(PS12-62) Clinical Perspectives on Social Media Use: Strategies to Screen for Problematic and Risky Social Media Use

Social media is a pillar of the experience of being young today. Research among adolescents has shown that the impact of social media differs based on the individual; some are negatively impacted by social media, some positively, and others experience no impact at all. Negative correlates of use relate to problematic (i.e., dysregulated) social media use, as well as online victimization. Positive social media experiences include building connectedness and receiving social support and validation. It is critically important to identify adolescents who are at a greater risk of reduced well-being related to social media use and promote validating and supportive online experiences. However, the identification of risky social media use in clinical settings remains understudied in the literature, as does the treatment of such use once it has been identified. The purpose of this qualitative study is to distill the insights from interviews with 14 clinicians who shared their perspectives on social media use and well-being, as part of a larger community-based participatory research (CBPR) program. The clinicians provided their recommendations regarding assessment of harmful social media use and their experience supporting adolescents who have experienced online victimization. Within the clinical insights, eight themes were identified. The poster presentation will conclude with recommended screening tools and suggested interview queries to help clinicians better assess and address adolescents’ social media use. The aim of these recommendations is to not only aid in clinical settings, but to provide public education regarding signs of risky social media use and practical suggestions for addressing such behavior. Connected to the CBPR efforts is partnering with stakeholders to disseminate strategies for adaptive social media use to adolescents seeking mental health care. These efforts (e.g., open access/free website that compiles resources for clinicians, parents, and teens) will be shared with attendees for use in their practice. Developing and disseminating evidence-based assessments and interventions for risky social media use is a time-sensitive and critically important endeavor to support young people.