Active and Passive Social Media Presentation

Are Active and Passive Social Media Use Related to Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Social Support Outcomes? Saron Solomon & Minaal Adnan Godard, R., & Holtzman, S. (2024). Are active and passive social media use related to mental health, wellbeing, and social support outcomes? A meta-analysis of 141 studies. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 29(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1093/jcmc/zmad055 TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Methods Table of Contents Findings Overview Discussion /Conclusion Hypothesis References OVERVIEW About Article: This article is a meta-analysis of 141 studies examining how active and passive social media use (SMU) affect mental health, well-being, and social support. To Find: The authors reviewed 897 effect sizes from approximately 145,000 participants, focusing on 13 mental health and well-being outcomes. Key Findings: Active social media use is generally linked to greater online support, improved wellbeing, and more positive emotions but also increased anxiety. Passive use offers some online support benefits but has mostly small or negligible effects on wellbeing, with outcomes depending on the context. HYPOTHESIS Research Question: Are active and passive social media use related to mental health, well-being, and social support outcomes? Why This Topic Matters: Social media has around 4.8 billion users globally (Petrosyan, 2023). Previous research on its effects is mixed—some studies show benefits, while others highlight risks. Clarifying the impact of active vs. passive social media use can guide healthier social media habits. HYPOTHESIS Theoretical Framework: Social Support Theory: Feeling valued and cared for enhances well-being (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010). Social Comparison Theory: Passive social media use may lead to negative comparisons, harming well-being (Festinger, 1954). Hypothesis: Active Use: Expected to improve mental health by increasing social support. Passive Use: Likely associated with lower mental health outcomes due to negative social comparisons and reduced social support. METHODS Databases Searched: Authors followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines for systematic reviews and meta analyses. Searched four databases: PsychInfo, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed Search Strategy Keywords for social media use: Social media Social networking site Internet Online These two conditions Facebook Twitter require different Instagram treatment approaches. Snapchat YouTube Reddit TikTok Keywords for active/passive use: Active use Passive use Active participation Passive participation Lurk Passive and Active Use Measure (PAUM) Multidimensional Scale of Facebook Use(MSFU) Combined search terms in each database (e.g., “social media” AND “active use”) METHODS Inclusion Criteria: Studies focused on active/passive social media use Measured mental health, well being, or social support Peer reviewed and published between 2008-September 2022 Internet based social media with user generated content Quantitative measures of active or passive social media use Self reported data on mental health, well being, or social support Clear link between social media use and mental health outcomes Study Selection: Initial search identified 14,885 studies Final sample included 141 studies (2008-2022) with ~145,000 participants Analysis Approach: Meta-analysis combined 897 effect sizes Analyzed both between-person and within-person effects FINDINGS Outcome Variables Dep: Depression PD: Psychological Distress NA: Negative Affect Str: Stress Anx: Anxiety S. Anx: Social Anxiety LS: Life Satisfaction PA: Positive Affect SE: Self-Esteem WB: Well-Being Lon: Loneliness GSS: General Social Support OSS: Online Social Support FINDINGS Finding 1 Active Social Media Use and Online Support Effect Size: r = 0.34 (large effect) What It Means: People who post, comment, and interact on social media feel more supported online. Why It Matters: Provides valuable social connections, especially for marginalized groups. FINDINGS Finding 2 Active Social Media Use and Wellbeing Outcomes Positive Effects: Higher general well-being (r = 0.15) More positive emotions (r = 0.11) Negative Effect: Increased anxiety symptoms (r = 0.12) Interpretation: While active engagement can boost happiness, it may also create stress and anxiety due to pressure to stay engaged. FINDINGS Finding 3 Passive Social Media Use and Wellbeing Effect Size: Slightly higher online support (r = 0.15) No Strong Link: Between passive use and depression/anxiety Context Matters: Scrolling doesn’t always harm well-being. Positive effects are more likely in supportive groups than in general social media feeds. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Active Social Media Use: Improves online support and well-being Can increase anxiety, possibly due to social pressures or the need to maintain engagement Passive Social Media Use: Generally neutral to slightly positive effects Contradicts the common belief that passive use is always harmful Positive outcomes are more likely in supportive or group-based contexts Broader Implications: The study supports the hypothesis that active use is generally more beneficial than passive use but also highlights the complexity of these relationships. Suggests a need for balanced social media strategies, focusing on intentional and positive engagement. Future Research Recommendations: Examine how specific contexts (e.g., group interactions vs. general feeds) influence outcomes Consider individual factors like personality differences and mental health status Analyze the role of time spent on social media and its impact on well-being REFRENCES Godard, R., & Holtzman, S. (2024). Are active and passive social media use related to mental health, wellbeing, and social support outcomes? A meta-analysis of 141 studies. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 29(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/jcmc/zmad055 THANK YOU!