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Joy & Wellbeing

Assessing adolescents’ experiences on social media using a Youth Advisory Council

(PS10-48) Assessing Adolescents’ Experiences on Social Media Using a Youth Advisory Council

Saturday, November 16, 2024
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
Location: Franklin Hall, Level 4, Marriott Downtown
Abstract Text: Social technology use is ubiquitous among adolescents; over 90% of adolescents report having access to a smartphone and over 60% report using social media daily. Excessive use of social media has led to some major concerns about poor mental health outcomes associated with it, especially as rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide in youth have substantially increased. However, prior research suggests that the magnitude of social media’s negative impact on mental health is quite small, and the positive impact is often overlooked. Additionally, much of the research conducted focuses on time spent on social media, instead of assessing actual experiences on social media, which may be more likely to impact mental health.  To interpret the types of social media experiences that may be impacting mental health, we are conducting focus groups with a small sample of teens from Central Virginia to assess common socially rewarding and socially threatening experiences on social media. Participants are part of a Youth Advisory Council sponsored by the Youth-Nex organization at the University of Virginia. Given the prevalence of social media use amongst adolescents, data collected through these focus groups may inform interpersonal targets for intervention that could improve treatment efficacy for adolescents with emotional health problems. This poster presentation will focus on our community-engaged methodology and lessons learned from the focus groups; preliminary data (i.e., emerging themes) and will also be presented.