Online social networking and psychological experiences: The perceptions of young people with mental health difficulties

Abstract

This study explores the interaction between online social networking experiences and wellbeing in 12 young people accessing mental health services. Methods: Data from semi-structured interviews was analysed using Grounded Theory methodology. Results: "Threats and judgement" and "connection and support" were experienced by adolescents, facilitated by having continuous access to a vast social network. These experiences influenced adolescents' psychological wellbeing, mediated by their responses to threat and judgement and maintaining "safe sharing" with their network. Social network use was conceived as a gamble of balancing its potentially positive and negative impact in a culture in which social network use appears to be unavoidable. Conclusions: The findings indicate the importance of routine assessment and formulation of social networking use in understanding adolescents' psychological distress. Furthermore, a range of opportunities exist for clinicians to utilise the anonymity and peer support that social networks offer to broaden the range of mental health services offered to young people.

Transformation of Adolescent Peer Relations in the Social Media Context: Part 2—Application to Peer Group Processes and Future Directions for Research

“…Indeed, qualitative work suggests that teens often take steps to “curate” their social media content, with the majority of adolescents reporting that they have deleted and/or edited posts on their profiles made by themselves or others (Madden et al 2013). A qualitative study of adolescents receiving mental health services further highlights young people’s desire to present a “safe and socially acceptable” version of themselves online, so as to manage their reputations by ensuring positive feedback and avoiding negative feedback from peers (Singleton et al 2016). Similarly, in a national survey, 40% of adolescent social media users reported feeling pressure to post only content that “makes them look good to others” (Lenhart 2015b).…”

Psychosocial experiences of the internet in a group of adolescents: A qualitative content analysis

“…Low self-confidence ( 51 ), dissatisfaction with life ( 26 ), and being threatened and judged are correlated with extensive use of social networks, and these experiences affect the mental and social health of adolescents. Virtual social networks provide valuable support for the adolescents; on the other hand, they cause them negative experiences ( 52 ). The present study was the first to investigate the Iranian adolescents’ experiences in the Internet’s virtual space.…”

Peer-to-peer work in the digital meaning society 2050

“…online self-employment training programs could enable finding meaningful work and lifestyles. In turn, if humans fail to become apt in living with the ever-growing connectivity [12,40], mental strain can be helped with new workplace rules and practices. Notably, in the If Humans Were Free -the SelfActualization Economy MP scenario, the shift from employment culture to self-actualisation economy is fostered especially by the creative class.…”