Research to Practice Brief: Social Media, Digital Wellness, and Mentoring

Introduction

In the wake of rising concerns over adolescent mental health and social media use, public discourse has been largely preoccupied with the negative consequences of digital engagement. Studies have linked excessive social media use to issues such as anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, misinformation exposure, and deteriorating self-esteem (Office of the Surgeon General, 2023). Kaufman and colleagues (2023) argue that a dichotomous perspective—one that positions social media as either wholly detrimental or entirely beneficial—is insufficient for understanding its impact on youth. They highlight that while social media presents risks, it also offers a multitude of benefits, and propose that mentoring programs are uniquely positioned to mediate the adverse effects of social media while fostering its potential benefits.

Methods and Results

Kaufman and colleagues synthesize existing literature provides a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing social media’s impact on youth. They identify several key determinants: the nature of social media engagement (active versus passive use), demographic variables (age, gender, socioeconomic background), and the presence of mitigating influences such as mentorship and parental guidance.

One of the central findings of their review is that passive social media use—scrolling through feeds without direct engagement—tends to correlate with negative outcomes such as social comparison and reduced self-esteem. Conversely, active engagement—such as direct messaging, content creation, and community participation—has been linked to positive psychological outcomes, including increased self-confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. Furthermore, girls were more likely to experience negative social comparison, individuals from collectivist cultures may derive more communal benefits from digital interactions, and adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds report higher incidences of negative real-world spillover effects from social media disputes.

Discussion

Kaufman and colleagues emphasize the role of mentors in fostering digital wellness, a concept encompassing responsible screen use, critical digital literacy, and proactive online engagement. They advocate for a shift in mentoring approaches, from merely warning youth about social media risks to equipping them with strategies to navigate online spaces effectively. By cultivating open conversations, mentors can help mentees reflect on their digital habits, develop self-regulation strategies, and establish healthy boundaries for social media consumption.

The brief highlights that mentoring relationships can serve as protective from cyberbullying, providing youth with a supportive outlet to discuss their online experiences and seek guidance when faced with digital harassment.

Implications for Mentoring Programs

There is a pressing need to integrate digital literacy and wellness education into mentorship training. Rather than approaching social media as an external force to be monitored or restricted, mentoring programs should incorporate it as an integral aspect of youth development.

Second, mentorship programs should adopt a strengths-based approach to social media use. Instead of focusing solely on risk mitigation, mentors can help mentees harness digital tools for educational enrichment, social connectivity, and creative exploration. Structured mentoring activities, such as co-learning about media literacy, setting personal digital wellness goals, or collaboratively engaging in positive social media initiatives, can enhance the benefits of digital engagement while minimizing its harms.

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