Psychological Well-Being and Social Media Use Among Young Adults: Benefits and Implications for Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Intersections of Mental Health and Social Media (Table 2)

Abstract

Young adults are immersed in social media. It can offer benefits to psychological well-being, such as social support and a sense of belonging, but also inherent risks, including online harassment. This qualitative case study advances understanding of how social media use impacts psychological well-being among college undergraduates and how insights into their experiences can inform teaching practices. This work is significant because it presents new information about learners’ psychological well-being in developing social connections through social media, which can impact learner engagement and success.

Authors

• Jennifer Sutcliffe, Michigan State University

• Aisel Akhmedova, Michigan State University

• Christine M. Greenhow, Michigan State University