Welcome to #mentalhealth-tok: an analysis of what happens within a mental health filter bubble on TikTok
Authors
Wroniszewski, Cezary ; Arntzen, Brage ; Tolleshaug, Emily Lauritsen
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2022
Submitted on
2022-06-17
Pages
13
Abstract
More adolescents are facing mental health challenges, and sharing medical information on social media has become more common. This has led to user-formed online communities where peers support each other. Prior studies show that the quality of information in these spaces varies, but we still know little about how they operate in practice. In this project, we interviewed two psychologists to gather their professional perspectives on these communities and their members. We also analyzed 10 videos using a digital ethnographic approach (systematic observation of online content in its natural context), guided by Etienne Wenger’s communities of practice theory (groups that learn through shared engagement). We used a deductive analysis, looking for patterns described by the theory. Our findings indicate that members experience a safe space where they can give and receive support. To amplify benefits and reduce drawbacks, we present three implications and directions for future work.
Flere unge oplever mentale helbredsudfordringer, og det er blevet mere almindeligt at dele helbredsoplysninger på sociale medier. Det har ført til brugerdrevne onlinefællesskaber, hvor jævnbyrdige giver hinanden støtte. Tidligere studier viser, at kvaliteten af information i sådanne fællesskaber varierer, men vi ved stadig lidt om, hvordan de fungerer i praksis. I dette projekt interviewede vi to psykologer for at få deres faglige perspektiv på fællesskaberne og deres medlemmer. Derudover analyserede vi 10 videoer med en digital etnografisk tilgang (systematisk observation af online indhold i dets naturlige kontekst), guidet af Etienne Wengers teori om praksisfællesskaber (grupper, der lærer gennem fælles engagement). Vi anvendte en deduktiv analyse, hvor vi søgte efter mønstre beskrevet i teorien. Vores resultater viser, at medlemmerne oplever et trygt rum, hvor de kan give og modtage støtte. For at styrke de positive og dæmpe de negative sider præsenterer vi tre implikationer og forslag til fremtidigt arbejde.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
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