Social Media and Teens: A Needs Assessment Exploring the Potential Role of Social Media in Promoting Health

Abstract

Aims: Social media use is widespread in teens. But, few studies have developed recommendations on how social media can be used to promote teen health. The Philadelphia Ujima™ Coalition funded by the Office on Women’s Health conducted a needs assessment to explore social media as a health communication tool. This study aimed to identify (1) social media utilization practices, (2) strategies to effectively engage teens on social media, and (3) recommendations for teen health promotion on social media. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed methods study design was used, in which a survey was administered to 152 youth (ages: 13–18 years). In addition, four focus groups were conducted with 26 teens to elaborate on the quantitative findings. Results: We found that while 94.6% of teens use social media, only 3.5% reported using it to seek health-related information. However, when asked about specific topics (i.e., fitness, sexual health, nutrition), 66.7% to 91.7% reported health information seeking. Although, many teens were not able to identify reliable sources of information. Teens felt health messages should be attractive and tailored. Conclusion: Social media holds promise as an effective health communication tool; however, information must be reliable and composed of attractive messages tailored to meet teens’ diverse needs. The findings from this study are indicative of the critical need to further explore how social media platforms enhance usage in health promotion.

Evaluating the Social Marketing Success Criteria in Health Promotion: A F-DEMATEL Approach

“…Vadel et al [ 65 ] suggested that for nonprofit organizations, implementing a social media strategy can help achieve health promotion goals. In connection with “designing effective communication message” and “meeting the needs of beneficiaries”, scholars concluded that social media holds promise as an effective health promotion mechanism; however, information must be reliable and composed of attractive messages customized to meet the needs of the target audience [ 66 , 67 ].…”

Risk and Protective Factors for Frequent Electronic Device Use of Online Technologies

“…Some technologies (e.g., online gaming) may be positively associated with aspects of development including for children from vulnerable populations by allowing for social interactions that would not otherwise occur (Adelantado‐Renau et al, 2019). Online technologies may also be designed to promote healthy behaviors (Plaisime et al, 2020). Sufficiently supporting children who are frequent users of online technologies to engage in beneficial developmental activities including regular physical activity and consistent sleep routines may lessen the aforementioned potential harms.…”

Real-Time Communication: Creating a Path to COVID-19 Public Health Activism in Adolescents Using Social Media

“…Word choice must be within the developmental and cognitive ability of the target demographic. Content must reflect the priorities of adolescents, show empathy for their concerns, and be engaging and entertaining [ 24 ].…”