Social media use & authenticity in crisis: Differences among youth during COVID-19
In previous research, we found a negative relation between stressful COVID-19 experiences, social media use, and authenticity in young people, but no gender differences. This follow-up study explores why, by examining whether personal factors (e.g., stress, loneliness, health) and social factors (e.g., support) affect the link between social media and authenticity differently for boys and girls. It builds on the project To be yourself in an online world during COVID-19, which began on June 1, 2023.
Goal
The aim of this study is to understand whether and how social media affects boys and girls differently. We examine how personal characteristics (such as stress or loneliness) and social ones (such as support from friends or family) play a role in this. These insights will help identify which young people may need extra support and how social media can positively contribute to their development and sense of authenticity.
Approach
We use data from the Corona Public Health Monitor Youth 2021 (CPHMY 2021), in which Dutch young people aged 12 to 18 answered questions about social media use, authenticity, and the impact of COVID-19. We examine how factors such as stress, loneliness, health problems, socioeconomic status, major life events, and social support influence the relationship between social media use and authenticity. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we explore whether this relationship differs for youth with stressful experiences and whether boys and girls differ in how social media affects their sense of authenticity..
Collaboration partners
Researchers from the 3 regional Public Health Services (GGDs) in the province Noord-Brabant—GGD Brabant-Zuidoost, GGD Hart voor Brabant, and GGD West-Brabant—are involved in this project, at the Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Brabant (Tranzo, Tilburg University). The GGDs are interested in authenticity as part of youth well-being and the role of social media. This collaboration strengthens the link between research and practice.
Added value:
- Input of practice-based expertise and reflection on findings
- Access to regional knowledge and networks
- Enhanced societal impact and usability via preventive youth health care professionals and schools
(expected) Results
As scientific output, we will publish a peer-reviewed article in an international journal. For young people and parents, we will tape short videos that explain the results in an accessible way and include reflections from young people themselves, aiming to raise awareness about the relationship between social media and authenticity. For professionals, we will present our findings at conferences and various knowledge-sharing events and activities through AWPG Brabant, and develop and distribute a poster and infographic with practical recommendations and insights for youth professionals, teachers, and parents within the networks of the project team.