Perceived Challenges and Online Harms from Social Media Use on a Severity Continuum

A Qualitative Psychological Stakeholder Perspective

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15475993
AutoresMelina A Throuvala (0000-0003-4617-5263, Nottingham Trent University, autor correspondente), Mark D Griffiths (0000-0001-8880-6524, Nottingham Trent University), Mike Rennoldson (0000-0002-7131-8740, Nottingham Trent University), Daria J Ku (0000-0001-8917-782X, Nottingham Trent University)
Ano2021
Volume18
Fascículo6
Páginas3227-3227
Data de publicação2021-03-20
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditoraMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph18063227
PMID33804723
OpenAlexW3137580257
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas10
Referências citadas159

Evidence suggests that problematic use of gaming, the internet, and social media among adolescents is on the rise, affecting multiple psycho-emotional domains. However, research providing a comprehensive and triangulated stakeholder perspective of perceived harms is lacking. How are adolescent online harms experienced and conceptualized by students, parents, and teachers? The present study comprised part of a qualitative needs assessment investigation with the use of focus groups and individual interviews among key stakeholder groups assessing perceived impacts with a focus on the negative consequences and perceived harms. The study's sample consisted of students ( N = 42, M age = 13.5, SD = 2.3), parents ( N = 9, M age = 37, SD = 5.6) and teachers ( N = 9, M age = 34, SD = 4.9) from the UK. Data were analysed with thematic analysis. Findings focused primarily on social media use impacts and indicated that processes underlying impacts experienced by adolescents may be conceptualized on a severity continuum. Stakeholder consensus on perceptions of challenges and perceived harms formed the second theme, with impacts further analysed as relating to time displacement, peer judgement, sensory overload and context of the adolescent with functional (performance, task switching, use of multiple devices), cognitive (loss or deterioration of attentional focus, attention deficit), and emotional consequences (stress, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive/checking behaviours). A third theme formed was individual vulnerabilities predisposing poor mental health outcomes. The final theme related to impacts dependent on context and meaning attached. Findings suggest a consideration of a spectrum approach encompassing a broader range of potential psychological challenges and perceived harms beyond safety concerns and addiction in understanding problematic adolescent online experiences. Understanding perceived harms can aid the objective setting of interventions and consideration of mental health literacy in school curricula

Anxiety · Context (archaeology · Developmental psychology · Focus group · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social anxiety · Sociology · Stakeholder · Thematic analysis · Applied Psychology · Child Development and Digital Technology · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology · Social Media and Politics · Social Psychology