Living in an online world: Social media experiences of adolescents and young adults with cancer

Abstract

Background Despite widespread use, little is known about how adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer use social media (SM). This research characterized use and self‐reported SM experiences among AYA with cancer. Procedure AYA, aged 12‐26 years, receiving cancer care completed a mixed‐methods survey regarding SM experiences. Clinical information was obtained from the electronic medical record. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t tests, and qualitative content analysis. Results Thirty‐nine AYA with average age 16 (SD = 3.2) years participated. Most were Caucasian (92%) males (54%). Participants had leukemia/lymphoma (56%), solid tumors (33%), and brain tumors (10%). Nearly all (97%) used SM, with YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram being the most popular. AYA self‐reported lower SM use than their smartphone data indicated (2.8 hours/day, SD = 1.2 vs 3.4 hours/day, SD = 1.3; P < 0.001). Participants used SM to obtain information about their cancer (45%), post about cancer (47%), and read about others’ cancer experience (50%). One‐third made a friend with cancer through SM (32%). Qualitative results indicated that AYA had positive cancer‐related SM experiences, including feelings of support (54%), community (27%), distraction (8%), and inspiration (8%). Most denied negative experiences (78%); however, 17% reported cyberbullying related to cancer. Conclusions AYA with cancer avidly use SM, noting it provides a sense of support and community. However, one‐sixth reported cancer‐related cyberbullying. AYA oncology providers have an opportunity to enhance positive and blunt negative SM interactions by addressing and guiding SM use in AYA patients.

BIPOC Experiences of (anti-)Racist Patient Engagement in Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Research: an Electronic Delphi Study

“…This discrepancy highlights the importance of addressing the distinct needs of BIPOC AYA patients as a specific group while keeping in mind that broader interventions may benefit BIPOC AYA patients as well as others. The utility of optimizing social media to expand outreach in these groups is consistent with prior studies showing the efficacy of social media in disseminating cancer-related information among AYA cancer patients [ 31 , 46 ].…”

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The contribution of the smartphone use to reducing depressive symptoms of Chinese older adults: The mediating effect of social participation

“…It is estimated that China’s older population over 60 will exceed 358 million by the end of 2030 ( Peng and He, 2017 ), posing huge challenges to the supply of medical and public services. Depression is a prevalent condition and a public health concern ( Reuman et al, 2022 ), there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that depression has a negative impact on the survival of older adults ( Zivin et al, 2015 ).…”

Risk factors for heightened COVID‐19‐Related anxiety among breast cancer patients

“…[59][60][61] Selfassessment tools are also featured on Breas tcanc er.org Remedies for anxiety and depression include a wide range of options. Some cancer patients will improve with psychoeducational support groups, 62 online communities and digital tools, [63][64][65] yoga, 66 or mindfulness-based interventions, 67 including internet-delivered mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. 68 Other patients may require more intensive psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, including benzodiazepines and anti-depressants.…”