The Risks of Social Media and Online use for those with a Traumatic Brain Injury.
14th January 2020
By Demi Perkins
In society today, social media has become a vital part of almost every persons’ daily routine.
Whether its social networking sites, online communities or online gaming, there are millions
of users worldwide consumed by online use.
Social media has benefited society in a number of ways including keeping us connected with
loved ones by the click of a button. It has opened up career opportunities and even became
a convenient way to meet potential romantic partners. However, due to the vastly
expanding nature of social media, it is also associated with some risks including:
Cyber-bullying
Negative effects on mental health
Social media hackers
Identity theft
Fraud
After a traumatic brain injury (TBI) people often experience social isolation, communication
difficulties, and changes in cognitive abilities (e.g. memory and attention). Therefore, it is
common for those with a TBI to lose friends and other fundamental social relationships
within the first year after acquiring the injury. The effects of a TBI can also inhibit the ability
to create, build or maintain social relationships, which in turn can be detrimental to an
individuals’ mental health, self-esteem and self-identity.
With the continued rise of social media use, new research suggests that social media could
actually contribute to rehabilitation after a TBI. Social media could help provide
communication skills and a foundation to build social relationships for those suffering after
a TBI. When communicating with people online, there is more time to comprehend a
message that is received and thus providing the individual with more time to respond
appropriately. Whereas, face-to-face conversations can put more demand on the ability to
comprehend and respond quickly. Research suggests that when those with a TBI used social
media as a way to connect with family and friends, social isolation was significantly reduced.
Furthermore, research emphasises that social media use by people with a TBI may assist
them to integrate into online communities, thus engaging in social interactions.
In one study, 65% of participants with a TBI reported their newest device (smartphone,
laptop or tablet) was less than a year old. Suggesting that access to new technology was
high amongst those with a TBI. In regard to social media use, 38% of participants reported
spending at least 7 hours a week engaged in social activities online. In addition, 79% had an
active profile account on a social media networking site, with Facebook being the most
popular.
However, research also showed that those with a TBI were considered to be a part of a
vulnerable population and thus at an increased risk of harm via social media. Those with a
TBI were at an increased risk of cyber-bullying, online miscommunication, online scams,
potentially posting inappropriate content, privacy and confidentiality. The biggest barrier for
those with a TBI in the use of social media was found to be security concerns.
Those with a TBI are more likely to report mental health problems including elevated
psychological distress, increased use of medication to treat anxiety and depression and
increased suicidality. Thus, emphasising the vulnerability of those with a TBI. Another study
identified that adolescents with a TBI were twice as likely to be cyberbullied than those
without a TBI.
As seen above, there is evidence to suggest a positive impact of the use of social media for
those with a TBI and there is also evidence identifying potential risks. Other researchers
have suggested that to try and minimise these risks, training and support should be offered
by caregivers in order to help those with a TBI to utilize and be protected when using social
media.
Psychology Chartered are running “The Risks of Social Media and Online Use” training event
for case managers and team leaders with the aim of providing advice regarding the
potential risks of social media and online use for those with a TBI. The event will be held at
our Havant offices on Tuesday 11 th February 2020 from 10:00am – 3.00pm.
References:
http://dro.deakin.edu.au/eserv/DU:30076832/brunner-reviewofthe-post-2015.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3988100/
https://journals.lww.com/headtraumarehab/FullText/2018/01000/Internet_and_Social_Me
dia_Use_After_Traumatic.10.aspx