Conceptualising social media and mental health

In 2022, Marc Tibber and Emma Silver published a cognitive behavioural conceptualisation that describes how social media (SM) use interacts with common mental health difficulties and wellbeing during adolescence. Based on an integration of existing theory, research, and clinical experience, it sets out to define the conditions under which SM is more likely to be harmful or beneficial to the user. 

At its core, the conceptualisation proposes that when SM is engaged with mindfully in the service of seeking greater proximity to people and things of importance to the individual, core needs are more likely to be met, with resulting positive effects on wellbeing. Conversely, when SM use is mindless, and driven by escape or avoidance, core needs are less likely to be met, with negative consequences for wellbeing. 

In addition to person-focused factors, the conceptualisation also explores how the features and affordances of the technology shape online engagement and information processing. As an example, it considers how highly visual platforms that incorporate social metrics such as 'likes' and 'shares' (e.g. Instagram), may foster social comparisons.

In our UCL clinical psychology doctoral theses, we (CJ & SS) have been testing the validity of the conceptualisation in relation to the wellbeing of emerging adults in the general population. Using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we explored the nature of common positive and negative experiences on social networking sites (SNS). 

Our findings offer strong support for the key tenets of the conceptualisation, highlighting (for example) how SNS use that is active, mindful and motivated by enhancing the user's social network, is associated with more positive online experiences and wellbeing outcomes, including increased feelings of social connectedness.

However, our work also suggests some essential adaptations that should be made to the conceptualisation if it is to be of wider utility. First, we highlight the importance of the user's identity in making sense of their online experiences, e.g. experiences of discrimination in individuals with minoritised identities, and the impacts of this on their wellbeing. 

In addition, our work reminds us that despite the best of intentions, there is always an element of uncertainty in our interactions. For example, some participants highlighted how active attempts to foster social connection could be thwarted by (seemingly random) experiences of rejection or trolling. On the flipside, we heard stories of how initial engagement that was driven by escapist motivations (e.g. mindless posting of 'silly' memes), could sometimes lead to social exchanges that deepened existing friendships.  

In conclusion, our work suggests that Tibber and Silver's (2022) conceptualisation of SM use offers a useful tool to make sense of people's online experiences. In future work we hope to test the utility of the conceptualisation in formulating how SM interacts with common mental health difficulties (i.e. anxiety and depression) in clinical populations. We are also exploring the model's relevance to particular populations, including in neurodivergent communities. Ultimately our hope is that the conceptualisation will be used in ways that support people to flourish in the online world. 

A trans-diagnostic cognitive behavioural conceptualisation of the positive and negative roles of social media use in adolescents' mental health and wellbeing