Bestetal2014OnlineCommunicationSocialMediaandAdolescentWellbeingASystematicNarrativeReview

Overview

• Title: Online Communication, Social Media and Adolescent Wellbeing: A Systematic Narrative Review

• Publication: Children and Youth Services Review, June 2014

• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.03.001

• Authors: Paul Best, Roger Manktelow, Brian Taylor

Background

• Debate on Impact: Ongoing discussions regarding the impact of online social technologies on young people's mental wellbeing.

• Objective: Systematically review existing research to identify both beneficial and harmful effects of online communication and social media on adolescents.

Methodology

• Review Type: Systematic narrative review of studies published between January 2003 and April 2013.

• Search Strategy:

  • Conducted comprehensive searches across eight bibliographic databases.

  • Retrieval of 43 relevant original research papers.

  • Quality appraisal and narrative synthesis methodology used.

Key Findings

• Benefits of Online Technologies:

  • Increased self-esteem and perceived social support.

  • Enhanced social capital and opportunities for safe identity experimentation.

  • Increased likelihood of self-disclosure.

• Harmful Effects:

  • Increased exposure to harm, potential for social isolation.

  • Links to depression and instances of cyberbullying.

  • Predominance of mixed findings or absence of robust conclusions linking usage with wellbeing.

Adolescence and Social Media

• Adolescence: Critical age period for identity and friendship development.

  • Importance of peer relationships outweighs parental influence during this phase.

  • Many adolescents exposed to social media technologies from a young age.

• Social Media Technology (SMT):

  • Defined as platforms enabling community formation and user-created content sharing.

  • Allows varied forms of communication both synchronously and asynchronously.

Wellbeing Concepts

• Definitions:

  • Hedonic Wellbeing: Associated with pleasure and life satisfaction.

  • Eudaimonic Wellbeing: Tied to self-actualization and fulfillment.

• Social support is vital for wellbeing, linking positive relationships with improved mental health outcomes.

Implications for Future Research

• Need for further qualitative and causal research focused on specific online activities and their impact on youth.

• Understanding how specific technologies influence adolescent development is essential.

• Consideration of gender, social networks, and the divergence in offline and online interactions.

Conclusion

• Contradictory Evidence: The review highlighted conflicting results regarding the impact of social media on adolescent wellbeing.

• Future Directions: Emphasis on tailored research exploring the dangers and advantages of SMT, the importance of communication styles, and the roles these technologies play in facilitating network support among adolescents.