Computer-mediated communication, social media, and mental health: A conceptual and empirical meta-review

Abstract

Computer-mediated communication (CMC), and specifically social media, may affect the mental health (MH) and well-being of its users, for good or bad. Research on this topic has accumulated rapidly, accompanied by controversial public debate and numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Yet, a higher-level integration of the various disparate conceptual and operational approaches to CMC and MH and individual review findings is desperately needed. To this end, we first develop two organizing frameworks that systematize conceptual and operational approaches to CMC and MH. Based on these frameworks, we integrate the literature through a meta-review of 34 reviews and a content analysis of 594 publications. Meta-analytic evidence, overall, suggests a small negative association between social media use and MH. However, effects are complex and depend on the CMC and MH indicators investigated. Based on our conceptual review and the evidence synthesis, we devise an agenda for future research in this interdisciplinary field.

Social Media and Well-Being: Pitfalls, Progress, and Next Steps

“…Researchers have made admirable attempts to address social media's jingle-jangle problem over the years [7,108], but a close reading of the literature indicates that it persists [109]. Moving forward, a key challenge is for scientists to agree on a common lexicon that captures the full range of variables that are relevant to the study of social media and well-being.…”

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Discrepancies Between Logged and Self- Reported Digital Media Use

“…The conceptual tension brought about by these validity concerns can stimulate a drive for theories that have a higher degree of verisimilitude and greater utility for addressing important questions facing society today. In addition to the need for research on digital media use and effects to systematically move on from "the repetitive development of self-report assessments" (Ellis et al, 2019, p. 13), beyond the focus of this investigation, as Kaye et al 2020, Meier and Reinecke (2020), and Büchi 2020discuss, there is a profound need for a paradigm shift in which the specific affordances enacted, and the behaviours, digital practices, experiences, and outcomes that they facilitate, receive central focus, rather than simply the overall duration or volume of usage. Coupled with more valid measures and transparent and robust analytical practices, such developments will bring us closer to understanding the role of digital media in human behaviour and psychological wellbeing.…”

The impact of digital technology use on adolescent well-being

“…This lack of evidence is not surprising, because there is no consensus on central definitions, measures, and methods. 42 Specifically, digital technology use is an umbrella term that encompasses many different behaviors. Furthermore, it is theoretically unclear as to why adolescents in particular should be susceptible to the effects of technology and what forms of well-being are candidates for effects.…”

“…Aligned with these mixed results of individual studies, several meta-analyses support the lack of a clear effect. 42 In an analysis of 43 studies on the effects of online technology use on adolescent mental well-being, Best et al 43 found that “[t]he majority of studies reported either mixed or no effect(s) of online social technologies on adolescent wellbeing.” Analyzing eleven studies on the relation between social media use and depressive symptoms, McCrae et al 44 report a small positive relationship. Similarly, Lissak 45 reports positive relations between excessive screen time and insufficient sleep, physiological stress, mind wandering, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related behavior, nonadaptive/negative thinking styles, decreased life satisfaction, and potential health risks in adulthood.…”

“…In line with meta-analyses on adults, effects of digital technology use in general are mostly neutral to small. In their meta-review of 34 meta-analyses and systematic reviews, Meier and Reinecke 42 summarize that “[f]indings suggest an overall (very) small negative association between using SNS [social networking sites], the most researched CMC [computer mediated communication] application, and mental health.” In conclusion, the current literature is mostly ambivalent, although slightly emphasizing the negative effects of digital tech use.…”