Addressing the harms of social media use on young adult mental health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study to explore how primary care professionals can effectively assess and manage the impacts of social media use on young adult mental health
IRAS ID
317596
Contact name
Ruth Plackett
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCL
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, days
Research summary
Around 9 out of 10 young adults use social media platforms, such as WhatsApp and TikTok to connect with others. Some studies suggest social media can be harmful to young adults’ mental health and it has been linked to feelings of depression and anxiety. General practitioners (GPs) are seeing increasing appointments relating to young adult mental health and reported increases in anxiety may be explained by social media use. Further research is needed to explore how primary care professionals like GPs can best support and manage young adults’ concerns about social media use and its impact on their mental health. \n\nThis study funded by the NIHR Three Schools’ mental health programme aims to:\n•\texplore with young adults (18-25-years old) why and why not some young adults might ask for help from primary care about the impact of social media on their mental health (and any experiences of discussing social media with their GP);\n•\texplore how primary care professionals can assess and manage the impact of social media on young adults’ mental health. \n\nOnline interviews with primary care professionals and young adults will be conducted. A target of 20 clinicians from a wide range of professions including GPs, nurses, psychological therapies staff and social prescribers will be recruited. A target of 20 Young adults aged 18-25-years old who have experienced depression or anxiety will be recruited through General Practices and via the voluntary sector. \n\nThis research will help to identify from primary care professionals and young adults how best to support young people and could lead to the development of guidance and training for primary care professionals. If primary care staff are better supported to address mental health issues associated with social media use, this may help to reduce mental health problems for young people and reduce referrals to secondary care.\n\n
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NW/0050
Date of REC Opinion
28 Apr 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion