Social media follows you everywhere: the social media use of adolescents accessing counselling support within Post-Primary schools in Northern Ireland

An Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) measure consisting of a brief questionnaire (sent twice daily via text for 14 days) was used to track ‘real time’ trends in participants’ SMU and mood. Individual semi-structured interviews followed. Following descriptive and inferential analysis of quantitative data and thematic analysis of qualitative data, the findings were triangulated.

Individual variability was evident in screen-time and the number of apps used, although, there was no significant correlation between these variables and levels of anxiety or low mood. However, differences were found in ratings of the impact of specific apps on participants’ mood. Together, quantitative, and qualitative findings suggest that SMU confers a range of risks and benefits to adolescent mental health and highlight the importance of considering the demographic and individual variables that appear to mediate this complex relationship.

Findings are discussed in relation to existing literature. Recommendations and implications for educational psychology practice and future research are discussed.