Social media and autism spectrum conditions

Abstract

For many people with an autism spectrum condition, online networking offers the opportunity to communicate with others in relative comfort. However, says Christopher Barber, nurses working in a support capacity should be aware of the accompanying risks Social media is a common and everyday method of communication which has both advantages and disadvantages for a wide variety of people—including those with an autism spectrum condition. Indeed, due to issues around social communication, many of those on the autism spectrum often prefer communicating via social media. A range of disadvantages of using social media include the potential for inappropriate use, the potential for those seeking to politically radicalise vulnerable adults and the rise of the ‘troll’. This short article will briefly explore these issues and the role of the nurse in supporting those on the autism spectrum who wish to use social media sites on the internet.

Autism and social media: a systematic review of the user experience

“…Several hypotheses have been proposed regarding the impact of social media use on neurotypical people, including the increase hypothesis as proposed by Lee (2009), whereby experiences from social media “bleed” into real-world socialising. There are certainly examples noted in the reviewed literature, such as meeting online friends for coffee (Barber, 2017). There may be a function of social media in reinforcing social connections (Ward et al , 2018), increasing the frequency of successful, controlled online interactions, which may lead to more confidence within and increased strength of offline relationships (Schultz et al , 2013).…”

“…That said, there are drawbacks to living an online social life. Barber (2017) noted vulnerability to radicalisation, cyberbullying and trolling, identity theft and hate crimes. The most common unpleasant behaviours reported were receiving contact from unknown adults, the over-disclosure of personal information and receiving offensive content (Begara Iglesias et al , 2019).…”

“…Parallels could be made to the suggestions in the research paper by Sundberg (2017), who characterised online gaming as an intervention to support socialisation, with a need to ensure the correct “dosage”. Similarly, Barber (2017) suggests the potential use of “safe-surfing” time with the support of staff members. While several positive impacts may emerge from the use of social media, consideration must be given to the potential risks, including but not limited to cyberbullying (Triantafyllopoulou et al , 2021; Alhujaili et al , 2022), which may require ongoing oversight and coaching to ensure welfare, as well as relationship security (Schultz et al , 2013) or structured internet safety intervention tailored to the specific needs of autistic people (Begara Iglesias et al , 2019).…”

“…Social media users have the ability to select what information is shared, with Barber (2017) reflecting that autistic people find the anonymity and control over interactions afforded by social media to be useful. These same constructs, however, allow for an ideal (or fabricated) self to be presented.…”

“…Gallup et al (2016) reported that their participants were acutely aware of their social challenges, leading to discomfort and anxiety when socially interacting, but that the virtual environment allowed them to overcome these barriers and socialise successfully. Likewise, Barber (2017) reflected that autistic people find the anonymity and control over interactions afforded by social media to be useful.…”