Does Experiencing Racialized Aggressions on Social Media Predict Mental Health Outcomes?

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: The Role of Technology in College Student Success

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine how the experience of racialized aggressions on social media predict mental health outcomes. Over 1,000 students of color participated in the study. Preliminary results show that the Everyday Discrimination Scale - Social Media (EDS-SM) is positively related to the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5), controlling for demographics and mediators, and is inversely related to self-esteem, controlling for demographics and mediators. In other words, as students report experiencing more routine discrimination on social media, they may have increased mental health issues and lower self-esteem.

Authors

• Ana M. Martinez-Aleman, Boston College

• Adam M. McCready, University of Connecticut - Storrs

• Heather T. Rowan-Kenyon, Boston College

• Nicole I. Barone, Boston College