Abstract
Due to the methodological challenges inherent in studying social media use (SMU), as well as the methodological choices that have shaped research into the effects of SMU on well-being, clear conclusions regarding relationships between SMU and well-being remain elusive. We provide a review of five methodological developments poised to provide increased understanding in this domain: (a) increased use of longitudinal and experimental designs; (b) the adoption of behavioural (rather than self-report) measures of SMU; (c) focusing on more nuanced aspects of SMU; (d) embracing effect heterogeneity; and (e) the use of formal modelling and machine learning. We focus on how these advances stand to bring us closer to understanding relations between SMU and well-being, as well as the challenges associated with these developments.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 101285 |
| Journal | Current Opinion in Psychology |
| Volume | 45 |
| Early online date | 8 Jan 2022 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Jun 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. C.J.R.S. receives research support from the National Institute of Mental Health ( T32 MH 018951 ).
Keywords
- Media effects
- Methodology
- SNS
- Social media
- Social media use
- Social networking sites
- Well-being
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Psychology