Frontiers in Psychology (Nov 2022)

The association between sharing something difficult on social media and mental well-being among adolescents. Results from the “LifeOnSoMe”-study

  • Bjarte Kysnes,
  • Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland,
  • Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland,
  • Ellen Haug,
  • Ellen Haug,
  • Ingrid Holsen,
  • Jens Christoffer Skogen,
  • Jens Christoffer Skogen,
  • Jens Christoffer Skogen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1026973
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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IntroductionSocial media use is part of everyday life for adolescents. Over the last decade, concerns about the potential negative effects of social media use on mental health and well-being has been raised. Possible positive effects of social media use have to a lesser extent been explored. However, some studies have found associations between social support on social media and well-being. Self-disclosing thoughts and feelings on social media might provide social support and positively affect well-being. The current study aimed to explore adolescents’ experiences with sharing something difficult on social media and the association with well-being.MethodsThe survey data in this cross-sectional study were collected from a sample of 2023 adolescents from senior high schools (mean age 17.4, 55.6% females). Mental well-being was measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being scale (WEMWBS). Multiple linear regression adjusting for age, gender, social media frequency/duration of use, and the number of close friends was used to explore the association of sharing something difficult on social media and mental well-being.ResultsThe findings indicated that sharing something difficult on social media, either with a few friends/family members or in a public post, was associated with lower well-being. Perceived social support (easier to talk about, received support, positive experience) after sharing something difficult was associated with higher well-being. Females reported sharing something difficult more than boys, but no interaction effect of gender was found in the associations between private or public sharing and well-being.DiscussionThe results indicate that social media can serve as a supportive environment for adolescents. Future research may want to explore additional aspects of adolescents’ social media use, sharing, and well-being, such as differences in public and private sharing. Such contributions will increase the knowledge base of optimal ways to seek social support through social media.

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