Introduction
The digital age has ushered in unprecedented changes in how adolescents communicate and interact. The study titled "Self-reported social media use by adolescents in Brazil: a school-based survey" provides valuable insights into the social media habits of adolescents in Brazil, a country categorized as upper-middle-income. This research is crucial for practitioners, especially those in speech-language pathology and online therapy services like TinyEYE, to understand how to engage effectively with this demographic.
Key Findings from the Research
The study surveyed 7,113 adolescents aged 14 to 16 from public schools in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The findings reveal that:
- 97.7% of adolescents use at least one social media platform daily.
- 64.7% reported being online "almost constantly."
- YouTube and WhatsApp are the most popular platforms, with WhatsApp being used daily by 90.4% of participants.
- Most adolescents perceive the impact of social media on their lives as neutral.
- Girls are more likely than boys to report a negative impact from social media.
Interestingly, the study found that those who are constantly online are also more likely to socialize with friends offline, challenging the notion that digital interaction replaces face-to-face communication.
Implications for Practitioners
These findings have several implications for practitioners working with adolescents:
- Utilize Popular Platforms: Given the high usage of WhatsApp, practitioners can leverage this platform for communication and engagement with adolescents. This could include sending reminders, sharing resources, or even conducting brief check-ins.
- Address Perceived Negativity: With a notable percentage of adolescents, particularly girls, reporting negative impacts from social media, practitioners should be prepared to discuss these feelings and provide strategies to mitigate negative experiences.
- Encourage Balanced Use: While social media is a significant part of adolescents' lives, encouraging a balance between online and offline interactions can support healthier social development.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides a snapshot of social media use among Brazilian adolescents, it also highlights the need for further research. Future studies could explore:
- The impact of newer platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, which were not included in the study.
- Longitudinal studies to assess the long-term effects of social media use on adolescent development.
- Comparative studies across different regions and income levels within Brazil and other countries.
For practitioners, staying informed about ongoing research in this area is crucial for adapting their approaches and interventions to better meet the needs of adolescents.
Conclusion
The study underscores the importance of understanding the digital landscape in which adolescents operate. For practitioners, particularly those involved in online therapy services, these insights can inform strategies to enhance engagement and outcomes. By utilizing popular platforms and addressing the nuanced impacts of social media, practitioners can better support adolescents in navigating their digital and real-world interactions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Self-reported social media use by adolescents in Brazil: a school-based survey.
