Interventions to reduce the negative mental health impact of highly visual social networking sites

What is it about?

The popularity and usage of highly visual social networking site (HVSNS) platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, have increased exponentially over recent years. Research suggests several negative mental health outcomes, including body dissatisfaction, increased depression, and reduced well-being. While targeted interventions have emerged, they have had mixed outcomes and vary in objective and design. A scoping review was undertaken to map the existing literature relating to interventions designed to reduce the negative impact of HVSNSs on psychological outcomes to inform future program development. A systematic search of the literature was conducted, and the features and effectiveness of interventions were examined. Effect sizes (using Hedge's g) were additionally calculated using a random effects model, with data pooled where possible. Results indicated a wide variety of approaches to interventions with a focus on varying mental health outcomes. Existing interventions demonstrate promise with a general trend toward small improvements in well-being outcomes. However, the review highlights the need for consistency in terminology relating to online platforms, development of interventions that are theory-driven, along with improved methodological rigor. The continued development of psychological programs that are designed to minimize the negative impact of HVSNSs on mental health outcomes is encouraged across diverse populations.

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Photo by Courtney Clayton on Unsplash

Photo by Courtney Clayton on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Psychology-informed interventions designed to reduce the negative impact of online HVSNS use on mental health outcomes have been varied in their design and outcomes of interest. Despite some variation in intervention success, we found a general trend toward modest positive improvements. Further development of easily accessible interventions that are theory-driven and with improved methodological rigor is required.