Social media, digital wellness, & mentoring

The brief begins by acknowledging the dual nature of social media’s influence on young people. While concerns about mental health, cyberbullying, and excessive screen time are valid, the authors emphasize that digital engagement can also foster positive identity formation, support networks, and creative expression (Office of the Surgeon General, 2023). This balanced approach sets the tone for a thoughtful exploration of how mentoring programs can navigate this digital landscape.One of the key insights presented is that the effects of social media on youth are far from uniform. The authors highlight research showing that the impact varies significantly across demographic and socioeconomic groups (Valkenburg et al., 2022). This diversity in outcomes underscores the need for tailored approaches in mentoring relationships, rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy.

The brief delves into the potential benefits of social media for youth, including enhanced social connections, opportunities for self-expression, and access to educational resources (Livingstone & Third, 2017). Particularly noteworthy is the discussion of how social media platforms can empower marginalized youth, providing spaces for representation and community building (Marwick & Boyd, 2014; Gray & Sinclair, 2020).

However, the authors do not shy away from addressing the potential harms associated with social media use. They provide a detailed examination of cyberbullying and cyber victimization, citing research that estimates half of all teens in the U.S. have experienced cyberbullying (Vogels, 2022). The brief outlines the various forms these issues can take and their potential impacts on mental health and academic performance.

A significant portion of the brief is dedicated to the concept of digital wellness, which involves adopting healthy habits and strategies around screen use. The authors emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between online and offline activities to prevent negative impacts such as digital overuse and sleep disturbances (Firth et al., 2019; Orben & Przybylski, 2019).

The brief then pivots to practical recommendations for mentoring programs. It suggests that programs should encourage mentors to learn more about youths’ online experiences and prepare them to provide support. This includes training mentors to identify signs of cyber victimization and equipping them with resources to help youth navigate online challenges.

The authors advocate for mentors to support digital literacy skills and values-based actions among youth. This involves helping young people develop critical thinking skills, identify legitimate sources of information, and learn how to engage in productive discussions on controversial topics online. The brief also highlights the potential for mentors to help youth use social media as a platform for articulating their values and advocating for positive social change (Hurd, 2024).

Importantly, the brief emphasizes that developing digital wellness is not just about avoiding online harms but also about nurturing the positive aspects of social media use. Mentors are encouraged to celebrate youths’ creativity and self-expression on social media platforms and to engage in social media-based activities together when appropriate.

In conclusion, the brief presents a compelling case for mentoring programs to actively engage with the topic of social media rather than avoiding it. By equipping mentors with the knowledge and skills to promote digital wellness, these programs can remain relevant and influential in the lives of the youth they serve.

Research-to-Practice-Brief-Social-Media-Digital-Wellness-Mentoring

References:

Firth, J., Torous, J., Stubbs, B., Firth, J. A., Steiner, G. Z., Smith, L., … & Sarris, J. (2019). The “online brain”: how the Internet may be changing our cognition. World Psychiatry, 18(2), 119-129.

Gray, M. L., & Sinclair, M. (2020). Virtual pride: Queer women’s use of the Internet for community and connection. Communication, Culture & Critique, 13(4), 467-484.

Hurd, N. M. (2024). Promoting Positive Development Among Racially and Ethnically Marginalized Youth: Advancing a Novel Model of Natural Mentoring. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 20.

Kaufman, M., Deutsch, N., Hurd, N., & Fallavollita, W. (2024). Research to Practice Brief: Social Media, Digital Wellness, & Mentoring. [Unpublished manuscript].

Livingstone, S., & Third, A. (2017). Children and young people’s rights in the digital age: An emerging agenda. New Media & Society, 19(5), 657-670.

Marwick, A. E., & Boyd, D. (2014). Networked privacy: How teenagers negotiate context in social media. New Media & Society, 16(7), 1051-1067.

Office of the Surgeon General (OSG). (2023). Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory. US Department of Health and Human Services.

Orben, A., & Przybylski, A. K. (2019). The association between adolescent well-being and digital technology use. Nature Human Behaviour, 3(2), 173-182.

Valkenburg, P. M., Meier, A., & Beyens, I. (2022). Social media use and its impact on adolescent mental health: An umbrella review of the evidence. Current Opinion in Psychology, 44, 58-68.

Vogels, E. (2022). Teens and cyberbullying 2022. Pew Research Center.