This research study analyzed Reddit social media posts and comments in response to questions based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) linking early childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with the use of social media. This study researched the impacts that these experiences have had on learning in higher education for college students and their mental health as well as ways in which Generation Z has turned to social media as an outlet throughout their lives. This qualitative research study was an analysis of a combination of data generated from a 30-day live social media post in addition to transcripts of archived social media posts on several subreddits of the Reddit social media platform. This research confirmed the hypothesis that social media has impacted Generation Z, that mental health is a growing concern in higher education for the digital generation, and that early childhood trauma has impacted learners in higher education both negatively and positively, by motivating students as well as increasing mental health concerns due to the long-term impacts of trauma. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]