No abstract

The escalation of social networking site (SNS) usage has led to much research examining both the positive and negative implications SNS can have on well-being. However, whilst many studies have investigated the relationship between SNS usage and body image, there remains a paucity of research in regards to SNS usage and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). A systematic search was undertaken using Web of Science, PsychInfo and PubMed databases to identify SNS usage and patterns, SNS features and mediating factors contributing towards body image dissatisfaction, resulting in 40 studies meeting specific inclusion criteria. Findings identified passive SNS use and appearance-focused SNS use as particularly influential. Appearance-based comparisons were also found to be a strong mediator between SNS use and body image dissatisfaction. Using the current knowledge, parallels were highlighted in terms of body image dissatisfaction and BDD symptomatology, suggesting frequent SNS usage as a potential risk factor in the development of BDD symptoms.

With Internet connectivity and technological advancement increasing dramatically in recent years, “Internet addiction” (IA) is emerging as a global concern. However, the use of the term ‘addiction’ has been considered controversial, with debate surfacing as to whether IA merits classification as a psychiatric disorder as its own entity, or whether IA occurs in relation to specific online activities through manifestation of other underlying disorders. Additionally, the changing landscape of Internet mobility and the contextual variations Internet access can hold has further implications towards its conceptualisation and measurement. Without official recognition and agreement on the concept of IA, this can lead to difficulties in efficacy of diagnosis and treatment. This paper therefore provides a critical commentary on the numerous issues of the concept of “Internet addiction”, with implications for the efficacy of its measurement and diagnosticity.

Griffiths’ (2017) response to the recent commentary piece by Ryding and Kaye (2017) on “Internet Addiction: A conceptual minefield” provided a useful critique and extension of some key issues. We take this opportunity to further build upon on one of these issues to provide some further insight into how the field of “internet addiction” (IA) or technological addictions more generally, may benefit from capitalising on behavioural data. As such, this response extends Griffiths’ (2007) points surrounding the efficacy of behavioural data previously used in studies on problematic gambling, to consider its merit for future research on IA or associated topics such as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) or “Smartphone addiction”. Within this, we highlight the challenges associated with utilising behavioural data but provide some practical solutions which may support researchers and practitioners in this field. These recent developments could, in turn, advance our understanding and potentially validate such concepts by establishing behavioural correlates, conditions and contexts. Indeed, corroborating behavioural metrics alongside self-report measures presents a key opportunity if scholars and practitioners are to move the field forward.

Fake news and misinformation spread quickly and virulently during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially outpacing the spread of the virus itself across the globe. This study aimed to develop a greater understanding of how individuals make sense of and interact with information they suspect to be fake by exploring perceptions of information sharing on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-four participants (Nfemale = 14, Nmale=10) took part in semi-structured telephone interviews during March -June 2020. Thematic analysis was guided by principles of Social Constructionism. Three themes were developed from the data.Firstly, participant interactions with information on social media were directed by the intention "Staying Social". Secondly, the role of social media and the uncertainty of the pandemic was framed as "a Perfect Storm for Fake News". Thirdly, participants framed interactions in terms of "fact-checking" with differing rigour in this process. The data demonstrated the complexities involved when it came to participants' experiences related to fake news and misinformation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. The results also highlight some of the key challenges faced when it comes to preventing the spread of fake news and misinformation, particularly from the online to the offline environment. The results are discussed in the context of strategies and frameworks that can aid in educating individuals about the dangers of misinformation. Public Policy Relevance StatementAn understanding of individual interactions with misinformation on social media during a global crisis provides critical insight into reasons related to proliferation, understanding, and acceptance of fake news. This article presents a qualitative exploration of individual interactions with misinformation on social media during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results are presented alongside a discussion of potential approaches that could help prevent the further spread of misinformation in future crises.