ERIC Number: EJ1446139
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 27
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2398-5348
EISSN: EISSN-2398-5356
Available Date: N/A
Social Media Use among Neurodivergent College Students: Benefits, Harms and Implications for Education
Aisel Akhmedova; Jennifer Sutcliffe; Christine Greenhow; Marisa H. Fisher; Connie Sung
Information and Learning Sciences, v125 n10 p850-876 2024
Purpose: Social media have been associated with social benefits and enhanced psychological well-being among non-disabled individuals; the purpose of this study is to examine whether social media may have similar benefits for young neurodivergent adults with autism, anxiety, or attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder who may experience communication differences. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this first-of-its kind study explores the nature of social media use and related psychological well-being among neurodivergent college undergraduates. Design/methodology/approach: This qualitative study is part of a larger effort. The authors surveyed undergraduates with and without disabilities at U.S. higher education institutions on their social media use and psychological well-being. A total of 131 students responded, including 24 neurodivergent individuals, the results of which are reported elsewhere. Participants were 18-25 years old, of varied genders and racial/ethnic backgrounds; for neurodivergent adults, questions focused on social challenges. From the survey, a sample of five neurodivergent individuals was drawn for this small-scale, exploratory interview study. Findings: This paper reports descriptive statistics from survey results to contextualize analysis of students' social media use (e.g. purposes, practices, benefits and harms). Students used mainly Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to promote well-being primarily through engaging positive relationships and positive emotions. Students reported several benefits of using social media to develop their disability identity and few harms. Originality/value: Understanding the impact of social media use on undergraduates with disabilities could help us not only improve services as teachers, counselors and other helping professionals who support young adults to leverage their everyday technologies-in-use but also address digital equity issues.
Descriptors: Students with Disabilities, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Social Media, Mass Media Use, Mass Media Role, Mass Media Effects, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Student Experience, Communication Problems, Well Being, Undergraduate Students, Psychological Patterns, Positive Attitudes, Social Capital, Self Disclosure (Individuals), Student Characteristics
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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