How Adolescents Use Social Media to Navigate Their Mental Health

Abstract

Research on the negative impact of social media on mental health is extensive and well-documented. However, in this process, relatively little attention has been paid to social media communities oriented around mental health. This study aimed to address this gap by using uses and gratifications theory to analyze the posts and comments related to mental health, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in the “/r/teenagers” community on Reddit. The results revealed that many users in these communities turn to social media to identify with others and seek advice, while a smaller percentage uses social media for entertainment and escapism. An even smaller minority of users leverage social media platforms to educate others. By exploring the motivations and reasons behind social media use in mental health communities, this study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and drawbacks of social media use in this context, as well as avenues for future research and intervention.