negative effects on mental wellbeing of young adults (Jha, 2016).

Facebook Quiet Mode and Digital Wellbeing
The theme of technology and social science has always been apart but are deeply intertwined
(Feenberg, 2020). However, wellbeing differs from one individual to another since it has a different
meaning for different individuals and hence it is hard to determine wellbeing objectively (Brey,
2015). Although wellbeing is of subjective nature, designing technology for wellbeing is very much
possible (Brey, 2018). To make it possible, digital wellbeing concept of google came forward to
design technology for wellbeing of users. Digital wellbeing, defined as the state of being comfortable
when using digital technologies, came in the spotlight when Sundar Pichai spoke about it in Google
I/O 2018 (Google, 2018). Supporting Digital wellbeing concept and also keeping wellbeing of users
in mind, Facebook also launched new digital wellbeing tool called Quiet mode to help users manage
their time on Facebook by controlling external stimuli like notification (Facebook, 2019). According
to Facebook (2020), Quiet mode is the new digital wellbeing tool that can help users find the right
balance for how they use Facebook. This digital wellbeing not only mutes most notifications but it
also reminds users they set this time aside to limit their time in app (Facebook, 2020). Measuring
effectiveness of tools is often envisioned as tools for objectively revealing the world (Sharon &
Zandbergen 2017) and also to have control over how one spends time is a significant measure of
wellbeing (Wajcman 2015: 164). However, digital wellbeing tools and apps have not been evaluated
much by researchers and it is still not clear that how effective are they. Since understanding for
designing for self-regulation of technology use is still in early age (Whittaker, Kalnikaite, Hollis &
Guydish, 2016), there is a lack of robust research on understanding the effectiveness of Facebook
Quiet’s mode from user’s perspective as more research focus on measuring effectiveness through
quantitative approach. Hence this research is being carried out from a qualitative approach to
understand from users’ perspective.
Theoretical Framework
Connecting subjective concept like wellbeing with the technology has always been issue in the
modern society but needs to be done at any cost (Feenberg, 2020). The most common theme of
technology is always considered apart from the common them of social science. However,
(Feenberg, 2020) argue that technology should not be isolate rather should be deeply intertwined
with the social science. Considering that research, Facebook being tech giants not only affect how
one’s perceived the world but might also affect how persons perceive themselves. Technical
acceleration really affects time in phenomenological way which needs to explored through multiple

ways (Feenberg, 2020). Measuring effectiveness of tools is often envisioned as tools for objectively
revealing the world (Sharon & Zandbergen 2017) and also to have control over how one spends time
is a significant measure of wellbeing (Wajcman 2015: 164). However, other thorough approaches
including understanding effectiveness of those tools is slightly complex and multifaceted (Lupton,
2016). A growing trend in the socio-technology research is to think beyond the box in order to
understand specific research problems from fresh perspective. The theory of behavior is centered to
explain more about subjective matter. So, in order to go beyond metrics and quantifiable approach,
the framework which will be used in this study is exploratory framework of the theory of behavior.
This framework works based on behavioral intention and behavior of individual in using Quiet mode
through their own attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control.
However, completer and more comprehensive theoretical framework will be developed after data
analysis.
Fig: Theory of Planned behavior
Policy Review
Facebook has various policy regarding maintaining wellbeing of users. As stated on Facebook’s
Newsroom statement says that the company will “no longer allow graphic cutting images to avoid
unintentionally promoting or triggering self-harm, even when someone is seeking support or
expressing themselves to aid their recovery” (Facebook, 2020). It suggests that Facebook care about

overall mental wellbeing of users so no any things which hampers wellbeing could be posted.
Ministry of Health, shortly known as MoH, adopted five policies regarding mental health of people
which clearly states enhancing public awareness to promote mental health and combat stigma
resulting from mental illness, and promote and manage health information system and research
(Ministry of Health and Population [MoHP], 2020). Since Nepal lacks strict policies and laws about
individual wellbeing through Facebook, this research can be a hint towards the mental wellbeing of
young adults to a little extend and more strict policies could be made in future.

SECTION 4: ACTIVITIES AND TIMESCALES
Study Plan
The study plan of the research is illustrated in the table below with milestones
S.N. Task/milestones Start Date End Date Duration
1. Review of existing literature
related to digital wellbeing theme
08/07/2020 08/15/2020 8 days
2. Identifying research problems 08/15/2020 08/20/2020 5 days
3. Selecting Research Topic 08/21/2020 08/25/2020 4 days
4. Reviewing existing literature
related to research topic
08/26/2020 09/03/2020 8 days
5. Preparation of Research Proposal 09/04/2020 09/29/2020 25 days
6. Revision of Research Proposal 09/30/2020 10/05/2020 05 days
7. Data collection 11/03/2020 11/28/2020 25 days
8. Writing report 11/28/2020 12/ 18/2020 20 days
9. Final report submission 12/18/2020 12/21/2020 03 days

Gantt Chart

SECTION 5: RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGIES
Introduction
This chapter describes the methods which will be used in understanding the effectiveness of
Facebook’s Quiet Mode on maintaining the wellbeing of young adults of Nepal. This chapter clearly
illustrates that research is being carried out through a qualitative approach. Along with study design,
a paradigm of the study which has influenced the research is clearly explained through different
philosophical assumptions. The study area and the population are clearly defined with proper reason
on why they will be chosen. Tools and techniques for data collection and analysis and interpretation
will be explained here. Along with ethical concern, how trustworthiness will be maintained will be
clearly stated here.
Research Design
Research design is the way of establishing a roadmap to conduct the research. It is all about how
your structure and organize your study. It dictates your study and clearly outlines the data you are
going to collect, methods and methodology to apply and also how you analyze and interpret data to
answer your research questions (Faryadi, 2019). In particular, this study will follow an exploratory
design.
This study will utilize small sample sizes and rather emphasize insights than a definitive conclusion.
Since Quiet mode being a new digital wellbeing tool, there are few earlier studies on this subject.
This study focuses on relating new terms with existing concept and hence exploratory design will be
used.
Research Approach
The research approach is a plan and procedure which comprises the steps of broad assumptions to
detailed methods of data collection, analysis and interpretation (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2012).
In simple words, it is based on the nature of the research problem being addressed (Saunders, Lewis
& Thornhill, 2012). For data collection, there are three types of approach qualitative approach,
quantitative approach and mixed approach. For Data Analysis, there are mainly three approaches:
inductive approach, deductive approach, and abductive research approach. For data collection, a
qualitative approach will be used since qualitative data related to mental wellbeing is needed to
understand effectiveness from the user’s perspective. And for data analysis, an inductive approach
will be used. No hypothesis will be used in this research. The theory will be generated through a

specific pattern formed at last through deep observation and interviewing of the participants so an
inductive approach will be used.
Paradigm of the Study
A research paradigm is “the set of common beliefs and agreement shared between scientist about
how problems should be understood and addressed. (Kuhn, 1970). This study is based on the
interpretive paradigm. Well-being is subjective. It differs from person to person. The study is solely
focused on understanding through participants’ perception and hence interpretive paradigm. Four
assumptions of this research paradigm are explained below:
1. Ontology
Ontology refers to the nature of our beliefs about reality. In the briefer term, it is the
researcher’s assumptions about the nature of the world and social reality which establish
subjects we dissect to sort out the importance embedded in research data and helps to
determine what research objects and phenomena to focus on, orientate our thinking about the
research problem, its significance, research questions and way to find their answer (Kivunja
& Kuyini, 2017; Saunders et al., 2019). This research follows the interpretive paradigm, so
have the ontological assumption that the nature of reality is subjective, multiple, and may
change accordingly. In this study, Quiet may be effective in maintaining the wellbeing of one
young adult and can be ineffective at the same time for others. Certain factors related to
mental wellbeing or participants’ understanding may play a role in having multiple realities at
the same time.
2. Epistemology
Epistemology refers to “the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge and
the process by which knowledge is acquired and validated” (Gall, Gall & Borg, 2003, p.13).
This research is based on understanding the effectiveness of Quiet Mode on the mental
wellbeing of young adults who follow interpretive paradigm so knowledge will be generated
through understanding of subjective meanings, specific and dynamic contexts, through
naturalistic observation.
3. Axiology
Axiology is the branch of philosophy that studies judgement about value, explores the nature
of values (Saunders, et al., 2012). In simple term, axiology is engaged with the assessment of
the role of the researcher’s value on all stages of research. Right and wrong behavior about
the research should be defined, evaluated and understood in axiology. This search is guided

by an interpretive paradigm so subjectivity will be assessed. The research will be done in a
natural setting where participants feel comfortable. The obtained data may be critical, and
hence there will be truthfulness in interpreting the obtained data. Participants will not be
forced to answer questions, which makes them uncomfortable.
4. Methodology
The methodology can be referred to as the strategy, plan of action, process or design that
informs the choice of research methods. In simple terms, it means how a particular piece of
research should be undertaken (Grix, 2004). The researcher questions about how to study the
world of research are answered by methodological questions (Rehman & Alharthi, 2016).
This study is based on an interpretive paradigm so an in-depth interview will be the
methodology. Since the research questions need a qualitative approach and also follow the
exploratory design, so data will be obtained through face-to-face interview with semi-
structured questions. Those data will be used to set a hypothesis
Study Area
The study will be conducted in Pepsicola, Kathmandu. This study area will be used because of two
key reasons. The first one is feasibility in collecting data. A qualitative approach will be used and
related data about the subject matter will be collected through the in-depth interview so during a
pandemic, it will be hard to travel to other places and participants also might not be ready to meet for
a face-to-face interview. The second one is feasibility in finding participants, snowball sampling will
be done so it will be easy to find different participants through one participant within a limited
territory.
Study Population
In research, the population can be referred to as a comprehensive group of individuals, institutions,
object and so forth with have a common characteristic that is the interest of a researcher.
The study population of this research are young adults (18-24) of Pepsicola who use Facebook’s
Quiet Mode. The age group of 18-24 will be studied since they fall under the category of young
adults and it had also been revealed that about 75% of youths identify the problems of mental health
before they reach 24 and also use Facebook quite often. Since research is about understanding about
the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode so people with prior knowledge about the tool will be
prioritized.

Participant Selection (Data Saturation)
In research, participants size can be referred to as the total number of participants selected for the
study. Qualitative research experts argue that there is no correct answer about ‘how many samples
size or participants size’ in qualitative research since it is very dependent on several factors relating
to epistemological, methodological and practical issues (Baker & Edwards, 2012). So, the criteria
which will be used by this research to determine participants size is data saturation. As researchers
see similar data repeated over and over again and that no additional data are being found about the
subject matter then sampling will be stopped.
Data Collection Procedure
The population will be categorized by geographical location, participants’ knowledge about subject
matter and time of the training. As research will use a qualitative approach and exploratory design,
an in-depth interview will be done to collect data from participants. Face to face interview will be
done to understand deeply participants perception of the subject matter. As Snowball sampling will
be done so interview schedule will be set according to the feasibility of both researcher and
participants. Mental wellbeing being subjective and critical, semi-structured questions pattern will be
used. However, the pattern of a semi-structured question will be used to keep participants within the
subject matter and to have a deep understanding. Order and number of questions may change since
some participants may want or may not want to answer some questions due to various personals
reasons. The interview will be done only after the approval of participants. Participants' approval will
be taken through phone contact and entire aspects of the research topic will be clearly explained
before the interview. To maintain the integrity of data and control researcher biases, an additional
authentic person will be taken at the interview. The entire interview session may be recorded via
camcorder or noted as per the wish of participants for further analysis and interpretation. Re-piloting
will be done if necessary and data collection will be stopped when data saturation is seen on the
obtained data.
Sources and Type of Data
The data will be collected from two sources i.e., primary source and secondary sources. The data
collected from primary sources are known as primary data and the data collected from secondary
sources is called secondary sources.
1. Primary source: - In-depth interview

2. Secondary sources: - Books, Journal, websites etc.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
The process of bringing order, structure and meaning to the mass of collected data is considered as
data analysis (Marshall & Rossman, 2011). Similarly, Qualitative data analysis can be explained as
the way of making sense from participants’ views and opinions of situations, corresponding patterns,
themes to correlate among categories of data (Cohen et al., 2007; Marshall & Rossman, 2011)
After finishing data collection, the researcher only has raw data which generally means nothing
before its analysis and interpretation. Data analysis and interpretation will be done manually. Firstly,
data transcription will be done. The recorded interview will be transformed into text format and all
noted data will be once again noted in the same file. Data of participants will be noted separately and
as it is without changing single words. The same opinions will be categorized into specific groups
based on their connection to the overall theme of research which will be interpreted as key findings
of the research. However, the opinions of each participant will be presented as it is as the opinions of
the participants regarding the research topic and some interpretation of the researcher will be written
at last of research findings chapter.
Trustworthiness in the Research
Trustworthiness is the term used in qualitative research to know to which extent researches are
believable and trustworthy. Since most qualitative research is not generally based upon standardized
instruments and they often utilize smaller and non-random samples that question whether research is
trustworthy or not. Many researchers even criticize the biasness of findings of this type of research
(Gunawan, 2015). According to Guba & Lincoln (1985), there are mainly four basic criteria to
ensure the trustworthiness of the Qualitative research which are being used as criteria for ensuring
the trustworthiness of this research.
1. Credibility
Credibility in qualitative research is equivalent to validity in quantitative research. Guba and
Lincoln (1985) argue that ensuring credibility is one of the most important factors in ensuring
the trustworthiness of research. It can be defined as the extent to which the data and data
analysis are believable and trustworthy. Triangulation, peer scrutiny. Member checks,
reflective commentary, iterative questioning, examination of previous research findings,
observations of participants will be done for ensuring credibility and support the
trustworthiness of the research.

2. Transferability
Transferability in qualitative research generalizes study findings and try to apply them to
other situation and contexts. The researchers can only determine the possibility that data can
be transferred in other situations rather than proving it can be transferred. Guba and Lincoln
(1985) suggested that it is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure that sufficient
contextual information about the fieldwork sites is provided to enable the reader or other
researcher to make such a transfer. Purposive sampling will be done in order to get rich
contextual data.
3. Dependability
Dependability in qualitative research is equivalent to reliability in quantitative research which
is the consistency of observing the same finding under similar circumstances. Dependability
can be achieved through auditing which consists of the researcher’s documentation of data,
methods used, decisions made during the research (Seale, 1999). Thick, rich and elaborative
data will be collected through in-depth interview and a description of the research will be
presented with researcher commentary.
4. Confirmability
Confirmability is the degree to which the findings of the research can be confirmed or
corroborated by others. Replications of the findings are important to prove research is subject
to minimum biasness or no biasness. Seale (1999) argues that proper auditing could be used
to ensure confirmability in which the researcher makes the provision of a methodological
self-critical account of how the research was done (p.45). Reporting results, member
checking and thorough descriptions of the setting will be presented to have more realistic
findings.
Ethical Consideration
In many kinds of research, it is mandatory to protect human subjects through the application of
appropriate ethical principles (Orb, Eisenhauer & Wynaden, 2001). To keep the perfect balance
between the potential risks of research and the likely benefits of the research, the consideration of
ethical issues is crucial (Arifin, 2018). So, the responsibility of the researcher to maintain ethical
principles will be outlined clearly for the participants. Firstly, Participants will be made fully aware
of research questions and topic and participants will not be forced to be a part of research if they
don’t want to be. Mental wellbeing is a critical aspect so the researcher will be ensured of the
confidentiality of their data. Participants will have full freedom of not answering the certain question

if they don’t feel comfortable. Private information like their name, address, phone number will not be
exposed under any circumstances. The researcher will respect every right of participants and research
ethics and research will be done being within the boundary of those aspects.
Organization of the Research
This study has been organized into 3 main chapters. In the first chapter, the study has been
introduced briefly. In the introduction section, firstly the research has presented an introduction
which highlights overall key terms of study. After the introduction, the research problem has been
emphasized through some existing literature on that particular field on the portion called ‘Statement
of the problem’. The gaps found on ‘Statement of the problem’ has been presented as the main
purpose of the study later with certain research topics which will be used on addressing the purpose.
Limitation and delimitation of the study have also been highlighted.
In the very next chapter, a literature review of the existing literature has been done in the conclusive
summary which used to link our research through previous literature. Within the literature review,
the theoretical framework of the study has been highlighted.
In the last chapter, research methods were highlighted which will be used to carry out the study.
Here, study design, the paradigm of the study, study population, study area, sample size data
collection procedures, data analysis and interpretation procedure were discussed along with some
ethical consideration of the research and organization of the study.

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PART TWO
Carry out the research and prepare a research report
• Conduct your research as outlined in your proposal. Keep track of your findings as you work.
• Carry out your research and analyses your findings in relation to your original research question.
Draw conclusions.

Understanding the effectiveness of Facebook's
Quiet Mode on maintaining mental wellbeing of
young adults of Kathmandu
by
Anuj Sharma
A dissertation submitted to the assignment department of ISMT for the degree of
BTEC HND in Computing.
Tutor: Anup Bhurtel.
International School of Management and Technology (ISMT)
Tinkune, Kathmandu
2021

ABSTRACT
Facebook’s Quiet Mode is used as a digital wellbeing tool to give users back their time and maintain
the well-being of Facebook users. Like various other digital wellbeing tools, its effectiveness was yet
to be measured and understood. This research study examines young adults’ perception of the
effectiveness of Quiet Mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing. This, study, based on the
interpretive paradigm, used exploratory design to understand young adults’ perception of the effects
of Facebook on their mental wellbeing and the effectiveness of Quiet mode on maintaining their
mental wellbeing. This study recruited participants who had experience with Facebook as well as
Quiet Mode. Participant perception and feedback were analyzed to answer the modelled research
questions presented in the study. It also provided knowledge about existing literature which was used
to present the theory of planned behavior as the theoretical framework of this research. It also spread
light on various research method, process and methodology to justified the reason for selecting
interview of exploratory design of inductive approach.
These study findings suggested that Facebook have negatively affected mental wellbeing. Facebook
can leave some individual in a state where they always have the feeling of annoyance, low self-
esteem, fear of missing out (FOMO) and stress and anxiety. The research findings also suggested
that young adults perceive the effectiveness of Quiet mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing: as
a showoff feature, as a Gatekeeper, could have been much more effective and as a pile of
notifications after disabling Quiet Mode. Findings were later discussed and concluded in an effective
manner.
Keywords: Digital wellbeing, Quiet Mode, Effectiveness, perception

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I am a lifelong learner who seeks to learn what I can to be the best person and leader. I wanted to get
my Bachelor’s degree for various reasons. One reason I wanted the degree is to prove that a person
with average intelligence can get a degree through hard work, persistence, and the support of others.
I decided to complete my Bachelor’s degree to continue learning, too. Besides this, I wanted to
complete research on my own to have a greater understanding of the subject through different
available works of literature. I wanted to learn about the process of writing a research proposal as
well as a full research paper. My goal is to be a master of my field and fate. I am willing to be
independent of my virtual social media life, so I chose this research topic to foster a greater
understanding of this subject matter.
However, I wouldn’t have been able to complete this research without the help of others. Staying
motivated to explore a new subject and a new process was very crucial throughout the writing and
revision process. I have many people to thank. First of all, I want to thank my mom and dad. They
constantly motivated me to do my task for my better future. My hardest critics and also my biggest
fan were my brothers and sisters. They constantly criticized my work through honest feedback, even
though there are times I do not enjoy hearing it. I love them for that because they helped me
complete this research. I would also like to thank Novia, my hearty friend, who pushed me very hard
so that I would focus on my research paper.
I want to thank my research professor Mr. Anup Bhurtel for all of his time and attention to my
research paper. This research would not have been completed without his guidance and dedication. I
appreciate his feedback and efforts in making me a better researcher and learning throughout this
process. His modelling and passion for changing the way researcher should think inspired and
motivated me to complete this research. Besides this, I would also like to thank Mr. Nirajan Rijal sir
for providing me various support through constant feedback and guidance.
Lastly, I want to thank my friends from college who helped pull me through the rough days to
complete this research paper. Without my friends, I would not have been able to cope with certain
circumstances and would not have been here. I thank every one of you guys for your support and
hope that I can support you as well.

Contents
ABSTRACT...................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Background of the study ............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Research purpose........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Research questions.....................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Organization of the research ......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
SECTION 2. REASONS FOR CHOOSING THIS RESEARCH PROJECTError! Bookmark not
defined.
Statement of the problem ...........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Significance of the study............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
SECTION 3. LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Introduction................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Facebook use and mental wellbeing...........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Person-Specificity in Facebook and Quiet Mode Usage............Error! Bookmark not defined.
Facebook Quiet Mode and digital wellbeing .............................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Theoretical Framework ..............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Policy Review ............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
SECTION 4. ACTIVITIES AND TIMESCALES ........................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Study plan...................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Gantt Chart.................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
SECTION 5. RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGIESError! Bookmark not defined.

Research Design.........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Research Approach ....................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Research approach for this study ...............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Qualitative Research Methodologies .........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Research Methodology for this research....................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Paradigm of the study.................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Study Area..................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Participants selection (Data saturation)......................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Sample and Recruitment ............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Data Collection Method .............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Sources and Type of data ...........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Data Analysis and Interpretation................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Trustworthiness in the research..................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Ethical consideration..................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Limitation of the study...............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Delimitation of the study............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
SECTION 6. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION.............................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Participants.................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Themes .......................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
SECTION 6. CONCLUSION........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
References......................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendices……………………………………………………………………………………….Error
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SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Social media like Facebook has been around the world since its beginning. Facebook is now one of
the leading and most known social media, which is used by people of all ages. There are currently
over 2.6 billion monthly active users of Facebook worldwide (Global stats, 2020). Despite being
numerous positive impacts on one’s life, excessive use of Facebook may lead to misuse and
addictive behavior (Griffiths, 2012). Facebook overuse increases screen time and also have an
adverse effect on the mental health of people. These effects include sleeping disorder, anxiety, low
self-esteem and ultimately depression. Some research also shows that various people, especially
teenagers and young adults, are not completely aware of such adverse effects of Facebook on their
mental wellbeing (Tsai, et al., 2009). With the increased accessibility and availability of the internet,
the use of social media like Facebook is currently skyrocketing in Nepal. According to Global stats
(2020), the most used social media in Nepal are Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram
respectively, among which 93.31% of social media users use Facebook. Mental health and mental
wellbeing are critical subject but often neglected in developing countries like Nepal. With the rise of
Facebook usage but not enough research on regards to its effect on the mental wellbeing of young
adults in Nepal, we don’t have enough data about the use and effects of Facebook on young adults’
wellbeing in Nepal. However, various global researches have suggested that Facebook addiction may
play a role in developing FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) which may lead to severe mental problems
like anxiety, low self-esteem and depression. When all these problems burst into the scene, the
concept of digital wellbeing was taken seriously.
Digital wellbeing, defined as the state of being comfortable when using digital technologies, came
into the spotlight when Sundar Pichai spoke about it in Google I/O 2018 (Google, 2018). With the
rise of the digital well-being concept, Facebook also introduced their digital wellbeing tool called
Quiet Mode recently. According to Facebook (2020), Quiet mode is the new digital wellbeing tool
that can help users find the right balance for how they use Facebook. Quiet mode not only mutes
most notifications but also reminds users they set this time aside to limit their time in the app. These
tools as introduced to give users their time back and also to promote every aspect of people’s
wellbeing (Facebook, 2020). Despite having a bright future, many young adults believe that some
solutions regarding Facebook usage might not be sufficient to support the formation of new and also

might be strongly depending on the monitoring behavior once the monitoring stops, it may or may
not be effective e.g., that feature can easily be neglected after some time and usage pattern may not
be changed at all. So, it was yet to be understood from Facebook users’ perspective about the
effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing.
Research Purpose
The purpose of this study was to understand the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on
maintaining the mental wellbeing of young adults of Kathmandu through their own perspective.
Research Questions
- How do users describe their feelings about effectiveness Facebook’s Quiet Mode on changing
their Facebook’s usage pattern?
Organization of the Research
This study has been organized into 3 main chapters. In the first chapter, the study had been
introduced briefly. In the introduction section, firstly the research had presented an introduction that
highlights the overall key terms of study. After the introduction, the research problem had been
emphasized through some existing literature on that particular field on the portion called ‘Statement
of the problem’. The gaps found on ‘Statement of the problem’ has been presented as the main
purpose of the study later with certain research topics which were used on addressing the purpose.
Limitation and delimitation of the study have also been highlighted.
In the very next chapter, a literature review of the existing literature has been done inconclusive
summary which used to link our research through previous literature. Within the literature review,
the theoretical framework of the study has been highlighted.
In the last chapter, research methods were highlighted which were used to carry out the study. Here,
study design, the paradigm of the study, study population, study area, sample size data collection
procedures, data analysis and interpretation procedure were discussed along with some ethical
consideration of the research and organization of the study.

SECTION 2. REASONS FOR CHOOSING THIS RESEARCH PROJECT
Statement of the Problem
To the best of our knowledge, there is insufficient research regarding Facebook addiction and its
effect on the mental wellbeing of young adults in Nepal. However, in the research of Jha (2016), it
has been revealed that 86.7% of health science students indicated that they were pretty annoyed
when anyone disturbed them during Facebook, 24.3 % of whole participants also admitted they
found it difficult not to log onto Facebook during one whole day. This may hint at the addictive
nature of Facebook. 76.8 % of participants also believed that Facebook had negatively affected their
overall health and behavior including mental health. The adversely effects on the mental aspect
experienced by the participants were disturbed sleep (19%) followed by headache (16%). This
research may be used as a base to show Facebook addiction has effects on the mental wellbeing of
young adults but a quantitative approach was used. This was a lack of research about the effect of
Facebook on the mental wellbeing of young adults which follow a qualitative approach.
As a digital tool for managing and reducing screen time, Facebook Quiet mode was introduced. But
there is no research to date which measures the effectiveness or understanding of the effectiveness of
Quiet Mode on maintaining the wellbeing of young adults. Most of the research related to feature
and tools are solely focused on measuring the effectiveness based on pre-defined metrics through
quantitative approach (Collins, Cox, Bird & Cornish-Tresstail, 2014). But there are many factors
besides pre-defined metrics of a quantitative approach to understanding the effectiveness of any
digital wellbeing tools which needs to be explored. Understanding the effectiveness of feature and
tool from the user’s perspective was slightly neglected in this kind of research. Thus, this subject
matter and different approaches to the digital field was yet to be explored by researchers.
Facebook’s Quiet Mode being a new digital well-being tool and affects mental wellbeing but was yet
to be researched through a qualitative approach in Nepal so this research was carried out to
understand from Kathmandu young adults’ perspective about the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet
Mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing. It is hoped that the future findings can open a gate to
explore a novel approach to attract more researcher to find various factors about the effects of
Facebook and digital wellbeing tools on the mental well-being of young adults.

Significance of the Study
The findings of this study will help to increase the awareness about the effect of Facebook use on
mental well-being, digital well-being concept, Facebook Quiet Mode, which will be beneficial to
Facebook users and digital well-being experts. This study will also spread some light on mental
health issues and the overall mental wellbeing of young adults of Nepal. This research can be the
bridge for the communication about mental health issues between peoples where it is often neglected
like Nepal.
This research can crave a path for upcoming researchers to find other critical aspects of social media
which may promote or hinder the overall wellbeing of people which is yet to be found. The findings
of this study can show the picture of where the digital wellbeing concept is heading and how
seriously are tech-giants considering the well-being of their users. This research can also help other
future researchers to evaluate, measure and understand about effectiveness of other digital wellbeing
apps and tools.

SECTION 3. LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
The following chapter provides a clear picture of existing literature related to the concept and its
relation to the subject matter. This portion clarifies why research is being done and try to establish a
context for the research to be completed. This review explains how variables of research topic are
interrelated to one another by analyzing existing literature of the different field. This review of
existing literature consists of literature related to Facebook use and mental wellbeing, Facebook’s
Quiet mode as a digital wellbeing tool in the form of conclusive summary. Finally, the chapter
polishes in on some theoretical underpinnings of the study along with reviewing some of the existing
policies regarding Facebook and mental wellbeing as well.
Facebook Use and Mental Wellbeing
Using social media is a quotidian phenomenon (Elhai, 2016) (Quinn, 2016) and increment in the
number of users of social media or social networking sites is also a global phenomenon, hence social
media has become an integral part of today’s world. Younger age, neuroticism, extraversion and fear
of missing out (FOMO) opened the door for social media usage whereas only FOMO resulted in
social media addiction. (Blackwell, Leaman, Tramposch, Osborne, & Liss, 2017). Despite all those
positive effects and additional social support, the excessive use of social media increases screen time
and also exhibits negative effects on mental health. (Lanaj, Johnson, & Barnes, 2014) and social
media addicts also experience emotional, relational, physical health, mental health, and performance
problems. (Andreassen & Schou, 2015). So, every social media usage should be carefully evaluated
and researched.
Having more than 2.6 billion monthly active users worldwide (Facebook, 2020) Facebook is the
world’s most widely used social media. On one side, it has been revealed that Facebook
connectedness is related to higher life satisfaction, and it lowers depression too, which tends to
emphasize that there is a positive relationship between life satisfaction and Facebook use (Grieve et
al., 2013). Numerous studies also support this and suggest there are positive impacts of Facebook on
mental health and boost overall mental wellbeing. But on the other side, despite having numerous
positive impacts on one’s life, excessive use of Facebook may lead to misuse and addictive behavior
(Griffiths, 2012). Internal stimuli like constantly checking Facebook without any reason (Oulasvirta,

Rattenbury, Ma, & Raita, 2012) play a crucial role along with external stimuli like notification in
causing distraction. (Dabbish, Mark, & Gonzalez, 2011) and developing FOMO (Fear of Missing
Out) which lead to addictive behavior and can have negative effects on the mental wellbeing of
young adults (Jha, 2016).
Person-Specificity in Facebook and Quiet Mode Usage
Apart from social support, the various reasons for using Facebook include the desire for friends,
entertainment, knowledge, and convenience as well as social capital and life satisfaction (Basilisco &
Cha, 2015). However, factors that influence Facebook and alter the pattern of Facebook usage
include attitude towards Facebook, subjective norms of individual, perceived behavioral control of
the individual over Facebook. Behavioral psychology also plays a major role in affecting one’s
Facebook usage pattern. Facebook and Technology addiction is commonly thought to be a
temporally stable and structurally invariant condition that can be identified using a ‘one-size-fits-all’
screening tool (Huang, 2010) (Yu & Shek, 2013). However, various literature questions the
validation of the assumption in this research. Temporal stability may be an unwarranted assumption,
as research shows that excessive media use is sometimes only temporary- and potentially function-
coping response to a certain instantaneous stressful life event (Li et al., 2010). Structural invariance
may also be an unwarranted assumption, as studies show that problematic use can have different
forms, depending on the pathways leading to it which is person-specific and subjective (Billieux,
2012). However, general screening instrument like digital wellbeing tool can find difficulty
differentiating passionate and enthusiastic media users from pathological users (Billieux, 2012).
Different other factors can help in changing behavioral aspect of the individual like the behavior of
checking and interacting with notification creates a cognitive reward system, and this behavior is
likely to be an adopter into the user’s daily routine life. (Roberts, Yaya, & Manolis, 2014). However,
the addiction model is nowadays frequently applied to excessive behaviors but such an approach,
which is centered around excessive usage behavior, might lead to neglecting the key psychological
factors or processes (motivational, affective, cognitive, interpersonal and social) sustaining
dysfunctional involvement in specific conduct. (Dudley, Kuyken & Padesky, 2011; Kinderman &
Tai, 2007). These factors might play a vital role in with-holding or changing behavioral aspect of
individual towards Facebook and Quiet mode as well.
Facebook Quiet Mode and Digital Wellbeing
The theme of technology and social science has always been considered apart but are deeply

intertwined (Feenberg, 2020). However, wellbeing differs from one individual to another since it has
a different meaning for different individuals and hence it is hard to determine wellbeing objectively
(Brey, 2015). Although wellbeing is subjective, designing technology for wellbeing is very much
possible (Brey, 2018). To make it possible, the digital wellbeing concept of google came forward to
design technology for the wellbeing of users. Digital wellbeing, defined as the state of being
comfortable when using digital technologies, came into the spotlight when Sundar Pichai spoke
about it in Google I/O 2018 (Google, 2018). Digital wellbeing does not medicalize people’s
relationship with technology but recognizes both problems and benefits experienced with
connectivity, that acknowledge the subjective and dynamic nature of our experiences with
technology, and that recognize the ambivalence of our relationship to technology (Vanden Abeele,
2020).
Supporting the digital well-being concept and also keeping the well-being of users in mind,
Facebook also launched a new digital wellbeing tool called Quiet mode to help users manage their
time on Facebook by controlling external stimuli like notification (Facebook, 2019). According to
Facebook (2020), Quiet mode is the new digital wellbeing tool that can help users find the right
balance for how they use Facebook. This digital wellbeing not only mutes most notifications but also
reminds users that they set this time aside to limit their time in-app (Facebook, 2020). Measuring the
effectiveness of tools is often envisioned as tools for objectively revealing the world (Sharon &
Zandbergen 2017) and also having control over how one spends time is a significant measure of
wellbeing (Wajcman 2015: 164). However, digital wellbeing tools and apps have not been evaluated
much by researchers and it is still not clear that how effective are they. Since understanding for
designing for self-regulation of technology use is still at an early age (Whittaker, Kalnikaite, Hollis
& Guydish, 2016), there is a lack of robust research on understanding the effectiveness of Facebook
Quiet’s mode from user’s perspective as more research focuses on measuring effectiveness through a
quantitative approach. Hence this research was carried out from a qualitative approach to understand
from users’ perspective.
Theoretical Framework
Connecting subjective concept like wellbeing with technology has always been an issue in modern
society but needs to be done at any cost (Feenberg, 2020). The most common theme of technology is
always considered apart from the common theme of social science. However, (Feenberg, 2020) argue
that technology should not be isolated rather should be deeply intertwined with social science.
Taking account of those research, Facebook being tech giants not only affect how one’s perceived

the world but might also affect how persons perceive themselves. Technical acceleration affects time
in a phenomenological way which needs to explore in multiple ways (Feenberg, 2020). Measuring
the effectiveness of tools is often envisioned as tools for objectively revealing the world (Sharon &
Zandbergen, 2017) and also to have control over how one spends time is a significant measure of
wellbeing (Wajcman, 2015: 164). However, other thorough approaches including understanding the
effectiveness of those tools are slightly complex and multifaceted (Lupton, 2016). A growing trend
in socio-technology research is to think beyond the box in order to understand specific research
problems from a different perspective. The theory of behavior is centered to explain more about the
subjective matter. So, in order to go beyond metrics and quantifiable approach, the framework which
was used in this study is the exploratory framework of the theory of behavior. This framework
generally works on the basis of behavioral intention and behavior of individual in using Quiet mode
through their attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. The attitude and subjective
norms that are influencing the way people use Facebook and Quiet mode could make the same
specific app effective and ineffective at the same time. The perceived behavioral control of the
individual over usage of Facebook and Quiet mode along with their attitude and subjective norms
towards it can show the behavioral intention. This behavioral intention of an individual to use a
Facebook and quiet mode with perceived behavioral control directly affects actual usage. Based on
the above literature about Facebook and digital wellbeing tool, it was mandatory to spread light on
the behavioral aspect of user’s so that effectiveness of Quiet mode can be understood through their
perception hence exploratory framework along with the theory of planned behavior was used.
Fig: Theory of Planned behavior

Policy Review
Facebook has various policies regarding maintaining the well-being of users. As stated on
Facebook’s Newsroom statement says that the company will “no longer allow graphic cutting images
to avoid unintentionally promoting or triggering self-harm, even when someone is seeking support or
expressing themselves to aid their recovery” (Facebook, 2020). It suggests that Facebook cares about
the overall mental wellbeing of users so not any things which hamper wellbeing could be posted.
Facebook will also now continue to send resources to people who posted self-harm or eating disorder
content to promote the mental health of consumers (Facebook, 2020). It was shown in various ways
and through different policies that Facebook cares about the mental wellbeing of every consumer.
The quiet mode was one of those policies to give users back their time which evaluation could help
to make further policies regarding the mental wellbeing of Facebook consumers. The Ministry of
Health, shortly known as MoH, adopted five policies regarding the mental health of people which
clearly states enhancing public awareness to promote mental health and combat stigma resulting
from mental illness and promote and manage health information system and research (Population, M,
2020). Since Nepal lacks strict policies and laws about individual wellbeing through Facebook, this
research could hint towards the mental wellbeing of young adults to a little extent and stricter
policies could be made in future.

SECTION 4. ACTIVITIES AND TIMESCALES
Study Plan
The study plan of the research is illustrated in the table below with milestones
S.N. Task/milestones Start Date End Date Duration
1. Review of existing literature
related to digital wellbeing theme
08/07/2020 08/15/2020 8 days
2. Identifying research problems 08/15/2020 08/20/2020 5 days
3. Selecting Research Topic 08/21/2020 08/25/2020 4 days
4. Reviewing existing literature
related to research topic
08/26/2020 09/03/2020 8 days
5. Preparation of Research Proposal 09/04/2020 09/29/2020 25 days
6. Revision of Research Proposal 09/30/2020 10/05/2020 05 days
7. Data collection 11/03/2020 11/28/2020 25 days
8. Writing report 11/28/2020 12/ 18/2020 20 days
9. Final report submission 12/18/2020 12/21/2020 03 days

Gantt Chart

SECTION 5. RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGIES
Introduction
This chapter describes the methods which were used in understanding the effectiveness of
Facebook’s Quiet Mode on maintaining the wellbeing of young adults of Nepal. This chapter clearly
illustrates that research was being carried out through a qualitative approach. Along with study
design, the paradigm of the study which had influenced the research is clearly explained through
different philosophical assumptions. The study area and population are clearly defined with proper
reason on why they were chosen. Tools and techniques for data collection and analysis and
interpretation are explained here. Along with ethical concern, how trustworthiness was maintained
has been clearly stated here.
Research Design
Research design is the way of establishing a roadmap to conduct the research. It is all about how
your structure and organize your study. It dictates your study and clearly outlines the data you are
going to collect, methods and methodology to apply and also how you analyze and interpret data to
answer your research questions (Faryadi, 2019). In particular, this study has followed an exploratory
design.
This study has utilized small sample sizes and rather put emphasis on insights than a definitive
conclusion. Since Quiet mode being a new digital wellbeing tool, there were very few earlier studies
on this particular subject matter. It introduces the different study of behavioral possibility and
focused on relating new terms with an existing concept where many things were yet to be explored
hence exploratory research design was used.
Research Approach
The research approach is a plan and procedure which consists of the steps of broad assumptions to
detailed methods of data collection, analysis and interpretation (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2012).
In simple words, it is based on the nature of research problem being addressed (Saunders, Lewis &
Thornhill, 2012). For data collection, there are generally three types of approach qualitative
approach, quantitative approach and mixed approach. For Data Analysis, there are mainly three
approaches inductive approach, deductive approach and abductive research approach. Different
approaches for both data collection and data analysis are evaluated critically below to justify which
are suitable for this study.

1. Quantitative approach
Quantitative approach can be defined as the process of collecting and analyzing numerical
data which is used to find patterns and averages, make predictions, test causal relationship,
and generalize results to wider populations. Creswell (2003) states, qualitative research
“employ strategies of inquiry such as experimental and surveys, and collect data on
predetermined instrument that yields statistical data” (p. 18). It is specific in its surveying and
experimentation, as it builds on existing theories. Creswell (2003) also states that the
methodology of a quantitative research maintains the assumption of an empiricist paradigm.
For the data analysis of quantitative approach, deductive approach is mostly used. Deductive
approach is generally concerned with “developing a hypothesis based on existing theory, and
then designing a research strategy to test the hypothesis (Sondhi, 2011)
2. Qualitative approach
Qualitative can be described as a holistic approach that occurs in natural setting that enables
the researcher to develop a level from high involvement in the actual experiences (Creswell,
2003). It is an unfolding model which involves discovery. It is used to analyze something
from participants’ viewpoint and perception. Qualitative research is conducted within
poststructuralist paradigm and involves purposeful use for describing, explaining, and
interpreting collected data. Data is collected through the senses and is used to explain
phenomena relevant to social behaviors in new and emerging theories in this approach. For
the data analysis of qualitative approach, inductive approach is mostly used. Inductive
approach generally “involves the search of pattern from observation and the development of
explanations-theories-for those patterns through series of hypothesis” (Saunders, Lewis, &
Thornhill, 2012).
3. Mixed approach
The methods of collecting or analyzing data from the quantitative and qualitative approaches
in a single research study is called mixed approach (Creswell, 2003). Since having the ability
to design research studies that combine data collection or data analysis methods from both
approaches, researchers can now test and build theories in the single study. It is considered as
extension of both methods rather than a replacement. The main goal for researchers using
mixed methods approach to research is to draw from the strength and minimize the weakness
of quantitative and qualitative research (Creswell, 2003).
Research approach for this study

For data collection, a qualitative approach was used since qualitative data related to mental wellbeing
was needed to understand effectiveness from the user’s perspective. And for data analysis, an
inductive approach was used. No hypothesis was used in this research. The theory was meant to be
generated through a specific pattern formed at last through deep observation and interviewing of the
participants hence inductive approach was used. Firstly, different theory related to the subject matter
was taken into account and suitable was chosen as a theoretical framework for this study.
Qualitative Research Methodologies
Methodology can be referred as the strategy, plan of action, process or design that informs choice of
research methods. In simple terms, it means how particular piece of research should be undertaken
(Grix, 2004). The researcher questions about how to study the world of research are answered by
methodological questions (Rehman & Alharthi, 2016). There are several research methodologies
which meets different needs (Creswell, 2003). Some of the qualitative research methodologies are
explained below along justification for why phenomenological methodology was chosen for this
study.
1. Case study
Case study is a research methodology which can be defined as an intensive study about a
person, a group of people or a unit, which is aimed to generalize over several units. In this
study, researchers explore in depth a program, an event, an activity, a process, or one or more
individuals (Creswell, 2003). Here, the insight-stimulating cases should be selected for
special study and for particular problems, certain cases may be found more appropriate than
others. Case study attempts to learn more about a little known or poorly understood situation
hence is beneficial in exploratory research. Interviews, observation can be used as research
method here.
2. Ethnography study
Ethnography study is a research methodology which studies entire group that shares common
culture. In ethnography study, the researcher studies an intact cultural group in a natural
setting over a prolonged period of time by collecting observational data (Creswell, 2003).
Study is fully focused on everyday behaviors to identify norms, beliefs, social structures, and
other factors. The researcher must become immersed in the daily lives of the participants in
order to observe their behavior then interpret the culture or social group systems (Creswell,
2003). Researchers must gain access to a site and then must establish rapport with the
participants and build trust. Observation and in-depth interview can be used as research

method here.
3. Grounded Theory study
In this methodology, the researcher tries to derive an overall, abstract theory of a process,
action or interaction grounded in the views of participants in a study (Creswell, 2003). Leedy
and Ormrod (2001) added that grounded theory begins with data that develops into a theory.
It can be explained as the method of collecting data, analyzing the data, and repeating the
process, which is the format called constant comparative method. The main reason that it has
also been used primarily in the sociology discipline because this method examines people’s
actions and interactions.
4. Content Analysis study
The detailed and systematic examination of the contents of a particular body of materials for
the purpose of identifying patterns, themes or biases are considered as content analysis study
(Leedy & Ormrod, 2001). This methodology is planned to identify specific characteristics
from the content in the human communications. The researcher is discovering verbal, visual
behavioral pattern or themes in this research methodology. The technical process for the
content analysis study is designed to achieve the highest objective analysis possible and
involves identifying the body of material to be studied and defining the features or qualities
to be examined (Leedy & Ormrod, 2001).
5. Phenomenological study
The purpose of the phenomenological methodology is to illuminate the specific, to identity
phenomena through how they are perceived by the actors in a situation. Although it overlaps
with other essential qualitative approaches like ethnography, symbolical interactionalism but
it seeks essentially to describe rather than explain, and to start from a perspective free from
hypothesis or preconceptions. The main focus is on the participant’s perceptions of the event
or situation and the study tries to answer the question of the experience (Creswell, 2003). The
research method for collecting data of phenomenological study is similar to that of grounded
theory because interview is conducted. Data are collected which leads to identifying common
themes in people’s perception of their experiences.
Research Methodology for this Research
A phenomenological study was chosen as a research methodology for this study. The purpose of the
phenomenological methodology is to illuminate the specific, identity phenomena through how they
are perceived by the actors in a situation. Since this study was about the perception of young adults

about the effectiveness of quiet mode and also tries to answer the question of experience so
phenomenological methodology was chosen. The keynote of the study was to identify common
themes in people’s perception of their experiences and an interview was a must to do so hence the
phenomenological methodology. Collaborating an interpretive dimension to phenomenological
research, enabling it to be used with in-depth interview did shape the findings of this study.
Paradigm of the Study
A research paradigm is “the set of common beliefs and agreement shared between scientist about
how problems should be understood and addressed. (Kuhn, 1970). This study employed an
interpretive paradigm to understand the perception of young adults about the effectiveness of
Facebook’s Quiet Mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing. Well-being is subjective. It differs
from person to person. The study was solely focused on understanding through participants’
perception and hence interpretive paradigm was used. Four assumptions of this research paradigm
are explained below:
1. Ontology
Ontology refers to the nature of our beliefs about reality. In the briefer term, it is the
researcher’s assumptions about the nature of the world and social reality which establish
subjects that we dissect to sort out the importance embedded in research data and helps to
determine what research objects and phenomena to focus on, orientate our thinking about the
research problem, its significance, research questions and way to find their answer (Kivunja
& Kuyini, 2017; Saunders et al., 2019). This research used an interpretive paradigm so it had
the ontological assumption that the nature of reality is subjective, multiple and may change
accordingly. In this study, Quiet was effective in maintaining the wellbeing of one young
adult but ineffective at the same time for others hence subjective reality. Certain factors
related to mental wellbeing or participants understanding might have played a role in having
multiple realities at the same time.
2. Epistemology
Epistemology refers to “the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge and
the process by which knowledge is acquired and validated” (Gall, Gall & Borg, 2003, p.13).
This research was based on understanding the effectiveness of Quiet Mode on the mental
wellbeing of young adults which followed an interpretive paradigm so data was collected
through in-depth face to face interview with participants with semi-structured questions.
3. Axiology

Axiology is the branch of philosophy that studies judgement about value, explores the nature
of values (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2012). In simple term, axiology is engaged with an
assessment of the role of the researcher’s value on all stages of research. Right and wrong
behavior about the research was defined, evaluated and understood in axiology. This search
was guided by an interpretive paradigm so subjectivity had been assessed. The research was
done in a natural setting where participants felt comfortable. The obtained data were critical
and hence there was truthfulness in the interpretation of obtained data. Participants were not
forced to answer questions that made them uncomfortable.
4. Methodology
The methodology can be referred to as the strategy, plan of action, process or design that
informs the choice of research methods. In simple terms, it means how a particular piece of
research should be undertaken (Grix, 2004). The researcher questions about how to study the
world of research are answered by methodological questions (Rehman & Alharthi, 2016).
This study is based on an interpretive paradigm so the phenomenological study was the
methodology. Since the research questions needed a qualitative approach and also followed
the exploratory design, so data were obtained through face-to-face interview with semi-
structured questions. Those data were used to set a hypothesis.
Study Area
The study was conducted in Pepsicola, Kathmandu. This study area was used because of two key
reasons. First one was feasibility in collecting data. Qualitative approach was used and related data
about subject matter were to be collected through in-depth interview so during pandemic, it was hard
to travel to other places and participants also were not ready to meet for face-to-face interview with
unknown face and it was easy to be familiar with peoples of same territory. Second one was
feasibility in finding participants, snowball sampling was done so it was easy to find different
participants through one participant within limited territory.
Participant Selection (Data Saturation)
In research, participants size can be referred to as the total number of participants selected for the
study. Qualitative research experts argue that there is no correct answer about ‘how many sample
size or participants size’ in qualitative research since it is very dependent on several factors relating
to epistemological, methodological and practical issues (Baker & Edwards, 2012). So, the criteria
which were used by this research to determine participants size was data saturation. When the
researcher saw similar data repeated over and over again and that no additional data were being

found about the subject matter then sampling was stopped.
Sample and Recruitment
As previously mentioned, a convenient, snowball, homogenous sample was used for this study. The
researcher was looking for the individual with specific qualities (i.e., age bracket and experience
with Facebook and Quiet Mode). Due to this reason, the sample was homogenous (all sharing similar
characteristics, traits or qualities. The sample is intended not to randomly select participants to make
broader generalizations about the larger population of app users, but instead, to select participants
based on particular traits that are of interest (i.e., age bracket and experience with Facebook and
Quiet Mode).
Young adults (18-24) of Pepsicola who use Facebook’s Quiet Mode were an ideal population for this
stud. The age group of 18-24 were studied since they fall under the category of young adults and it
had also been revealed that about 75% of youths identify the problems of mental health before they
reach 24 and also used Facebook and Quiet Mode quite often (NapoleonCat, 2020). This is not to
suggest that this demographic has extensive knowledge about Facebook and Quiet Mode but their
time spent with both Facebook and Quiet Mode was greater than other age groupings. Thus, the
researcher assumes that the majority of this sample had valuable experience regarding the subject
matter and also a ready ability to express their experiences. Their experience about behavioral
pattern would have been helpful to extract themes and themes which would help digital wellbeing
tools developer in near future.
The researcher recruited 7 Young adults’ quiet mode users through a snowball sampling to
participate in an in-depth interview lasting around 45 minutes. The length of the interview varied
from person to person and its length helped the researcher to ask the broad questions crafted from the
research questions and provide time for the participant to explore his or her experiences and feelings
with and towards the effectiveness of quiet mode.
For recruitment, the researcher posted on Facebook so one random participant was selected and then
the other was selected through a link of the previous participant until data saturation. The researcher
was in constant contact with participants via phone and email. Date and time were fixed according to
their desire and an in-depth interview was done.

Participant Pseudonym Sex Age Experience
with
Facebook (in
years)
Experience with
Quiet Mode (in
months)
1 Ram Male 21 5 8
2 Sita Female 20 3 7
3 Gita Female 23 7 6
4 Shyam Male 24 9 7
5 Hari Male 18 3 8
6 Sitaram Male 20 4 6
7 Radha Female 23 6 7
Data Collection Method
The population was categorized by geographical location, participants’ knowledge about subject
matter and time of the training. Data collection occurred through in-depth interviews conducted in a
cafe of Pepsicola and through a phone call as well since one participant was out of town at that time.
Data collection took place in December 2020. The researcher contacted the first participants through
a phone call to fix the date and time for the interview. In the flexible time of both researcher and
participants, an in-depth interview was done for around 40 minutes in the cafe of Pepsicola. A
Dictaphone was used to record interviews with the full consent of participants and all interviews’
data were transcribed manually later. Through the snowball sampling technique, the researcher found
other participants and a similar technique was used. However, the number of interview questions and
interview duration differed from one participant to another. All those participants’ chose to have the
interviews in the unknown cafe because they felt more at ease in unknown surrounding and thus
allowed them to speak more freely and openly on the research. I appeared with the given theme and
purpose in mind following the steps of unstructured interviews. The main reason for selecting this
hybrid approach of the interview was that the interviewer also has some freedom to probe and
explore additional questions in response to what is seen as significant replies, while at the same time
won’t go beyond research topic on personal level issues. Interview questions were mainly open-

ended questions with a small number of closed questions relating to age, experience with Facebook
and Quiet mode, sex and so on. An example of open-ended questions which were asked in the
interview is ‘What effects does Facebook might have on your mental wellbeing. Open-ended
questions like this allowed the participants more scope to express thoughts and feelings (especially
when sensitive issues like mental wellbeing was being described). To make participants more
comfortable while speaking and to have more insights of them about the subject matter, Nepali
language was used which later transcribed and translated to know common theme. Although in-depth
interview was done some interview schedule was structured to certain extent i.e., three sections
• Participants’ demographics,
• Effect of Facebook on their mental wellbeing,
• Effectiveness of Quiet Mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing.
Since mental wellbeing was a very sensitive topic for some individual, the researcher tried to balance
the interview with questions that were not too personal. A Pilot interview was carried out before the
actual interview since this process allowed the interviewee to express thoughts and feelings about
questions format and structures. But the data collected in this interview was not included in the
analysis section of this research.
Sources and Type of Data
The data was collected from two sources i.e., primary source and secondary sources for completing
this study. The data collected from primary sources are known as primary data and the data collected
from secondary sources is called secondary sources. The primary data was collected as main data
which was later analyzed to give as findings of the research. However, secondary data was collected
for connecting this study with existing literature. The sources of this data are listed below:
1. Primary source: - In-depth interview
2. Secondary sources: - Books, Journal, trusted websites etc.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
The process of bringing order, structure and meaning to the mass of collected data is considered as
data analysis (Marshall & Rossman, 1999). Similarly, Qualitative data analysis can be explained as
the way of making sense from participants’ views and opinions of situations, corresponding patterns,
themes to correlate among categories of data (Marshall & Rossman, 1999) (Cohen et al., 2007).
After finishing data collection, the researcher only had raw data which generally meant nothing
before its analysis and interpretation. Data analysis and interpretation were done manually. Firstly,

data transcription was done. The recorded interview was transformed into text format and all noted
data was once again noted in the same file. Since the interview was done in the Nepali language and
not entire participants were ready to be recorded, the entire interview was later transcribed and
translated into English. Data of participants was noted separately and as it is without changing single
words. The same opinions were categorized into specific groups based on their connection to the
overall theme of research which was interpreted as key findings of the research. However, the
opinions of each participant were presented as it is as the opinions of the participants regarding the
research topic and some interpretations of the researcher were written at the last of the research
findings chapter.
According to Morse & Richards (2002) “there are four-fold of steps to complete thematic analysis to
know key findings of the research which are used in this study i.e.,
Step 1:
• Transcribe verbal conversations into written text
• Read transcript, to re-familiarize
• In second reading, record observations/reflections about the text and interview notes.
Step 2:
• The written text was in the native language i.e., Nepali so translate it into English.
• Every interview should be translated into the language in which the research report is being
presented
Step 3:
• Initiate coding key ideas, events, examples, concept and themes
• Initial notes to be transformed into emerging themes
• Frame concise phrases that are grounded from responses but offer conceptual understanding.
Step 4:
• Inspect emerging themes and cluster themes to yield structure
• Report about comparisons and contradictions
Step 5:
• Produce table of themes analyzed

• Write narrative accounts and limitations
Trustworthiness in the Research
Trustworthiness is the term used in qualitative research to know to which extent researches are
believable and trustworthy. Since most qualitative research is not generally based upon standardized
instruments and they often utilize smaller and non-random samples that question whether research is
trustworthy or not. Many researchers even criticized the biasness of findings of this type of research
(Gunawan, 2015). According to Guba and Lincoln (1985), there are mainly four basic criteria to
ensure the trustworthiness of the Qualitative research which were used as criteria for ensuring the
trustworthiness of this research.
Credibility
Credibility in qualitative research is equivalent to validity in quantitative research. Guba and
Lincoln (1985) argued that ensuring credibility is one of the most important factors in
ensuring the trustworthiness of research. It could be defined as the extent to which the data
and data analysis are believable and trustworthy. Triangulation. Member checks, reflective
commentary, iterative questioning, examination of previous research findings, observations
of participants were done for ensuring credibility and support the trustworthiness of the
research.
Transferability
Transferability in qualitative research generalized study findings and try to apply them to
other situation and contexts. The researchers could only determine the possibility that data
can be transferred in other situations rather than proving it could be transferred. Guba and
Lincoln (1985) suggested that it is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure that sufficient
contextual information about the fieldwork sites could be provided to enable the reader or
other researcher to make such a transfer. To maximize data relative to the context in which it
was collected, purposive sampling was done.
Dependability
Dependability in qualitative research is equivalent to reliability in quantitative research which
is the consistency of observing the same finding under similar circumstances. Dependability
could be achieved through auditing which consists of the researcher’s documentation of data,
methods used, decisions made during the research (Seale, 1999). Thick, rich and elaborative
data were collected through in-depth interview and a description of the research was
presented with researcher commentary. Besides this, the researcher provided an audit trail by

describing in detail how data was collected, how themes were generated and how decisions
were made throughout the inquiry.
Confirmability
Confirmability is the degree to which the findings of the research can be confirmed or
corroborated by others. Replications of the findings are important to prove research is subject
to minimum biasness or no biasness. Seale (1999) argued that proper auditing could be used
to ensure confirmability in which the researcher makes the provision of a methodological
self-critical account of how the research was done (p.45). Reporting results, member
checking, constantly comparing data and thorough descriptions of the setting were presented
to have more realistic findings and control for biasness.
Ethical Consideration
In many kinds of research, it is mandatory to protect human subjects through the application of
appropriate ethical principles (Orb, Eisenhauer & Wynaden, 2001). To keep the perfect balance
between the potential risks of research and the likely benefits of the research, the consideration of
ethical issues is crucial (Arifin, 2018). So, the responsibility of the researcher to maintain ethical
principles were outlined clearly for the participants. Firstly, Participants were made fully aware of
research questions and topic and participants were not forced to be a part of research if they didn’t
want to. Mental wellbeing being a critical aspect, the researcher ensured the confidentiality of
participants' data. Participants also had full freedom of not answering the certain question if they
didn’t feel comfortable. The private information like their name, address, phone number, email was
not exposed under any circumstances. The researcher respected every right of participants and
research ethics and research was done being within the boundary of those aspects.
Limitation of the Study
Just like the majority of studies, the design of the current study is subject to limitations. Firstly, this
research is about mental wellbeing and also followed a qualitative approach so there may be some
biasness in the data which might not be 100 % true. Secondly, the area of the study was limited so
data was taken from Pepsicola only and hence cannot be generalized. And at last, due to the relative
newness of the subject, quite different approach and time limitation, research findings might not be
100% precise.
Delimitation of the Study
Just like other studies, this research study also yielded delimitation that describes how the study was

narrowed in scope (Creswell, 2003). The data for research was collected at Pepsicola because it was
so difficult to travel and more importantly participants of other places might not be ready to meet in
the middle of a pandemic. Data were collected from people of age group 18-24 who uses Quiet Mode
since it is believed that 75 % of youths identify the problems of mental health before they reach 24.
Some data were related about the mental health of participants which are critical so participants
might doubt confidentiality of data so one to one interview was done by making participants
comfortable and hence participants shared their feelings, opinions and experience in their term about
the subject matter. Since there were not enough existing literature about Quiet mode hence
exploratory research design was used to have a deep understanding of the perception of participants.

SECTION 6. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Introduction
This chapter will lure upon the main themes and present the findings which arose out of the
interview process and consequent data analysis. First and foremost, a brief profile of each of the
participants is presented without leak of any critical or personal information. The key themes that
emerged following data analysis of participants’ regarding both effects of Facebook on mental
wellbeing and the effectiveness of Quiet Mode on managing their wellbeing are presented here. All
those findings and results of the research are clearly shown in this section of studies. This research
followed an exploratory design where research questions were intertwined together to have clear
findings of substantially new topic hence findings are presented and discussed together in this
section.
Participants
The Quiet Mode users who participated in this study came from different backgrounds, with regards
to experience and usability. Participants provided information regarding their behaviors with, attitude
towards and experience with Facebook and Quiet mode. Participants were recruited through
snowball sampling. While specific demographic data were obtained and some didn’t, but the
participants provided information about: experience with Facebook and Quiet mode, their usage
pattern, change in usage pattern before and after quiet mode, their overall perception about the
subject matter and so on. They also spread light on specific characteristics of quiet mode which was
beneficial. All the participants were between the ages of 18-24 years, and have had at 3 years’
experience with Facebook and 6 months experience with Quiet Mode.
The following review provides a summary of each Quiet Mode user who was interviewed for the
study.
Ram is an experienced Facebook user, who has had a Facebook since he was 16 years old. He uses
Facebook for a various primary purpose like communication with friends and family, entertainment
and sports update. He has experience of about 8 months with Quiet Mode which means he is a user
of Quiet mode ever since it arrived. He used quiet mode as a primary tool to change his Facebook
usage pattern.
Sita is an experienced Facebook user, who also had a Facebook since she was 16 years old. She
enjoys using Facebook for various activities like communication, seeking information and social

interaction. She has experience of Quiet Mode for around 7 months.
Participant Pseudonym Sex Age Experience
with
Facebook (in
years)
Experience with
Quiet Mode (in
months)
1 Ram Male 21 5 8
2 Sita Female 20 3 7
3 Gita Female 23 7 6
4 Shyam Male 24 9 7
5 Hari Male 18 3 8
6 Sitaram Male 20 4 6
7 Radha Female 23 6 7
The above table excerpts briefly detail each participant reported experience with Facebook and Quiet
along with their pseudonym. Four of the participants in this study were male, and the remaining three
were female.
Research questions
- How do users describe their feelings about effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on
changing their Facebook’s usage pattern?
The first research question was clearly the path to the second research question. First research
question tried to evaluate the perception of young adults towards effect of Facebook on their
wellbeing so that their feelings/perception towards effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on
changing their Facebook’s usage pattern can be evaluated.
Themes
The first research question sought to uncover about young participants perception towards effect of
Facebook on their mental wellbeing. Participants expressed their opinion and perception. The

outcome of this research question was somehow fascinating as every participant expressed Facebook
only have negative impact on their mental wellbeing and as a result, one theme and four sub themes
emerged. Facebook as a trap is the key theme whereas other four sub themes are: Low self-esteem,
stress and anxiety, annoyance and fear of missing out.
However, participants expressed their opinions and perceptions. Participants expressed both positive
and negative perception towards effectiveness of Quiet mode and as a result four key themes
emerged: Users view the Quiet Mode as a showoff feature, Users View the Quiet Mode as a
Gatekeeper, Users receive too many notifications after disabling Quiet Mode, Users believed that the
Quiet Mode could have been much more effective.
Facebook as a Trap
When participants discussed their feeling about Facebook, most felt like being trapped inside social
networking network cage. Participants expressed their deep concern for not being able to cope with
real-world essential activities like sleep, family time and many more. Many participants also
experienced a taste of Facebook trap themselves since they won’t know where the time went
whenever they are using Facebook. Some participants even went further and explained that Facebook
has over-socialized them and every action of theirs is being criticized. Participants also explained
that every statement is examined until they find themselves trapped in a prison of dread and aversion
to danger. Participants used terms like “cage”, “stuck in a pothole”, “Social prison” and many more
while describing Facebook as a whole. Participants also expressed a feeling of being targeted by
criticism and negativity. They felt like they are being watched on Facebook instead of looking out
the world through Facebook. Many participants felt like they are not using Facebook instead
Facebook is using them.
Hari stated as “I don’t know how time flies when I use Facebook. I just want to use Facebook for %-
minutes refreshment but instead, end up using it continuously. I can’t control my usage even if I
want to”
Shyam stated as “I feel like I am stuck in a loophole and I cannot get out from it until some external
factors interfere. I would not stop using Facebook until someone scolds me or my smartphone dies”.
Ram explained it as being stuck in a pothole. He stated as “For me, Facebook is a social cage. It is
just like a pothole where you fall and can never get out. It is a very addictive and well-modelled trap
for users.”

Participants also explained clearly how Facebook became trap for them and how it impacted their
mental wellbeing which are sub themes of the research.
Fear of missing out (FOMO)
When participants discussed their feelings about effect of Facebook on their mental wellbeing, many
referred to fears of missing out, with regards to virtual social life through Facebook. Although users
did not explicitly explore why they had fears of missing out that allowed them to be instantly
updated what others were doing, the origin of this seemed to stem from being left out, from feelings
of being neglected or rejected or questioning what the individual did to isolate other ‘in-group’
members. When asked what they would do if they cannot use Facebook, users said they would feel
“happy”, “bummed”, “weird” and ultimately will feel positive since they would not have fear of
missing out and won’t feel left out again since there is no Facebook. Several participants insisted that
they have a fear that if they are not immediately updated about ongoing trends or posts of the
Facebook then they are missing out on possibly important group experiences and will be left out. As
discussed previously in many literatures, fear of missing out is one of the conditions which hampers
the mental wellbeing. This condition was arising due to overuse of social media especially Facebook.
Participants recognize that this fear is unnecessary but cannot overcome the habit to immediately
check Facebook. Three of the participants acknowledged that they have unwanted fear of feeling left
out or missed out more consistently as a result of Facebook overuse.
Gita stated as “I had constant feeling of being left out from ‘in group’ session after I see pictures of
friends hanging out together in Facebook post. Due to this reason, I constantly check and upload post
just to make sure I wouldn’t miss anything fun and important. This fear has really hampered my real
social life also where I have unusual fear.”
Shyam stated as “It really is annoying that I feel fear every time when I missed some post or
activities in the Facebook. I feel like I will be apart from real world conversation when I don’t see
what’s the new trend in Facebook. This behavior has made me fear more when there is nothing to
fear.”
Sita clearly explained this fear. She said she would be “frustrated” and “feared” every time when
using Facebook. She felt like being alone in certain circumstances and feared that she will miss out
on something every important if she does not check Facebook. This feared quickly escalated in one
of my seminars where I feared that I might be the only one not called. However, that was not the
case, seminars were open to everyone of the company. I feared for nothing. This fear of missing out

developed through constant Facebook usage.”
Several participants insisted that this feeling i.e., fear of missing out on Facebook was quickly
transferred to their real life and they feared too much on issues which was merely anything.
Annoyance
When participants discussed their feelings about effect of Facebook on their mental wellbeing, many
referred to feeling annoyed every time for no reason. Although users did not explicitly explore what
really made them annoyed but it was closely related to having dissatisfied social life in Facebook.
Participants believed they felt annoyed when someone talk about their virtual and real life. Some
participants insisted that they did not want any ‘gibberish’ and ‘baby’ talk in their life. Participants
felt like they even feel annoyed when family members are talking in front of them. They felt shame
and embarrassment when someone talk about having very good social life which really made them
annoyed. Three of the participants clearly stated this term.
Ram described how he felt denounced as a result of using Facebook often and how you look at
everything differently. He believed that using Facebook very much has really change his behavior
from cool minded person to annoying one with his knowledge. He stated “I certainly changed me
from calm and cool minded boy to annoying man. I used to see everything through virtual lens hence
felt annoyed for no reason.”
Shyam remarked that people who take Facebook for granted does not really understand how it
affects you and changed your behavior in the nick of the time. He said “I certainly did not know at
first that I was annoyed to every small thing once I started using Facebook. If I was scrolling through
newsfeed and someone disturb me then I will be so annoying and sometime be so hard on them for
that particular reason. This annoyance really followed me and now I am even annoyed with everyone
for no reason.”
Gita stipulated that she was “very annoyed once that he slapped her little brother because he was
calling her for dinner while she was chatting in Facebook”. “Due to the fact that I have not chosen
annoyance as a lifestyle choice but somehow constant usage made me who I am today”, she added.
Stress and Anxiety
After reviewing participants’ perception about effect of Facebook on their mental wellbeing, it is
evident that users became stressed and anxious very often during or after Facebook usage. Almost
every participant agreed on this. They all felt like it was so stressful to look through Facebook post.

They also felt very “anxious”, “depressed”, “frustrated” and “stressed”. Several participants insisted
that Facebook increases their anxiety levels by making them feel inadequate and also generated
excess worry and stress. Three participants also believed that due to stress and anxiety through
Facebook, they felt difficulty in gaining motivation to do work and also to sleep in time. Constant
comparison of people life with their actual life was root cause for being anxious and stressed
according to the participants. Two participants also believed they felt very anxious while having
actual conversation since they felt comfortable while texting only.
Radha felt like she would feel so anxious and stressed that she would not even get up from her bed
whole day.
“While scrolling through Facebook, sometime I see various stuffs which I should not see at all. I
become so anxious that I will be under the blanket whole day”. She also added that “Sometimes, I
just see the person I don’t like having much fun in the life than I am having and I will be so stressed.
All these things just because I saw single Facebook photo.
Gita insisted that her stress levels increase drastically after constantly using Facebook. She started
comparing others life with hers. She also insisted her jealously for not having amazing Facebook
profile at very beginning. She said, “I did not used to care about what others people were doing, what
they are eating and what they are wearing. After using Facebook, I was doing all those things after
going through everyone post in detail. After looking those things, I also started becoming jealous,
anxious and depressed”.
Hari even went further and added “Those who are saying he/she are not stressed or anxious by using
Facebook are either lying or are Facebook earners. It really gave me reason to think I am worth far
less than other people. Sometimes even if I am not comparing myself to other, I see some disgusting
stuffs being popular on Facebook whereas hidden gems getting neglected, I feel so frustrated and
pissed that stress level rises to peak”.
Sitaram also agreed to above opinion by stating just a single sentence which was “Facebook shows
you stuffs you should not see and really makes you anxious and all those pile of anxious moments
hunts you forever”.
Low self-esteem
As previously discussed, users self-esteemed was hampered to full extent due to Facebook. When
participants discussed their feelings about effect of Facebook on their mental wellbeing many

referred to having low esteem. Participants believed that they show deviated reality in the Facebook
very much, they thought their life was very “sucky”, “boring” and “constant”. They explained they
felt down seeing some people’s life on Facebook. They had feelings that they were not “good
enough”. Some participants even insisted that they deleted every uploaded post and photo from
Facebook because they thought it was not good enough. Some participants even insisted they were
“doubting” their own looks and life due to Facebook posts. Participant’s self-esteem was torn apart
due to virtual life of some peoples. They started comparing one’s virtual life with their real life
which was the root cause for degraded self-esteem of individuals. Four of the participants clearly
spread light on this through their opinions and examples.
Sitaram stated “I cannot believe how peoples have so much and I have barely anything. People
travels every day, posts every day stuffs which is pretty exciting but I don’t think I have anything to
post in whole year. This really makes me feel my life is “sucky” and “boring”.
Ram further added to this and stated “Facebook really made me think that you are not good enough
and your life is very “constant”. People always post fun stuffs and what I do is change profile picture
once in a decade. I used to post various stuffs earlier but later felt like this post is nowhere near other
fun posts so I deleted everything including profile pictures.”
Radha emphasized that she doubted her own looks and even life by comparing peoples looks and life
with her. She stated it as “When I see beautiful pictures of some of my friends and compare it to
mine, I just delete that photo and doubt that my looks are not good enough. One day, we, my dearest
friend and me, went to the tour and she uploaded various snaps and status whereas my pictures were
not good enough to be uploaded.”
Hari agreed to above opinions by stating “I am 18 and I have no time to do fun stuffs. I am stuck
between my college and part time job whereas people of my age travel every month. They upload
everything they do. This really makes me feel down and I just cannot upload anything and cannot
even talk with friends because they will plan travels but my life is too constant. So, I cannot just face
Facebook Friends as well as Real friends”.
Users’ opinions were directed towards feeling down and worthless resulting in having low self-
esteem. This low esteem hampered their mental wellbeing as well as social life to full extend.
Users view the Quiet Mode as a showoff feature
As discussed previously, several participants insisted that Quiet mode as a showoff feature which

was not good enough for them. They insisted that Facebook business model contradicts with the
principle of the digital wellbeing concept. Several participants emphasized that Facebook is
sustained on showing ads to dedicated audience hence Quiet mode was just showoff feature to follow
the trend. Participants illustrated this opinion by having difficulty in finding this feature in android
devices. They also believed that they made it difficult for purpose since people will be using it too
often if it is clearly shown in the screen. Participants further argued that it is less strict than most of
existing digital wellbeing tools and features. Participants also believed that less techy person who
overuses Facebook have difficulty in finding and using this feature. Five participants expressed that
Quiet mode being showoff features using following terminologies “show off”, “bullshit” and
“brandish”.
Sitaram insisted that he even got notifications on phone number while being in quiet mode which
made him believed it is a showoff feature. He stated as follow “Firstly, I don’t about others but
Facebook was really playing with me through this Quiet Mode feature. I started using Quiet Mode
from very early stage and initially thought this is the good step towards maintaining mental
wellbeing of users but later realized it was just a bullshit. When I started using it and somehow didn’t
disable it for time being, I got notifications on my Phone like someone texted you, this is new friend
suggestion for you. After those notifications I started using Facebook again by disabling that feature.
Firstly, it was not that hard to get rid of activated quiet mode feature and secondly, they did not want
us to not using Facebook.
Sita agreed to above opinion and added “Facebook doesn’t really care about users’ mental wellbeing.
Their entire empire is running by ruining users’ wellbeing. How will they earn if suddenly users
screen time is reduced? Who will see their ads? They just gave a tool as a trend which does nothing
for users who are addicted or overusing Facebook. I felt like there is no strictness there. One can
easily disable feature and use Facebook. Talking about me, I used it quite often in the beginning but
it was not strict enough for me to not use Facebook just after I using Quiet Mode. When it was active
and I tried to use Facebook, I did show me I was in Quiet Mode but also, I disabled it and starting
using Facebook”.
She also argues that Quiet mode have no intention of changing user’s usage pattern and explained it
as “Not my Facebook usage pattern but my pattern of using Quiet mode was changed. Recently I
rarely use Quiet mode since it is just brandish which was literally meant to be ineffective for users.
Participants four i.e., Shyam agreed with her opinion by stating following

“Quiet Mode was just a showoff feature for me. It was not even stricter than other random digital
wellbeing app. It just shows you are using Quiet Mode feature and, in the bottom, there is an option
to disable it. Who wouldn’t disable it? Some strict policy should have been applied like you cannot
use Facebook until this time since you are in quiet mode and there is no way you can disable it. It
was too easy to disable it hence did literally nothing for me”.
Hari also agreed that Quiet mode was supposed to be step towards digital wellbeing through
Facebook but end up being showoff feature. He illustrated it as “It was meant to be path towards
preserving Facebook user’s wellbeing but end up being swagger and showoff feature”. Firstly, they
made it show difficult to find in Facebook for person having less knowledge about technologies and
made it really easy to disable it. I used it quite often for some time but it really didn’t change the way
I used to use Facebook.”
Radha also believed the Quiet Mode is just a showoff feature. She explained it through her problems
of finding it initially. She said, “I am not much familiar with new tools and features. But after certain
study, I would easily find what I am looking for but that was not case here. It was so difficult to find
Quiet mode which is still not present as Quiet mode in android. And after all those struggles when I
am finally using Quiet mode to change my usage pattern, there is just a option in a screen to disable
it. So, it was hard to activate but too easy to deactivate hence a showoff feature”.
Several participants explained it as a showoff feature from various angles. They emphasized on
multiple key aspects like not pushing notifications which arose during quite mode so that later user
uses it just like always.
Users view the Quiet Mode as a Gatekeeper
While understanding from users’ perception about effectiveness of Quiet mode, several participants
also agreed that Quiet mode was a gatekeeper to some extent. Although two participants clearly
illustrated that Quiet mode has been their gatekeeper for not using Facebook much often but every
participant also insisted that it showed them time scheduled for Quiet mode and not to open it
message in front of the screen. While understanding effectiveness, participants also explained that
for time being, it was somehow effective in showing what users wanted to see.
Interestingly, Ram spoked about it in deep where he emphasized that it was good to have something
looking after what you are trying to do and feeling motivated to some extent by this Quiet mode. He
stated that, “I don’t know about others but it provides me some guidance to change my usage pattern

of Facebook to some extent. While I was using it, it showed me about time remaining for not using
Facebook again and constantly so I was able to follow that routine constantly and it helped me a lot.
But one thing is sure, it was not that strict enough. Sometimes I will just disable it for using
Facebook”.
He also added further and spread light on his usage pattern and how he frequently used Quiet mode.
He said, “At the very beginning, I was using Quiet mode less but after I was impressed, I used it very
often.”
Gita agreed with this opinion by stating following
“It showed me that I was using Quiet Mode for time being when I tried to use Facebook which was
really cool. It showed me that I was trying to change my behavioral pattern of Facebook. I showed
some courage by not disabling it which was really good because I was using Facebook less after
Quiet Mode.
She also expressed its effectiveness by saying following sentences. “It’s not about how often used it;
it was about how I used it and I used it in a way that it was very helpful for to change my usage
pattern.
Hari also insisted that despite being a showoff feature, it was effective enough to be a gatekeeper by
constantly showing you were in Quiet mode while using it. He said following, “There is no denying
that it is a show off feature for me but interestingly it provides some way to be way from Facebook
to little extent”.
Users receive too many notifications after disabling Quiet Mode
Several participants believed that they receive too many notifications after disabling Quiet mode
which hampered the feature to be effective for usability. Of all the participants, all seven expressed
their experiences while evaluating effectiveness of Quiet mode that they have had experiences where
they received too many notifications at once after disabling Quiet mode. Many participants explained
it as receiving “a flood” of notifications, after which they experience annoyed and stressed. Majority
also experienced it as the reason for not effectively using it.
Radha insisted that she would love to push notifications so much more after using Quiet mode. She
said, “I will be so annoyed with all those hours not using Facebook then having bulk of notification
which needs to be checked. This was one of the reasons for me using quite mode even less”.

Gita also agreed with this opinion and spoke about having to deal with flood of notifications later.
She said, “I don’t want every notification to be shown later if I am trying to use Facebook for
productive work only. With all those efforts I put trying to control my screen time, I receive “a
flood” of notifications which really made me stressed.
Sitaram also nurtured this idea and explained that he felt all his hard work went to vain when he saw
pile of notifications after opening Facebook again after Quiet mode schedule was over. He also
believed that those notifications should have been cleared automatically during Quiet mode. Idea of
having all those notifications at once was even worse than having one at a time. Sitaram stated,
“Those pile of notification really made me pissed and it really did not help Quiet mode as well as
users”.
Shyam, the eldest participant, also believed that notification was crucial aspect to be focused while
trying to use Quiet mode. It sincerely failed for him when Quiet mode failed to manage all those
notifications for him. He stated, “Pushing notification for certain time is good but was not enough to
change behavior of users. Quiet mode really failed for me after they failed to manage notifications
for me”.
Users believed that the Quiet Mode could have been much more effective
All of the participants believed that the Quiet mode could have been much more effective than it is
now. Several participants insisted that is step towards better digital wellbeing through Facebook
whereas some argued that it is just a showoff feature. But while talking about its effectiveness in
general, they all agreed that it could have been way better for users as well as developers if they took
it seriously. Participants expressed this through their own usage experience. While talking about
what could have been effective, it was found that intensity, frequency and notifications of Facebook
usage and lack of strictness were components hampering Quiet Mode to be not much effective.
Several participants insisted that quiet mode was not able to change the frequency and intensity
through which they were using Facebook. It was due to the lack of strictness in the feature. Users
also believed that all those pushed notification during Quiet Mode will not vanish but rather after
opening Facebook, every notification will come in bulk which was also reason of Quiet mode
effectiveness setbacks.
Hari explained it as having abundant potential but failed miserably since it was unable to change the
intensity through which users uses Facebook. He mentioned that it was not even effective enough to
change frequency of using Facebook. He said, “I would not use Quiet mode quite often because it

was less strict. Even if I used it sometime, it did not change the intensity through which I used to use
Facebook. It could have been much more effective if they took it seriously”.
Ram, who believed that Quiet mode has been helping him very much on maintain his wellbeing by
changing his Facebook usage pattern, also insisted that it could have been much more effective for
general users who needed strict policy to change. He also emphasized on deleting all those
notifications which arrived on Quiet mode rather than just storing it for future purpose. He said,
“Although it helped me but it would have been fascinating to see some strict policies and rules for
disabling and just deleting every notification arriving during quiet mode”.
Sita suggested that it was neither step forward towards digital wellbeing nor towards flourishing
business. She argued that there is plenty of work to be done on this particular feature. She mentioned
that it could have been way more useful if they gave some flexibility for strictness and notification
customization. She also added, “It could have been way more helpful if I had option to not disable it
until schedule time even if I want to. Option to preference notifications during and after quite mode
could have made it much more effective to every audience”.
Planned Behavior and Quite Mode Effectiveness
Overall, the participants in this study expressed both positive and negative experiences, feelings, and
perception about Facebook’s Quiet Mode. However, they all insisted that Facebook mostly have
negative effect on their mental wellbeing rather than positive effects. Despite all participants being
between the ages of 18-24 years old, users had varying experiences and perception that helped enrich
the data gathered.
While gathering data, and more so after analyzing, the researcher acknowledged the relation across
variables and themes. Facebook is addictive and acts as a trap for young adults. Young adults feel
trapped in the loophole of constantly using Facebook. And the overuse of Facebook adversely affects
the mental wellbeing of young adults as explained by participants. It increases the level of
annoyance, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), stress and anxiety and also hampers their self-esteem.
Those negative impacts on mental wellbeing also shapes the attitude, subjective norms and behaviors
of the Facebook usage pattern of young adults. Digital wellbeing feature and tools like Quiet Mode
needs to change this usage pattern in order to maintain mental wellbeing. Attitude towards Quiet
mode, subjective norms which are influencing the usage pattern, perceived behavioral control play
the main and vital role on shaping behavioral intention of an individual which is the core for
changing behavior and Facebook usage pattern of young adults. This is the complete framework

which show how ‘the theory of planned behavior’ plays vital role of maintaining mental wellbeing of
young adults through Quiet Mode.
Facebook as a Trap
FOMO
Annoyance Stress and Anxiety Low self-esteem

SECTION 7. CONCLUSION
The aim of this research was to understand the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on
maintaining mental wellbeing of young adults through their own perspective. The foregoing chapter
explored user’s perception on effects of Facebook on mental wellbeing and effectiveness of Quiet
mode on maintaining their mental wellbeing. The research questions were examined through a
qualitative approach and exploratory design in the form of in- depth interviews with some protocols.
The in- depth interview was done since it allowed more in-depth insight into personal experiences of
Facebook and Quiet mode usage and their effect on their mental wellbeing. This research method
also allowed viewpoints and perception to be discussed in open and candid manner. A review of the
literature was presented along with theoretical framework corresponding to the research topic.
Systematic breakdown of research methodology and methods were done to select best one to be used
in this research with justified reasons. At last, findings were presented as participants opinions and
later discussed in brief through key themes. However, Findings was presented and discussed in one
section since research followed exploratory design to decode some key new terms which were
intertwined and needed to be discussed clearly while presenting it.
The findings of this study are relevant to wider study of the effects of the Facebook on mental
wellbeing. However, there is yet to be research done on effectiveness of Quiet Mode hence its
findings can be evaluated later with respect to other future researches. Mental wellbeing being
subjective in nature needs to be understood through qualitative approach and participants own
perception. Facebook have abundant effects on mental wellbeing of people which was highlighted by
this research. This research also highlighted that effectiveness of Quiet mode was noticeably
different from participants to participants, with some acknowledging it as gatekeeper for changing
their behavior while some acknowledging it as a showoff feature but agreed on points that it could
have been much more effective.

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Appendices
Interview Protocol
Digital Wellbeing: Understanding the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet Mode on maintaining
mental wellbeing of young adults of Kathmandu
Dear Participants,
Hi I am Anuj Sharma. I am a student and currently studying BIT from International School of
Management and Technology (ISMT). I am working on my research project which is based on the
theme called digital wellbeing.
Firstly, I really want to thank you for giving me your precious time and also for being a part of this
academic research. The purpose of this study is to understand the effectiveness of Facebook’s Quiet
Mode on maintaining mental wellbeing of young adults of Kathmandu.
All your private data like name, address, phone number will not be exposed at any circumstances.
Feel free to leave anytime you want if you don’t feel comfortable. You can skip any questions if it’s
making you uncomfortable. Confidentiality and integrity of data will be well maintained. Your
cooperation and support will be highly appreciated. Thank you.
-Anuj Sharma
Name (Optional):
Gender:
Location (Optional):
Phone number (Optional):
Interview Questions
1. When did you use Facebook first?
तपाईंले पहिलो पटक फ
े सबुक कहिले प्रयोग गनुुभयो?
2. How often do you use Facebook?
तपाईंले प्राय कहत फ
े सबुक प्रयोग गनुुहुन्छ?

3. In your opinion, do you think you overuse Facebook or not?
तपाईंको हिचारमा, तपाईं फ
े सबुक अहिक प्रयोग गनुुहुन्छ हक गनुुहुन्न?
4. How do you perceive mental wellbeing? (optional)
तपाईं मानहसक सुस्वास्थ्य कसरी बुझ्नुहुन्छ?
5. What effects does Facebook might have on your mental wellbeing?
फ
े सबुकले िजुरको मानहसक सुस्वास्थ्यमा कस्ता प्रभाििरु पनु सक्दछ?
6. How did you use Facebook's Quiet Mode when it was launched?
फ
े सबुकको शान्त मोड पहिलोपटक आउदा तपाईंले यसलाई कसरी प्रयोग गनुुहुन्थ्यो?
7. How did you use Facebook after using Quiet mode at that time?
त्यो समयमा Quiet Mode प्रयोग गररसक
े पहछ तपाईंले कसरी फ
े सबुक प्रयोग गनुुहुन्थ्यो?
8. How do you use Facebook's Quiet Mode now?
तपाईं फ
े सबुकको Quiet Mode अहिले कसरी प्रयोग गनुुहुन्छ?
9. How do you use Facebook After using Quiet mode now?
अहिलेचाहि Quiet Mode प्रयोग गररसक
े पहछ तपाईले फ
े सबुक कसरी प्रयोग गनुुहुन्छ?
10. Why the usage pattern of Quiet Mode changes over this period? (Optional)
हकन यो अिहिमा Quiet Mode को उपयोग/प्रयोग ढााँचा पररितुन भयो?
11. Has Quiet mode helped you in changing your Facebook's usage pattern?
क
े Quiet Mode ले तपाईंलाई तपाईंको फ
े सबुकको प्रयोग/उपयोग ढााँचा पररितुन गनु मद्दत पुर्यायो?
a. If yes, how?
यहद िो भने, कसरी?

b. If no, why it didn’t?
यहद िोईन भने, हकन त्यसो भएन?
12. In your opinion, how effective do you think Quiet Mode has been on maintaining your mental
wellbeing?
तपाईंको हिचारमा, तपाईंको मानहसक सुस्वास्थ्य कायम राख्न Quiet Mode कहिको प्रभािकारी भयो?
About mental wellbeing:
In simple word, it is a state of being mentally sound and well. It is about your thoughts
and feelings and how you cope with those ups and downs of your life. More importantly,
good mental wellbeing does not mean absence of negative thoughts and feelings, it is
about being able to understand and manage those feelings so that our mental soundness is
maintained. Long periods of low mental wellbeing can lead to mental health problems
like anxiety or behavioral changes.
मानहसक सुस्वास्थको बारे:
सरल शब्दमा भन्नुपदाु, यो मानहसक रुपमा राम्रो हुनुको अिस्था िो | यो तपाइाँको हिचार र
भािनािरू बारे िो र तपाइाँ तपाइाँको जीिनमा आउने हत िजारौ उतार चढाििरूको सामना कसरी
गनुुहुन्छ भन्ने बारे िो | अझ मित्त्वपूर्ु क
ु रा, राम्रो मानहसक सुस्वास्थ्यको अथु नकारात्मक सोचाइ र
भािनािरूको अभाि िोईन, यो ती भािनािरू बुझ्ने र व्यिस्थापन गनेको बारेमा िो ताहक िाम्रो
मानहसक सुदृढतालाई कायम रिोस | लामो अिहिसम्मको कम मानहसक सुस्वास्थ्यले मानहसक
स्वास्थ्य समस्यािरू जस्तै हचन्ता िा व्यििार पररितुनिरू हनम्त्त्याउन सक्छ |

Ethical Assessment Form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the use of data collected
from human participants are required to gain ethical approval before commencing their research.
Please answer all relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if incomplete.
You will complete this form and return to the class teacher when your research topic and research
proposal is discussed and approved by your class teacher teaching this unit. Please complete this
form in good time before your research project is due to commence.
Research must NOT be until approval has been received from the appropriate Faculty
Committee
Section 1: Student Details
Student Name: Anuj Sharma
Student ID: 03
Contact Email: paudelkritesh@gmail.com
Course: BIT
Unit: Computing Research Project
Section 2: Project Details
Research Project Title:
Understanding effectiveness of Quiet mode on maintaining
mental wellbeing of Young adults of Kathmandu.
Propose Start/End Date:
(dd/mm/yyy)
Start Date
07/08/2020
End Date
28/02/2021

Supervisor:
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as part of your project:
Interviews √ Data Analysis
Questionnaires Action Research
Observational Focus Group
Use of personal record(s) Others (please specify)………………
Section 3: Project Outline & Proposed Research methods
Project outline & aims
Briefly describe the aims of this research, including the anticipated benefits and risks. This
description must be in everyday language. If any jargon, technical terms or discipline-specific
phrases are used, these should be explained.
Proposed research methods
The main purpose of this research is to understand effectiveness of Quiet mode on maintaining
mental wellbeing of Young adults of Kathmandu through their own perception.
This research can help to subjectively identify where digital wellbeing is heading and how
general users thinks of it. This research also helps to reflect critical aspect of mental wellbeing
which are improved or harmed by the Facebook. This research can be beneficial for app
developers, policy makers and also users.
Digital wellbeing is a concept which means being well while using technologies. It was
overshadowed till Sundar Pichai spoke clearly about this. In the era of digital technologies, it is
mandatory to critically evaluate digital wellbeing.
Since, research tries to understand subjective but critical concept of mental wellbeing hence
there is risk. Findings of research also can affect various users which are driven by their own
beliefs of using Facebook.

Please provide an outline, in layman’s terms, of the proposed research methods. Specify whether the
research will take place outside of the UK or in collaboration with partners based outside the UK,
and/or if research will take place using the internet. Present an outline of the method in a step-by-step
chronological order, and avoid using jargon and technical terms as much as possible. Ensure you
describe the key tasks including how data will be collected and used.
This research is academic research solely done by only one researcher. It will take place in
Pepsicola, Nepal. In-depth interview is used as research method. Participants will be informed
first about ethical consideration and purpose of the study. After participants consent, interview
will be undertaken in suitable time frame. Interview will be either recorded or noted through
participants consent and will be further transcribed to have suitable understanding of what
participant is saying. After collecting data, data will be analyzed and interpretated. Similar
opinions will be regarding as the theme and individual opinion will be presented in participants
opinion section. At last, findings will be simultaneously discussed and concluded.

Section 4: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants? Yes √ No
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Children aged 12–16: Young people aged 17–18: Adults: √
How you will use to inform participants about what you are doing?
Email: √ Phone/Text: √ Others (please specify) :
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it be made
clear to participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at any time?
It will be clearly stated before intervew through interview protocol.
Studies involving questionnaires:
Will participants be given the option of omitting questions they do
not wish to answer?
Yes: √ No:
If No, please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising from
this:
Studies involving observation:

Confirm whether participants will be asked for their informed
consent to be observed.
Yes: No:
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e.
give them a brief explanation of the study)?
Yes: No:
Will participants be given information about the findings of your
study? (This could be a brief summary of your findings in general.)
Yes: No:
Section 5: Data storage and security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in
compliance with the Data Protection Act (1998) UK:
Yes: √ No:
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
Only me.
During the research: Where will the data be stored?
In my personal diary and file.
Will mobile devices (such as USB storage and laptops) be used? If
yes, please provide further details:
Yes: √ No:

Yes, just as a means for transcribing particiants data.
After the research: Where will the data be stored?
It will be destroyed after research since that’s what I promised to the participants.
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
For around month. In written format and .doc format
Will data be kept for use by other researchers? If yes, please
provide further details:
Yes: No: √
Section 6: Ethical issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work which may raise ethical concerns? If
so, please outline how you will deal with these:
Yeah, people may feel uncomfortable while interviewing since topic is critical hence can leave
if don’t feel comfortable.
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may arise as a result
of your research. Please consider/address all issues that may apply. Ethical concerns may
include, but are not limited to the following:

• Informed consent.
• Potentially vulnerable participants.
• Sensitive topics.
• Risks to participants and/or researchers.
• Confidentiality/anonymity.
• Disclosures/limits to confidentiality.
• Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including transfer,
sharing, encryption, protection).
• Reporting
• Dissemination and use of your findings
Section 7: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by [ISMT] Research Ethics
Policy:
Yes: √ No:
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my
Unit Tutor:
Yes: √ No:
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct and that this is a full description of the ethics issues that may arise
in the course of my research.
Name: Anuj Sharma
Signature:
Date: 1st
December, 2020

PART THREE
Prepare a presentation using
• Communicate the outcomes of your research project to the identified audience.

Presentation Slides

PART FOUR
A written reflection on the success of the research
• Prepare a written document that reflects on the success of your research project and your
performance at the end of the project with the inclusion of a project evaluation and recommendations

Reflection Paper: Preparing a Research report for Computing Research Project
One of my first thought upon being asked to revisit research report again was to reflect upon my
overall experience and insights that shape the structure and methodology which was used to
complete this research. So, in this context, I consider myself fortunate to have recently completed a
module on research of technical and social science as a part of my studies at International College of
School of Management and Technology. The completion of academic research project for year 2 as a
part of my degree requirements has involved my engagement in highly challenging and motiving
research experience. I firstly fell in love with research when I started reading existing literature about
predefined themes allocated by module teacher for research project. Just like any other researcher,
my actual research begins with some idea of answering the question which arose in my mind
(Creswell, 1998). Theme was digital wellbeing which is skyrocketing concept in the digital
technological era so any research about this theme should be able to guide future researches to some
extent. Hence, I decided to critically analyze themes so certain fruitful questions arises which later
needed to be answered through fieldworks. Through iterative learning and questioning certain
components of digital wellbeing, I found the research purpose which was to understand through
young adults’ perception about effectiveness of Quiet mode on maintaining their wellbeing. My
experience with Facebook and Quiet mode played certain role on research topic. However, reflection
of whole research can only be understood by looking distinctly into how I understood subject matter
and evaluation of research methods and outcomes
Theoretical Understanding of the Subject
I firstly encountered the concept of ‘Digital wellbeing’ when Google CEO i.e., Sundar Pichai spoked
about in Google I/O Conference 2018. However, I just heard about it then and had no any
background knowledge about this concept. So, when I was assigned to do research on digital
wellbeing concept, I was happy to have deeper insight and knowledge about interesting concept.
After that I worked on improving my knowledge about the concept to complete my research. I
created checklist of related journal articles and books and by using those successfully gained insight
on the concept. After digging more about digital wellbeing through iterative learning and questioning
and through my own experience of Facebook and Quiet mode, I finalized my research topic.
Subsequently, the perception of users about effectiveness of Quiet mode for maintaining their mental
wellbeing could have been affected by several factors which needed to be understood. I acknowledge
that behavioral psychology also plays major role in affecting one’s Facebook usage pattern but all
addiction model is nowadays frequently applied to excessive behaviors but such an approach, which

is centered around excessive usage behavior, might lead to neglecting the key psychological factors
or processes (motivational, affective, cognitive, interpersonal and social) sustaining dysfunctional
involvement in a specific conduct (Dudley, Kuyken & Padesky, 2011; Kinderman & Tai, 2007).
However, general screening instrument like digital wellbeing toll can find difficulty in differentiating
passionate and enthusiastic media users from pathological users (Billieux, 2012) which gave me deep
insight about subject matter which was later used to find my research topic. The biggest hurdle in the
understanding theoretical concept for me was difficulty in finding existing literature since I had
difficulty in findings free related journal articles and books. With hurdles came hidden strengths I
discovered about myself. I have never thought I would be so conscious about my assigned task and I
used alternative way and help to gain access to those paid articles. All those cited articles and books
are the proof that I have worked hard to access those literatures for this research project. It was very
tedious but fun to understand theoretical concept of any subject matter which helps in development
of every individual. However, I would like to suggest to concerned authority of college to provide
some way for students to gain access to various paid as well as free contents needed for their project.
Evaluation of Research Methods and Strategy
Finding proper research methods was a not tedious task for me. I have full picture of what I am going
to do once I went through all existing literature. However, through the classes, I have recognized a
prevalence and importance of research methodology and methods as well as its variability to address
the goals of researcher. My research class certainly played a huge role on improving my mind-sets
and skills to select effective research methods. It provided a good opportunity and platform to
eliminate a fear or ambiguities from lack of accurate knowledge about the research process, designs,
methodologies and methods. At early phase, I was having difficulty in separating research methods
and methodology which was kindly addressed by my research tutor. My research needed some deep
insights to understand participants’ perception about effectiveness of Quiet mode on mental
wellbeing which was possible from qualitative approach and in-depth interview. Jones (1985) argued
that qualitative interview should not base on a rigid list of questions that must be answered in time
available however it should not always to totally unstructured so that I found out in-depth interview
with some protocols were perfect for my subject matter.
I interviewed 7 participants in Pepsicola. Four participants gave permission to record hence audio of
interview was recorded. However, three participants were not comfortable with recording hence
notes were written by hand on lined paper. Notes were taken in such a way that it will not disturb the
flow of interview but later can be easily triggered by my mind so important things won’t be missed. I

found that both recording and note-taking process were very helpful, as it endured that I don’t miss
anything and would not even disturb the flow of participants answers. However, I found that note
taking process to be much more time efficient since I noted every key element. But in recording
everything should be relistened to find key elements. In contrast to this, I consider recorded
interview to be more authentic since notes are not a direct transcription of what the participants said
but only consistent or interesting and key information. I also found that just having conversation
alike interview really made participants comfortable so that more insightful answers were obtained.
It provided me great opportunity to ask follow up questions which I have not thought before so that
additional information and it was easy for me to revert back to next key questions.
However, while taking only notes I did not had time to transcribe a direct quotation, so relied heavily
upon my own fairly rapid listening and writing speed which risks changing meaning to certain
instance. I learned that it some more technical words were difficult in noting down accurately. I also
found that sometimes it was hard for me to revert back to key questions since stopping participants in
the middle of conversation would have made them uncomfortable. A
video recording of whole interview would have been better and even more accurate than audio
recording and notes. However, participants felt uneasy and uncomfortable being visually recorded.
So specific permission should be sought before using any technologies for recording as audio and
video recording seems to have different impact on participants.
Evaluation of Outcomes
For more than decade, the socio-techno research has been transforming both social science research
and technological research by supporting the works which has improved digital wellbeing and
changed digital lives by delivering academic and social impact. This is in line with my strategic plan,
which drive progress in support of global mission to improve wellbeing through technology through
actual research. The benefits of this study have both national and international impact hence
evaluation of outcomes is necessary.
Interviews and pre-existing literature documents are used alone or in combination towards several
purposes in safety intervention evaluation in this study. Identification of intermediate outcomes was
done which later checked briefly to final outcomes of the research so that outcomes can be compared
and contrasted for effective evaluation. Interviews did not only help to fill in the picture further of
how the Facebook could have affected the mental wellbeing and how Quiet mode played role on
maintaining mental wellbeing but also to possibly finding unintended outcomes. Trustworthiness of

research was maintained, evaluator bias was minimized, appropriate sampling was done along with
pilot study. Conclusion was not drawn too soon for getting rich data which later used to evaluated to
have clean outcome.
Outcomes of this study is somehow more fascinating than expected. Although, no hypothesis was set
but somehow predefined outline of outcomes was set in mind which was pictured through reading
various research papers in brief. This research solely focused on perception of young adults about
effectiveness of Quiet mode on their mental which was analyzed through two research questions.
Participants expressed that Facebook have only negative effects on their mental wellbeing which
contradicts with many existing literatures (Griffiths, 2012). Although this outcome was somehow
fascinating to some extent but other outcome really proved to be game changer. Participants agreed
to some points that Quiet mode is less strict and could have been much more effective but disagreed
to some key points. Some participants expressed that they understood Quiet mode as effective as
gatekeeper whereas some argued that effectiveness of Quiet mode is as much as effective of showoff
feature. These outcomes were really driven factor of behavioral aspect of individual as illustrated in
literature review. Theory of planned behavior was very crucial theory which totally shaped the
individual usage pattern as suggested in outcome. The outcomes of this study are very important to
crave a lane towards different studies in near future following similar or different approaches.
Alternative Research Methodology
Effectiveness of Quiet mode can be understood subjectively but also can be assessed objectively.
The researcher questions about how to study the world of research are answered by methodological
questions (Rehman & Alharthi, 2016). Several research methodologies have their own importance
and needs (Creswell, 2003). Since my research questions wanted to look reality in subjective nature,
I used qualitative approach and phenomenology as a research methodology to have deeper insights
on users’ perception. However, case study and content analysis also could also have been used as
alternative research methodologies for this research project.
Within the social sciences, understanding of identity are formed not only by our theoretical
approaches but also by the actual methods we use. Subject matter, theoretical approach and actual
methods all correlated together to make me use phenomenology. However, it can be argued that case
study is also suitable for this research. Case study would have allowed me to investigate a topic in far
more detail than might be possible. But, due to its depth, multi sided approach, it could have shed
light on aspects of human thinking and behavior that would be unethical or impractical to study in

other way. Since, my research followed exploratory design, case study could have been used which
could have helped me generating more new ideas which later can be tested through other
methodologies. It can be said that mixed approach could have been used to generate new ideas in
qualitative way and later verified in quantitative data.
Learnt Lessons
I was not familiar with the research concept at all before. I also missed by initial lectures of research
class due to death of my grandmother. So, I was little frightened of this whole subject. But my tutor
covered everything very well from the beginning and it felt like I have not missed a single class. He
taught us very well and made me realize that research can be easy if done with full dedication and
effort. That’s how my research begins.
While I was going sequentially through each step of research, I learned that it is very tedious to do
work if it is not planned properly. I was not used to read whole journal articles or books for one
single reason but it changed when I started this research project. After completing one literature and
going to another was totally chaotic since their findings and way of understanding one specific
concept was totally different. This made me slow reader. But ultimately this study taught me to
maintain neutral position. I discovered that as I continued to learn about the area of digital wellbeing,
I was drawn to the social-techno work perspective because of my interest in both social science and
digital technologies. I also learned that I am very interested presenting opinions and perception rather
than just numeric value. I feel that this experience made me realize what I have to do as a
programmer to maintain overall wellbeing of users. It also gave me various new ideas about
behavioral psychology. I also learned that I am much more interested in practical application of this
research. This research also helped me improve my interpersonal skills and improved my overall
research skill.
I discovered many different aspects of myself through connecting perception and experience of the
participants. Through my connecting experience, I have been able to refine my professional goal of
becoming app developer. After having good knowledge about subject, it somehow made me little
biased while having actual conversation. However, I did work my way out for being even less
stereotypical and biased. It would be much easier if people having great knowledge about subject
become less biased and more flexible.
Performance Review

Being a student and academic researcher simultaneously was great experience but tedious task for
me. I had to manage time effectively so I worked daily to maintain my schedule. I was able to
demonstrate my ability to coordinate with teachers and colleagues. I was able to create quality
proposal that meet the needs of my assignment as well as my research tutor. This is evidenced by
positive feedback by my tutor. I communicated effectively with all levels of teachers and colleagues.
I provided same respect and attention to everyone and acknowledged the fact that I got same
attention, care and respect from them. I, routinely communicated with my tutor to have greater
insights on research processes. I completed every assigned task with great enthusiasm and dedication
which demonstrated my ability of being punctual. Tendency of becoming better every passed day
really increased my thirst for knowledge which made me committed to this research project. Being
committed to goal and actively engaged in the research really boast my overall performance in this
research.
Reflection on Actions
It is argued that research following interpretive paradigm are complex, crisis- prone and carried out
in an environment that is fast changing, increasingly competitive and relatively uncontrollable when
compared to other researches. This research follows interpretive design and implied need for focus
on the uniqueness, uncertainties and behavioral aspect of individuals. In my opinion, all these
measures are generally interrelated, which makes decision making process and data evaluation very
complex.
As stated previously, the main purpose of this research was to understand effectiveness of Quiet
mode on maintaining mental wellbeing of young adults through their own perception. While
recognizing the limitations of my analysis, I believe that I have largely achieved this and explained
pretty effectively as research findings. I had developed particular theoretical framework through
theory of planned behavior which helped to understand seven participants’ perception about the
subject matter. This has highlighted different important factors which alter the perception of one
individual from another, which had not previously been prominent in the literatures. I experienced
that these factors shaped key mechanism for participants understanding in effectiveness of Quiet
mode. These mechanisms lead to the specific outcome which was clearly gathered by research
strategies and data collection tools and methods. A key finding was able to generate through each
action taken before, during and after research.
In my proposal, I emphasized my desire to include in-depth interview with some protocols involving

young adults of Pepsicola within my research methodology section. I initially estimated that four
participants will be enough for this study however that was not the case. I end up interviewing seven
participants of age 18-24 years age. I recognized that in doing so thick and rich data can be obtained
which are very beneficial for any study. I also felt that by interviewing people of age 18-24 years, we
missed studies involving children and more older people. But given the resources and time frame, I
regretfully concluded that this would not be feasible for my study.
Nevertheless, we were successful in meeting the research goal through selecting justified methods
and approaches. I would love to see mixed approach which gains perception through qualitative
approach and later verify through methods of quantitative approach.
Reflection on Further Improvements
Nothing is completely perfect in this world. So, if I were to design this study again, there are a
number of changes, I would make. I would be doing this to admit guilt and more honest
acknowledgement about what could have been done from my perspective. I wish to draw attention to
potential pit-falls so that other researchers might not make same mistake as I made. Most obviously,
I would go for longer time period to be able to capture involvement through the while research
process from initial design to dissemination. I would also have loved to read various other existing
literatures so that I would have even more concrete knowledge than now.
This research could further be improved by applying mixed approach. I would have loved to gather
some deep insights and then testing and verifying it with different quantitative method. The theory of
planned behavior was used as a theoretical framework which really shaped this study to understand
from users’ perception about usage pattern affect. However, various others factor could be used
which might enlighten the users and developers to took mental wellbeing through technology
seriously. This research was the part of my academic research project which should be done
individually. If that was not the case then I would have worked collectively as a team with different
socio-techno enthusiast to complete this research. I was also perhaps naive in conducting interview
since this was my first time conducting real interview. So, I think I would have gathered even richer
data and further improved research.
This study investigated the understanding of Young adults on the effectiveness of Quiet mode of
maintain their mental wellbeing. I used in-depth interview as research method to collect data from
participants but to have more deep insight, observation of participants could be done along with
interview. While I was interviewing fourth participants, I realized that participants body language

also can be monitored to gather rich data. However, I had not observed previous three participants so
consistency would not have been maintained. But for further improvement, observation can be done.
Future Research Consideration
There are number of research gaps in our knowledge around digital wellbeing so the research that
has been undertaken for this has highlighted a number of topics on which further research would be
beneficial. There were several areas in digital wellbeing where concrete information is lacking which
were highlighted in the literature review. Though some of these were addressed by
this research, many other remains. Specifically, there is a lack of research which access effectiveness
of Quiet mode quantitatively. Future research might look into this very topic in brief through
alternative methods and methodology. Findings of this particular research could be verified in near
future.
Digital wellbeing is growing concept which can totally dominate upcoming era so more should be
explored in this very field. In-depth exploration of how digital technologies can shape the lifestyle
can be researched through users’ lens. Truly understanding users’ perception about effectiveness of
digital technology is a difficult task. As a matter of fact, evaluating usage pattern of any technology
is tedious because every individual behavior and nature differs from one another. Behavioral
psychology is complex but plays important role so future research should look a way to finding key
links between components of these behavior which makes or breaks it. Further studies could look at
retention rated for users who were exposed to an addictive behavior in comparison to normal users.
Although this study did not intend to find the factors affecting usage pattern of Facebook users but it
was found that various factors play main and vital role in doing so every component should be
researched individually in both quantitative and qualitative approach so that users can have clear
picture about it. Technological researcher and social science researcher could team up together to dig
deep into socio-techno world. Future research should also devote entire studies on notifications like
examining the message content of app notifications in order to identify what core components makes
it more engaging and addictive than others.
Although there are various researches already done on Fear of missing out (FOMO) which leads to
addictive behaviors but there should be concrete research about factors driving this condition in
brief. More medical research should be done on this FOMO condition. Business model of different
user’s engagement applications and concept of digital wellbeing seems to contradict which could to

be researched in near future.
There are clearly lack of research focusing mental wellbeing through Facebook of people of
developing countries which could be researched. Although there are different researches regarding
social media addiction and social networking sites addiction but difference in addiction level
between different social networking sites and their effects on overall wellbeing could be researched
through mixed approach. Success and failure of digital wellbeing concept could also be done to have
a clear picture of where this concept is heading.
Summary
To summarize, completing this research and making its report have really increased the level of my
researching skills. This study also taught me various lesson about critical analysis, reflection and
proper documentation of any document. Moreover, I have improved my interpersonal and
communication skills drastically. It was interesting journey for me as I gained new mentor. This
study helped me grow not only as a professional but also as a person. Overall, I can feel that this
been both a valuable and enjoyable experience and I am ready for my upcoming journey.

References
Billieux, J. (2012). Problematic Use of the Mobile phone: A Literature review and a pathways
model. Current Psychiatry Reviews, 8(4), pp.299-307.
Creswell, J. W. (1998). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions.
London: Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach
(2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Dudley, R., Kuyken, W. & Padesky, C. A. (2011). Disorder speciﬁc and trans-diagnostic case
conceptualisation. Clinical Psychology Review, 31, 213–224.
Griffiths, M. (2012). Costs and benefits of Facebook for undergraduate students. IJIKM, 7, 45-61.
Jones, I. (1985). The Individual and the Organization. Educational Management &
Administration, 13(2), 146-150.
14
Rehman, A. A., & Alharthi, K. (2016). An introduction to research paradigms in distance education.
International Journal of Educational Investigations, 3(October), 51-59.

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