“If I knew what I was doing on Twitter then I would use it more”: Twitter experiences and networks of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Abstract

Aim:of this study was to examine the Twitter experiences and networks of six adults with cognitive-communication disability after a traumatic brain injury (TBI).Method:Using mixed methods, the study integrated: (a) quantitative analysis of Twitter networks using computational and manual coding of tweets; and (b) narrative analysis of in-depth interviews.Results:Diverse experiences were evident, with two experienced and four novice users of the platform. However, all reported feeling connected and included, and identified both positive and negative experiences in their use of Twitter. Developing a supportive network facilitated higher frequency of tweets and increased feelings of enjoyment and connectedness. All expressed a desire to continue using or learning to use Twitter but novices lacked support from rehabilitation professionals or experienced Twitter users, and relied instead on a “trial and error” approach.Conclusion:Proactive integration of Twitter use during rehabilitation after TBI is warranted to support safe, enjoyable, and meaningful use.

Training Resources Targeting Social Media Skills to Inform Rehabilitation for People Who Have an Acquired Brain Injury: Scoping Review

“…As few of the included websites met the recommended criteria for readability and accessibility of their information, we suggest that when developing web-based resources, it is imperative that the readability of the materials be appropriate for the general public (ie, below reading grade 6 level) and the information accessible (ie, comply with WCAG 2.1 recommendations). In combination with priorities for learning about social media from interviews with people with a TBI [37,40] and brain injury rehabilitation professionals [44], the findings of this review can now be used to inform user-centered co-design discussions regarding the development of social media skills training programs for people with an ABI. In an interim step, clinicians may use the findings (specifically those outlined in Table 4) as guidance in clinical practice in providing social media training to support people with an ABI after their injury.…”

“…In seeking connection on the web, the vulnerability of people with an ABI can be exacerbated because of changes in their executive functioning and social cognition [39], which may make it challenging for them to recognize cyberscams or regulate their own interactions. The complexity of these issues is evidenced by people with a TBI who report having been on the receiving end of negative comments on the web as well as having been the perpetrator of cyberbullying [40]. Following the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic when many countries underwent various levels of restrictions on movement and gatherings, the eSafety Commissioner (Australia's national independent regulator for cybersafety) reported a noticeable increase in internet hate and harassment [41].…”

Activity of Young People With Disabilities in the Digital Environment

“…Social media promotes social activity (Forrester-Jones et al, 2004), and the term Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is used (Hemsley et al, 2017). In this context, there are, for example, research on the use of social media, the positive and negative aspects of this use in adults with intellectual disabilities (Balandin & Molka Danielsen, 2015), autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (Stendahl & Balandin, 2015), communication disorders (Paterson & Carpenter, 2015), acquired brain injuries resulting in cognitive communication disorders (Brunner et al, 2019). The role of social media in the daily life and socialization of young people with disabilities is emphasized (Hemsley et al, 2017), and it is believed that young people with disabilities can learn and improve their social connections through social media (Raghavendra et al, 2015).…”

Designing evidence-based support aids for social media access for individuals with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury: A preliminary acceptability study

“…Social and cognitive impairments in individuals with TBI major barriers to social media use among individuals with TBI: sensory overload, memory impairments, misreading of social cues, and a lack of confidence to actively engage on social media platforms (14,47,48).…”

“…Previous research suggested that social media can promote mental well-being among individuals with TBI and allow them to keep or increase opportunities for social participation ( 12 , 13 ). Individuals with TBI want to use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter as much as their uninjured peers ( 14 ). However, these individuals may experience cognitive impairments and have reported significant barriers to using current social media platforms, including cognitive overload and challenges in interpreting social cues ( 12 , 14 – 17 ), so the potential benefits of social media are often not accessible to them.…”