Journal article
The Complex and Multifaceted Nature of Social Media: Perspectives From Young Adolescents, Parents and Experts
Health & social care in the community, Vol.2026(1), pp.1-12
30/06/2026
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Purpose: This study explores the complex and multifaceted nature of social media use among young adolescents, drawing on the perspectives of young adolescents, parents and experts. It examines both the benefits and risks of social media and associated implications for adolescent mental health, self‐development and social relationships. Methodology: A qualitative, interpretive design was utilised, using interviews across three stakeholder groups, with data analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Findings: The analysis identified a range of perceived opportunities, benefits and challenges associated with adolescent social media engagement. Participants highlighted its role in fostering connection, education and self‐expression, alongside significant risks, including cyberbullying, destructive social comparisons and exposure to misinformation. Young adolescents’ developmental sensitivity could heighten vulnerability to these risks. The findings suggest that supporting media literacy, self‐regulation and critical engagement may assist young people in navigating social media in adaptive ways.
Originality: This study advances understanding of adolescent social media use by integrating multiple stakeholder perspectives and reinforcing the value of codesigned, developmentally informed interventions. These exploratory findings are intended to provide contextual insight that can help inform collaborative and developmentally informed approaches to adolescent digital well‐being.
Details
- Title
- The Complex and Multifaceted Nature of Social Media: Perspectives From Young Adolescents, Parents and Experts
- Creators
- Cindy Branch-Smith - Edith Cowan UniversityDiarmuid Hurley - Bond UniversityNasim Salehi - Bond University
- Publication Details
- Health & social care in the community, Vol.2026(1), pp.1-12
- Publisher
- Blackwell Publishing Ltd
- Grant note
- This study was supported by Edith Cowan University.
- Identifiers
- 991013386549102368
- Copyright
- © 2026 Cindy Branch-Smith et al.
- Academic Unit
- Nursing; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article